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26 lessons from God’s metaphors: #24

Just three more posts to go in this #AtoZchallenge for April. And today’s letter, ‘X’ has (in Mum’s cross-stitch, picture below) the phrase ‘eXalted one’ and the verse Acts 5:30-31.

It was fairly difficult writing this post. I think that’s because I’m a born and bred Aussie. And although I’m definitely VERY proud of this fact, we truth remains that we don’t do too well with ‘exalting’ things down here. In fact, it’s the opposite which is the cultural norm.

Down here, we’re well known for our ‘Tall Poppy Syndrome’.

And I don’t think that’s a good thing. In fact, if you read yesterday’s post, it reflected on how words have power, and we can use them to either heal or harm, build up or destroy. We have the choice of our own words.

Likewise, we have the choice of our own attitudes. Here in Australia, we’re better at tearing the successful down rather than giving them the credit they deserve. That’s not healthy, in my opinion.

And God Himself set the example, too. Those verses in Acts read:

X

“The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the deadβ€”whom you killed by hanging him on a cross. God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Saviour that he might being Israel to repentance and forgive their sins.”

In this passage, one of Jesus’ followers, a guy called Peter, was standing with his friends in what was their version of court. Judging him were all the religious leaders of the biggest city in Israel. These were the people EVERYONE looked up too – and here Peter is, accusing them! ‘Whom you killed by hanging him on a cross’! What courage, hey?

God exalted Jesus, so that the religious leaders – and, in fact, all Israelites, and through them, the whole world – could repent (as in, say sorry for sins committed) and they could be forgiven.

Praise God that He did, huh?

And my takeaway lesson from that? If God exalted Jesus, then I should too. And perhaps build up my fellow man, encouraging them and giving them the credit where credit is due πŸ™‚

Your thoughts?

Have a great day, dear reader!

— KRidwyn

 

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4 replies on “26 lessons from God’s metaphors: #24”

I’ll tell you my thoughts (since you asked). I’m 100% in your corner, and it’s a great corner to be in. It’s not a ho-hum corner, it’s a belief you should carry proudly. I don’t think Australia has a monopoly on people tearing others down. I see it everywhere, and it’s gotten worse on the Internet.

I was telling someone yesterday, you can let them drag you down to their level or just let them own the problem. It’s hard to do, but you have to quit worrying about pleasing everybody, especially the people that just want to criticize. If you let it get to you, you’ll give up because the reward sometimes for sticking your neck out and attempting something? Is getting ridiculed.

So don’t let anyone stop you from doing what you believe in, Kae. You’re awesome, and you have a great and powerful voice. Keep using it!

Hi John! I guess I should ask for people’s thoughts more, huh?
How can I but keep on ‘using my voice’ with such supporters as you in my corner? I honestly can’t thank you enough for the encouragement you give me. It is truly appreciated πŸ™‚ πŸ™‚ πŸ™‚
And I like the ‘let them own the problem’. A healthy response to the situation!

LOL I may be a Queenslander, but I’m a coastal girl, not a Reef chic. There’s no commenting restrictions around here πŸ™‚

Yet! *being positive* πŸ˜€

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