Strong spirits: stop trying... start trusting

I think I'm a pretty nice guy, but I sure can be rude at times.

I think I'm concerned about others, but at times I seem to be concerned only about myself.

I think of myself as laid back, but sometimes it doesn't take much to get me angry.

I think of myself as forgiving, and yet at times old resentments raise their ugly heads.

Am I the only one?  I don't think so.   Even at the best of times, we can find ourselves not the best of people.  We lack love.  We need Jesus to pour his love in us.

"(Love) is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs."   the apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 13:5)

If I want to be more like Jesus, I need to stop trying so hard to be like him, and rather, trust him fully, and let him live more fully in me.  It's way easier, and far more effective.

How about you?

Gary Schwerin serves as pastor at Caledonia Congregational Church. He is also the Spiritual Development Minister for the YMCA of the Rock River Valley and Executive Director of Bridge Ministries of Rockford. Prior to launching Bridge Ministries, Gary spent many years in leadership with Young Life. His columns appear here every Sunday - subscribe to our daily email so you don't miss any.