Conduct Unbecoming

Let me get right to it -- feeling sorry for oneself is unworthy of a disciple of Christ.  To go about with a long face, even with only those close to us having to put up with a "what's the use in trying anymore" demeanor, is not the effect we're here to have on others. 

If discouragement and self-pity were from our heavenly Father, we would do the best we could with it, and grow stronger thereby.  But it isn't from God.  It's from the devil.  And while we're wallowing in it, and wallowing is not too strong a word (picture yourself doing this -- dignified isn't it?)  we're lost in self, and can't be about our business of loving and serving others.  Remember this:  it isn't primarily us the devil is after; it's to interfere with Christ working in us to bless others.

Realizing this can snap one out of a descent into defeatism he or she does not have to make.  You and I know that life for all is rough at times.  But if we allow ourselves to be submerged in self, we just have to lift ourselves out of it.  I say ourselves because no one can do this for us -- no one that is, but Christ.  As Jesus said, our joy can't be taken from us.*  This is divine law, and being so, it can be counted on to save us from being swamped by too much "me".

Everything our Master taught is the answer to self-love in all its ugly phases. When we want to do what Jesus says with all our heart--and merely make a start--we see strength from above, from divine Love.  We recall that reflecting God's love to our fellowman is, after all, why we're here in the first place.  Christly love, it must be said, is like garlic to a vampire.  (Not that I believe there are such things.)  But invariably, and without fail, it will always defeat aggressive mental suggestions that we're a poor, struggling mortal with the blues.  Obedience to Christ saves us, brings new energy and inspiration, and renews our joy in being about our Father's business.  And how our world needs us doing this!

*John 16:22