Tuesday, March 03, 2009

What I Learned This Week: 2nd Edition

This week has been a tough week, as far as spiritual challenges go.  Every week at ladies Bible study I've been asking them to pray for my continued spiritual growth.  I can't help but think that if you're going to ask God for spiritual growth in your life, you better be prepared for some stretching.

So streeeeetching it is.  Ouch, does it hurt!

Seems that the area God has chosen to do the stretching in is concerning my attitude at work.  And yes, I am a church secretary with a bad attitude.  Please don't gasp so hard that you suck the cursor right out of your computer screen.  I'm a sinner who happens to work at a church.

My sin problems are in the anger, pride and fear departments, and they manifest themselves in perfectionism.  Did I ever tell you I'm a perfectionist?  I'm pretty sure it was on my list of 25 things about Liz, although I believe it was listed as a "recovering perfectionist".  Yeah, at least, that's what I thought.

I realized a couple days ago that my perfectionism has been causing me some undue grief.  Maybe I'm not as "recovered" as I thought I was.  I couldn't believe it was still hanging on like that.  I got to thinking that if I would look at my work from a different perspective, I would probably cut out a big chunk of my aggravation. 

I went into work Monday prayerfully, and I was able to see things differently.  It was surprising!  I was calm, even under the same circumstances that would normally set me off.  Calm.  Thank you, Lord.  I learned I can be calm.

Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer  and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard  your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:5-7 (NASB)

*Head over to Musings of a Housewife, and see what other bloggers have learned this week.

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9 comments:

  1. Ahh, yes. Asking God to help you in areas that need help always come with a bit of stretching LOL. But it sounds as if He is giving you the strength you need to do it. Keep it up!
    Blessings,
    Kim

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  2. Being a church secretary would stretch the most patient soul. You are on the right track, keep scripture at the forefront of your learning. A good Christian CD is a great way to keep God at the front and center too as you drive to work and home.

    Have a great day.

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  3. "I'm a sinner who happens to work at a church."

    Now that's quotable. I think people think because I'm seminary-educated that makes me something special spiritually. I think I'll just say, "I'm a sinner who happens to have a seminary degree."

    (((HUG)))

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  4. "I'm a sinner who happens to work at a church."

    Now that's quotable. I think people think because I'm seminary-educated that makes me something special spiritually. I think I'll just say, "I'm a sinner who happens to have a seminary degree."

    (((HUG)))

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  5. It's a constant uphill battle, isn't it? Thankfully His grace is sufficient! But unfortunately His grace doesn't prevent our growing paints. :-)

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  6. Great lesson! Spiritual lessons can be the hardest. I'm actually fasting because I have some emotional conflict with an individual that I can't think/pray my way out of!

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  7. I loved this post! I am a recovering perfectionist as well, so I can relate! I pray that God stretches and grows you more into His likeness! God Bless!

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  8. Sarah: Yes, CD's do help me get my focus on the Lord. I know there are certain songs that really stir my heart to set my mind on spiritual things, but sometimes I forget about them until after the intense moments have passed. I'll have to keep working on it.

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  9. So true! Just when I think I am doing better is when I realize how off track I am.

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