Bitter or Better

In a survey in Discipleship Journal Magazine (Nov.-Dec. 1992), readers reported that their greatest spiritual challenges came from...

1. Materialism
2. Pride
3. Self-centeredness
4. Laziness
5. Anger/Bitterness (Tie)
6. Sexual Lust (Tie)
7. Envy
8. Gluttony
9. Lying

Survey respondents noted that temptations seemed more potent when they neglected their time with God and when tired physically. Notice the “tie” between anger/bitterness and sexual lust. We don’t usually put the two that close together considering sexual lust much worse the anger/bitterness. Bitterness is a powerful and destructive force in so many lives.

The writer of Hebrews warns us, “See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” Hebrews 12:15 (NIV) He says nothing of the experience or pain that resulted in bitterness causing trouble and defiling. It is clearly the bitterness that causes the trouble or defiles us. This is actually encouraging because I cannot control the circumstances of my life altogether, but I am in complete control of my response to them.

Can I tell you, “Life is not fair.” God never promised anywhere in Scripture that life would be fair. God cannot even be described as a “fair” God. He is just and righteous. He does not change other people to fit our vision of what life should be like, but He helps us shape our attitude to fit His vision for our lives. But the key word there is “help.” The decision to change must be ours.

It’s an old story but one worth repeating. A parable is told of a farmer who owned an old mule. The mule
fell into the farmer’s well. The farmer heard the mule "braying", or whatever mules do when they fall into wells. After carefully assessing the situation, the farmer sympathized with the mule, but decided that neither the mule nor the well were worth the trouble of saving. Instead he called his neighbors together and told them what had happened...and enlisted them to help haul dirt to bury the old mule in the well and put him out of his misery.

Initially, the old mule was hysterical! But as the farmer and his neighbors continued shoveling and the dirt hit his back...a thought struck him. It suddenly dawned on him that every time a shovel load of dirt landed on his back.....HE SHOULD SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP! This he did blow after blow. "Shake it off and step up...shake it off and step up...shake it off and step up!" he repeated to encourage himself.

No matter how painful the blows, or distressing the situation seemed the old mule fought "panic" and just kept right on SHAKING IT OFF AND STEPPING UP! It was not long before the old mule, battered and exhausted, STEPPED TRIUMPHANTLY OVER THE WALL OF THAT WELL. What seemed like it would bury him, actually blessed him.....all because of the manner in which he handled his adversity.

THAT’’S LIFE! If we face our problems, respond to them positively, and refuse to give in to panic, bitterness or self-pity... The adversities that come along to bury us usually have within them the potential to benefit and bless us to life us up instead of push us down!

Bitterness is a powerful force for destruction that can be conquered with God’s help.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, forgive my sins as I forgive those who have sinned against. AMEN.

Blessings!
Pastor Roger