Rolling My Eyes

Rolling My Eyes

3:42

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things,” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭4‬-‭7‬, ‭ESV‬‬.

I struggle with wanting my own way. Not because I think I’m better than God, may that never be. But I struggle with mankind. I want my way over theirs.

I thought I had surrendered that to God, and was doing fairly well with loving others, until one morning.

There is a four-way stop in my neighborhood. It’s actually a four-way stop with four lanes of traffic. Because there are dual cars that stop at staggered times, it can be confusing on who has the right of way. I get that. But this particular morning there were only three cars at three separate corners waiting to proceed, and I was one of them.

It was clearly my turn when I took my foot off the brake, and a car challenged me for that right.

God definitely said, “Do not insist on your own way.” So, I didn’t, but I gave him an eye roll as he drove by.

Then God said, “Really? An eye roll?”

I had been called out. I realized that giving someone the right-of-way, also implies that there is a heart of grace attached. I surrender; you go first—with love from God.

I had surrendered to God and didn't insist on my own way, yay me! I was actually proud of my quick obedience (and, yet that's another problem). In my pride I thought, “You got to go first, but I know what you’ve done, you're a cheater.” And since he couldn't hear my thoughts, I rolled my eyes at him for good measure.

How did I go from literally praying to— “You idiot?”

Our journey towards righteousness is an uphill battle at times. But I know I am forgiven for my lack of humility and rewarded with grace, understanding and a devotional lesson.

How are you doing at your four-way stops?

Father,

Thank You for loving me the way You do. I am so appreciative of Your sweet conviction that leads to humility and right choices. You are a good Father.

Help us all as we learn to surrender daily, taking thoughts and motives capture. Help us to be children you can be proud of, and useful to You.

We love you.

Amen.