yesterday at church the message was about dying to self. pastor eric [erwin's in south africa] spoke about what that phrase entails. i've heard that phrase a million times, but yesterday it sort of took on new meaning.
i already knew that dying to self means putting yourself last, but what hit me was that it's not meant for us to be passive [and secretly embittered] doormats. it's not meant in a you're-welcome-to-walk-all-over-me kind of way, but in a so-that-God-will-get-the-attention sort of way. eric said that [paraphrasing] that happens when christians don't seek an eye for an eye [revenge will be the Lord's] but rather just accept that life can be difficult and unfair and keep moving forward. and there is a difference between moving forward and moving on, apparently. moving on embraces a more flippant attitude..."screw you, i got better things to do with my time so [sarcastic] have a nice life" mentality, whereas moving forward embraces an attitude of grace and trust in the Lord..."you hurt me and that's not cool. but God is sovereign and He's working in you just like He's working in me." it's about being able to let go...of your rights to vengence and of your expectations, and about being open to however God works things out...whether it's in your favor or not. i thought that was pretty kewl.
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