Connections

“Do you know who I am?!?”

Chances are we have had this question screamed at us at least one time.

This is especially true if our profession puts us in contact with the general public.

It happened to me long ago when I worked in a store.

I am certain it still goes on in retail today.

People in law enforcement get their share of this as well.

Someone will take take out their frustrations on us and yell, “Do you know who I am?!?”

They will likely follow this question with a reminder of some connection they have to some person of importance.

Someone whom they believe can threaten our livelihood.

But every coin has two sides.

What about those of us on the receiving end of such tirades?

We have some powerful connections as well.

Take our Father, for example.

Romans 8:14-15 (NET) - For all who are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery leading again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry, “Abba, Father.”

What about our Brother?

He is important as well.

Romans 8:29-30 (NET) - And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose, because those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

When it comes to connections, the world has none more powerful than these,

That said, we are reminded not to repay such treatment in kind.

Our connections are already aware of the situation we are in.

Psalm 33:13-15 (NET) - The Lord watches from heaven; he sees all people. From the place where he lives he looks carefully at all the earth’s inhabitants. He is the one who forms every human heart, and takes note of all their actions.

There is one thing that goes along with having such powerful connections.

They require us to forgive.

In the heat of the moment, this is not the easiest thing for us to do.

We must remember that we have already been forgiven.

Ephesians 4:31--32 (NET) - You must put away all bitterness, anger, wrath, quarreling, and slanderous talk—indeed all malice. Instead, be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you.

Forgiveness is not always easy for us.

It is likely the one thing that Christians struggle with most.

But we do not have to face the challenge alone.

There is an old hymn that reminds us to “take it to the Lord in prayer”.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, June 1, 2018.

I will be back here on Friday, June 8, 2018