Life Complexes (2) – Final
In dealing with life complexes, Christian needs to grow Christian character based on allowing God to develop His character in our personal lives. Paul echoes this in 2 Corinthians 3:18. Character development is a continuous process dependent upon our constant ‘beholding’ of the Lord through His Word. Peter also emphasized this in 2 Peter 1:3-8. God’s perspective on life complexes focuses on Christian Character Traits (CCT).
Careless thinking can lead to wrong decisions and inaction. Let us think about what’s good, right, pure and true. May God’s word control our thoughts in everything we do. (Fitzhugh).
Our life complexes could be turned positive or negative depending on the Thesis, Antithesis, or Synthesis permitted by you. God has given us free will to choose. When God controls your life, He produces His fruits or attributes in your character (Thesis). If you allow Satan to be in control, he will produce the direct opposite of God’s fruits (Antithesis) or compromise your character (Synthesis).
Fleshy traits are Satan’s fruits, enumerated in Proverbs and Galatians. Proverbs 6:16-17 lists Proud look (pride), lying tongue, the bloodshed of the innocents, wicked plotting, quickness to do evil, false witness, and discord. Galatians 5: 19-21 include; carousing, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger, selfishness, dissension, party spirit, envy, drunkenness, and immorality. These are the Antithesis and Synthesis of God’s fruits.
Christian Character Traits are produced through exposure to God. These traits are enumerated in the books of Galatians, 2 Peter and Matthew. Those traits listed in Galatians 5:22, 23 are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. 2 Peter 1: 3-8 listed the traits of virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, and brotherly kindness. Matthew 5: 3-12 enumerated Character Traits in persons as poor in spirit: those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, peacemakers, and those who rejoice in persecution.
We must recognize the influence of our home environment, parents, school, church, job, government, and friends in shaping our character. Some of the influences on us took place in us as little children and cannot be easily erased, but careful regulation of one’s current lifestyle through walking in the light of God can help one overcome. Try at all times to honor God. When the word of God influences your mind and the Holy Spirit interacts with the decision-making process of the faculties of your soul, intellect, emotions, and will, whatever decision you will honor God.
There is a tremendous difference between character and reputation. Reputation is what people think you are, and character is what God knows. Whatever man says is immaterial; what God knows you are, is paramount and very important. Do not allow life complexes to swallow you up, to destroy your self-esteem. Be up to the task ahead of you. Gold is refined in fire to bring out the beauty; the character is also refined to become the child of the Kingdom.
There is a direct link between a person’s beliefs and one’s behavior. One’s behavior is a reflection of what one truly believes. If you genuinely believe in Jesus Christ, you must reflect Christ in your behavioral patterns. You must think and act like a faithful Christian, a disciple of the Master.
Years ago in my home country, I was strolling in my courtyard, looking at the plants and natural flowers beautifully arranged in the Portico. One particular plant attracted my attention. It is called Queen of the Night. The smell purifying my courtyard from this particular plant smells so much better than any manufactured perfume, and I wondered at the work of God. I looked at the nature around me, the birds flying in the sky, the different plants and flowers wonderfully made, and I praised God Almighty. I praised Him for life; I praised Him for His great Love that endures forever. I am assured that God did more for humankind that He created in His image than what He did to other creations.
According to Napoleon, the driving force behind the behavior is self-interest (people doing what they do principally in their interest) or fear (doing what they do because they fear the consequences, perceived or otherwise, of not doing it). Individual behavior changes according to context: an aggressive person at work may be a gentle, loving parent at home, or a person you find shy may be open and outgoing in the company of others. No one can fathom the deceptions of our hearts. Hypocrisy is born out of our hearts, and man has many manifestations. Call it double personality or many personalities. All are involved in this interchange of character and attitude. Only our convictions make the difference.
You cannot know the mind of a human being. People at times move close to you to enable them to pull you down. Friends are at times worse than those you regard as enemies. People do you evil and yet sympathize with you. People go to the extreme to have their pound of flesh on whosoever offends them. Forgiveness is not in their dictionary; instead, they look for ways to retaliate. You never know what to do to please human beings. They are not happy when you are successful. If you are rich, you are in trouble; you are also in trouble if you are not rich. Terrible things happen in this world. People possess terrestrial powers to use against their fellow human beings to ensure they fail in their endeavors.
Many people have died untimely, while some have committed suicide. People perpetrate evil, using their fellow beings for money rituals. Some ensure pregnant women do not deliver safely or kill others due to land disputes. I am, at times, scared of human beings. It is only God who can rescue us from these terrible beings. God is our only strength and tower. God is our refuge in times of trouble.
My conviction comes forte once more that I was made to worship God forever and ever. Life complexes become simplified, for I know of a potent power in Jesus Christ. I give you an assurance of faith that can move mountains if only you do not doubt but believe. That is the secret of victorious living. Stay permanently connected to the only source of power, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Only in Him and through Him (Jesus Christ) can you solve life’s complexes.
