The Danger of Self-Defense

We love to defend ourselves—verbally, physically, emotionally—and
sometimes that’s OK. But many of us have become so accustomed to
defending ourselves, we have begun to defend our sins. This
damages our heart.

Christ yearns for His children to have tender hearts.
Teachable and trainable hearts.
Moldable hearts.
He even wants to transform our hearts.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within
me” (Psalm 51:10 ESV)

If we’re constantly defending ourselves, it’s impossible to be open to
God’s transformation.

But you don’t know my situation! God may be leading me to stand up
for myself. I’ve been wronged.

True. I don’t know your situation. But God does.

And He will direct you when to be silent and when to defend yourself.

There were times Christ remained silent before His death.

And there other times He spoke out boldly. When we’re in tune with
the Holy Spirit, He will let us know when to speak out (and will even

give us the words to say!) and when to be silent . . . or when to say,
“I was wrong. This is my fault. Will your forgive me?”

As long as we remain teachable—and in tune with God’s Holy
Spirit—we’ll know when to defend ourselves and when to be silent.

Sin, however, is never to be defended. If you’ve become comfortable
with continuing to sin—and defending your actions to God and to
others, you’re damaging your heart.

So . . . bottom line? Make this your daily prayer:

“Examine me, O God, and know my mind;
test me, and discover my thoughts.
Find out if there is any evil in me
and guide me in the everlasting way”
Psalm 139 (23-24 Good News Translation).

Thoughts?

I’ll be speaking in Oregon this weekend.
Please pray for God’s fresh anointing.