One day I wanted to meet with my people. I arranged it in advance. When the time came, the encounter proved to be too intense for the people. They proposed plan B, that Moses should meet with me and relay my instructions back to the people, and they would follow them. And so legalism was born. This is easier than encounter, but it was not what I wanted. You see the very same principle in effect today. How many believers do you know who live their life of faith through someone else, or reduce it to a formula? But I don’t want that for you any more today than I did for my people long ago.

Are you easily threatened and heavily defended? Or are you looking to learn and grow? A politician engaged in a debate as part of his campaign is not looking at this experience as an opportunity to explore possibilities and learn. Neither is an attorney in court. Both are looking to win. These are special cases but some people extend these concepts to every area of life. You have encountered such people and know that their minds are fixed and resistant to change. Are you willing to release your desire to win that you may be open to persuasion and moving forward into greater truth?

I said that it was not what went into a man that defiled him, but what came out of him. For the food you eat passes through you and is eliminated. But divisions and hatred and strife emerge from within. In like manner with bitterness it is not what you eat but what is eating you. Offenses that you do not release will remain and grow within you spreading poison. You have seen this type of toxicity work its way to the surface in others. Don’t let it take hold in you. Is this easier said than done? This is a beneficial side effect of laying down your life and dying to yourself.

Have you ever heard anyone tell you to ‘consider the source’? This is meant to make you feel better about criticism from those who are not qualified to give it. This may make you feel better, but it is an invitation to judgment. You can consider criticism on its own merits. If it is valid, receive it. If it is not, reject it. Criticism can be given with destructive intent, but it can also be given in love and with redemptive purpose. Do you find this type easier to take? Other people feel the same way.