Staying Soft

John 17:1 (MSG)
Then, raising his eyes in prayer, he said: Father, it's time. Display the bright splendor of your Son So the Son in turn may show your bright splendor.
Us humans spend so much time fighting for a cause that it becomes who we are.
Yesterday, we in Australia, voted for our next government. Watching various programmes who ran commentary on the developments we saw certain politicians who were quite nasty in the way they spoke about and to their rivals.
They merely showed us what we are like when we think our cause is greater and we therefore are better than the opposition.
Jesus made a point of putting the will of the Father first and not involving Himself in party politics. His disciples tried to make it a party thing on a few occasions but Jesus kept the main thing the main thing.
In parallel to the New Testament readings I am also reading 1Kings and read about Solomon's building of the Temple.
God said to Solomon, after all was done, 'now, if you continue to put me first and not foreign gods, then I will bless you and stay with you.'
Solomon started well but the foreign gods got him through his love of women.
Jesus started and finished in the same strength. I believe His difference was that He loved the Father with His heart, mind and soul. His love for the Father out-stripped all other priorities.
I am challenged, especially when treated badly, to put my desire for His desire above ALL else. I cannot have gods of bitterness, self-righteousness, offense, anger and all the rabble that come with this lot. I must put Him first and go to Him for cleansing.
Lord I want to stay soft in Your hand, I want Your glory, not my own. Amen!

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