Overcome the World

The world is a sinful place. There is no escaping it. When we let it lead our thoughts, we begin to lose our joy and happiness. Instead, we become infused with anger and doubts about every aspect of our lives. We are quick to jump the gun on judging others and condemning them for their actions before they can even explain themselves. It is at this point that we need to reference passages in Matthew 7 to remind ourselves how to regain our composure and live. Matthew 7:1-2 clearly state, "'Do not judge or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.'" Jesus is telling us that it is not only not our job to judge others, but when we do so unjustly, we pile all of that unfairness onto our own heads that we must stand up under as well. This was illustrated well in a post on the blog Abundant Life entitled, "I can see your issues but not mine."
I forget where exactly, but I always remember hearing a quote along the lines of "what you don't like in others is really what you despise in yourself." This has been true of my life as of late. I have been frustrated by another's perceived selfishness, but when I look at the matter, the thoughts I have been thinking reflect my own selfish desires. I have also been aware that when I do get my way in a matter, I'm still never content in the matter. Instead, I find myself lashing out in anger, driving people away, just because the sin of pride has a grip on my heart.
So what is the best way to solve this matter? That would be to focus on the words of guidance found in Matthew 7:12, which recommend, "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." This is more commonly known as The Golden Rule. But when you really read into the statement, you will realize that it goes way beyond what we are taught under The Golden Rule. We are not just called to not treat others poorly because we wouldn't want to be treated in that fashion. We are also called to treat others in a manner that we desire others to treat us, even if you feel that they don't deserve it. In this generation, we only desire to do good if we feel it will be reciprocated. It is almost impossible to act out in kindness when we know that we may never get anything out of it. And that is exactly the point that Jesus is trying to make. We can't do anything without the Holy Spirit and God's grace. It is not in our human nature to do good unto others. Instead, the only way to live out the words of Matthew 7:12 is to pray to God for His assistance.
Many will struggle with the concept of praying to act in good faith towards others. That is another deceitful ploy executed from our sin nature. It convinces us that we can do everything on our own, but in essence, this is just making us a fool. The best way to live out your life effectively is to turn to God and seek His wisdom on all matters. Solomon did this and he left the wisdom he gathered from God on the pages of the Book of Proverbs. From reading the first two chapters, I have discovered that there is a vast difference between knowledge and wisdom. My NIV Life Application Study Bible states that knowledge is "having the facts" while wisdom is "applying those facts to life." We all have the knowledge of how to act and how to treat others, but if we do not apply these facts in our life, then we are simple-minded fools. We must heed the warning within Proverbs 1:32-33, which says, "For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm." Choose now to not be a wayward, simple-minded fool who believes that he/she has control over situations and shelling out kindness. We are all sinful creatures and nothing about us without God knows of kindness, love, or righteousness. Call on Jesus as your intercessor to live a fuller life and to get out of the clutches of this world. Don't live or desire to be apart of it. Instead, overcome the world with the help of a Savior.