“His intent was that now, through ‘the church,’ the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Ephesians 3:10-11

“I hate people!” Yup… that’s what the man said! Then, to sharpen his point, he added, “that’s why I don’t even care if people like me… or not!” My natural response was to lower my head in wonder and give a little chuckle. NOT because his words were so shocking, but because MOST people have his same attitude and, #1 either wont admit it, or #2 will feign shock and horror when they do!

I’ve known the guy for years and KNOW that he doesn’t really HATE people like he says. In fact, He’s a Believer in Jesus Christ… though by most accounts and at best, a back row follower. But I KNOW I could count on him to have my back and help in a crisis. Of course he’d complain the whole time… but he’d be there! Which is more than I can say of some who follow Jesus closer!

Gruff and Grumbly is an attitude lots of people carry. In fact, I hold an office in the club myself. Knowing his life situation, I can see and feel that a lot of what he says comes from having to carry around a broken heart. He’s been burned, hurt, disappointed, used and sacrificed. That kind of experience can lead to building walls and hiding. Why go and get hurt when one can easily hide?

Traveling from mad to sad is a short journey. It starts by being willing to pull my own head out of my own rear end! To see that this life, world and universe are NOT about me… is a major step in the process of becoming ‘like Christ.’ I was CREATED by God Almighty to both make, and prove, a point to God’s enemies! How sad is it that ‘the created’ often chooses to side with the enemy!

Of the 8 billion people on the planet, the number of Believers is statistically low! This makes ‘The Point’ of God even MORE fantastic. To be 1 in a million in God’s hand is like waking to up wearing a cape and with a big ‘J’ on a brightly colored spandex suit! God is limiting His proof to RIDICULOUSLY small numbers in the face of the enemy. It’s how He works! That ‘I’ am His just overwhelms my soul.

I don’t have to look far to find a perfect example of how to do what God is asking of me. Having been abused, hurt, let-down, abandoned and sacrificed myself, I SHOULD clearly see my Hero and mentor… because NO ONE has been victimized more than Jesus Christ, God’s Son! But in HIS victim-hood, He chose to FORGIVE and LOVE. That ‘I’ SHOULD likewise, stand out among the masses… is His call!

“Dear Lord, may I have your wisdom and strength to see my whiny, selfish attitude like you do? Will you please give me the training, experience and ability to react to those around me with your same heart? I know I’m asking for something BIG here Lord… but this being 1 in a million thing is pretty tough. Honestly… I need your help in not hating those who don’t see things MY way! TY”