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 Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God. Philippians 2:14
It is important to God that we be blameless and pure in speech and in life. He wants us to be without fault. But why does God want each of us to change?
Will He stop loving us if we aren’t faultless?—NO! We can never do anything for God to stop loving us! Even if we choose to reject him, He will still love us.
Well, does He love those who totally obey more than others? NO! He loves each of us totally and unconditionally. Nothing we do affects the amount of love God has for us. Isn’t that incredible. God loves us. It is a done deal, finished, can’t be changed. WE ARE LOVED BY GOD FOREVER!!!
So why change? Because God wants us to be the best we can be—blameless and pure, without fault. He wants each of us to SHINE LIKE STARS. HE WANTS TO BLESS US WITH AN INCREDIBLE INNER CHANGE. It’s not a gold buckle that he wants to strap on each of our belts—He wants something greater for each of us. He wants us to shine from the inside out like stars in the universe!
 When I started barrel racing over 25 years ago, it was easy, very easy, for me to develop a very bad habit. The habit was complaining and arguing. Complaining about the ground being wrong, the barrel pattern not marked the way I wanted, the secretary, the flagger, my rig, my horse, my husband, or my kids, became a pattern.
And arguing, I could argue about anything with anyone. Just cross me and you would get an argument! Betty barrel racer and I went head to head more than once because I didn’t agree with her. I called myself a Christian; but said whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted. I never thought about the feelings of others or what God’s desire was for me and my mouth.
God wanted me to stop arguing and complaining. In love, God disciplined me. I’ve often thought that I am like one of those strong willed barrel horses that learn through tough times in the round pen. You know the horses that insist on doing it their way. Even though I may have needed a brain chain and my head tied around for a day or two that isn’t how God schooled on me. God’s discipline is always strong but gentle.
Here’s how the discipline came down, “You are sinning. I did not give you a mouth to tear down everything I have created. I gave you speech to glorify me. I want you to encourage others, not tear them down! Stop and look at the destruction you are causing because of your run away mouth. Repent now, and seek to restore and build up rather than tearing down.”
 I repented then, and many, many more times over the years. Bad habits are hard to break and I still sometimes run off at the mouth. A very important part of God’s work in our lives, is that he promises to never quit on us. He is always willing to forgive and work the mess we created out for good. No matter how many times we mess up, God will still work for us and in us. Thank God for His love, grace, and mercy towards us. Thank God for His perseverance, because He will never give up on us.
And Betty, (and everyone else) I’m sorry for all the ways I hurt you with the things I said. Forgive me. I pray that God will restore all the damage I did.
First printed in Jesus Loves Cowgirls, Summer 2005
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: ©2008-2012 Western Meadows
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Office Hours
Monday through Thursday
9 am - 4 pm
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Praying with you is our privilege.
Phone 719-320-1067
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