DO YOU PLAY THE MARTYR GAME?

In this instance the definition of a martyr is a person who displays or exaggerates their discomfort in order to obtain sympathy or admiration.

There are many of these people in the religion of Christianity who want everything they do to be seen, every piece of paper they pick up acknowledged, every deed they do for someone else spread far and wide, and everyone to say how great and wonderful they are.

Jesus covered this so many times in His words, but one I especially like is found in Matthew 6:16-18 (NIV) "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

Our daily lives as Christians are to serve the Lord in all we do. Many of us think that what we do, whether at home, work or play is about us and what we do at church or on Sunday is about God. Do you tell others what you do for them, or what you did for someone else, or even boast of what you did today for God. The Bible tells us we have our reward already if we martyr. Wouldn't you rather have the reward that awaits from the giver of all that is good, Our Father in heaven? THINK ABOUT IT!

The scripture in this blog is only one of the examples Christ used in Matthew 6. Read the Chapter, you'll see what I mean!

EVERYONE IS DEALING WITH SOMETHING

Philippians 14:12-13 (NIV) I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

I have had a very sore foot for about a week and a half. It is so sore I haven't been able to walk normally. Today walking through a store, limping, I started to moan and groan about the entire situation when around the corner of the isle came a wheelchair with a lady that more than likely from the looks of things has never walked. I immediately felt convicted of the sin in my heart of griping about my situation.

There is always someone who has it a lot worse than you do. If you look around you'll see them. I realized when I saw the lady that while I had prayed about my situation, I had not really given it to God. I would finish the prayer and then pick up my problem and leave with it.

The Lord will give His people the strength they need to make it through anything if we will just let Him.

The question really is why do we want to be so stubborn that we would prefer to handle it ourselves? Good question don't you think? Especially, when it should be a God question.