Is It Possible to Change from Giving False Impressions?

Living with false impressions is a way to cope with life when feelings of dissatisfaction with one’s personal identity are on display. A person may masquerade in sheep’s clothing to hide a ferocious wolf’s intent to deceive, according to Matthew 7:15.

The objective is to cover up distasteful character or behavioral flaws. Character flaws exist in each person, much to our dismay. However, each Christian should desire to live for Christ Jesus, but coping with character flaws can be discouraging.

The Christian life is an ever-maturing quest in need of God’s grace and restoration. False impressions cover up weaknesses of character capable of surfacing at any moment. The best defense against false impressions is to permit honesty and truth to saturate your consciousness. Honesty encased in humility reflects Christ Jesus within you. This is your best hope. 

                    

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You will earn the respect and trust of others if you work for good; if you work for evil, you’re making a mistake. ~ Proverbs 14:22 Good News Bible  

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Can False Guilt Seem Real and Powerful?

Exceptionally nice people may have problems saying “no” to others even when it’s appropriate to do so. Conversely, a father of two explained that he says “yes” to his children as often as possible, but when he says “no,” that’s exactly what he means.

An issue with many people is feeling guilty for saying “no” because they believe they’ve violated the rule to be nice. Some children and adults are experts at creating feelings of guilt in others. Saying “no,” feeling guilt, then giving in, defines a vicious circle.

Guilt implies sin has taken place, and now punishment will surely follow – which creates fear and anxiety. Ask yourself, “What legitimate sin have I committed?” Clearly evaluate the answer. The purpose of “Christ in you” is to convict for sin which leads to repentance and forgiveness. False guilt is different, and “Christ in you” will show you the difference. Are you thankful for God’s faithfulness?  

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Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection.

~Romans 12:9-10 New Living Translation

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What Secret Plan Is God Waiting to Share with You?

A decisive moment can be prompted by what was not previously understood. The mother of a third-grade girl did everything conceivable to ensure her daughter’s popularity at school. Realizing her daughter’s frustration and unhappiness, the mother wisely decided to stop pressuring her little girl.

It was a decisive moment when the mother realized that loving her child as the person God created was the most significant blessing she could bestow upon her. 

The child no longer felt that pleasing her mother was her main purpose in life. She now could be friends with whomever she chose.

God’s desire is to give you his love. Colossians 1:27 tells us God’s secret plan is literally Christ Jesus in you so you can share in God's glory. Coming to realize and accept this wonderful truth can be a pivotal moment that changes your life. Why not do it? Just tell Jesus you’re ready.   

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But thanks be to God! For through what Christ has done, he has triumphed over us so that now wherever we go he uses us to tell others about the Lord [Jesus Christ] and to spread the Gospel like sweet perfume. 

~2 Corinthians 2:14 The Living Bible

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What Is Possible with Christ Residing in You?

Experiencing the cutting edge of stress is due to being human. Scientists theorize that restorative sleep is one way to rid the mind and body of low-level stress and pressure. Repetitive thinking about problems inhibits sleep and rest as the mind searches for solutions.

It’s impossible not to take stress to bed when issues with finances, relationships, and health cannot be resolved. Self-defeating behaviors like negative thinking are a prime source for stress. Negative attitudes will perpetuate stress for the possessor and for all listening.

God in his wisdom designed you with the potential for change, to see problems from his perspective where solutions abound. God created you in his image with the ability to think and be creative and solve life’s problems. With Christ in you, you can do good things with the insight he will supply. 

So be receptive to what God will do.              

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God’s plan it to make known his secret to his people, this rich and glorious secret which he has for all peoples. And the secret is that Christ is in you, which means that you will share in the glory of God.

~Colossians 1:27 Good News Bible

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Finding God's Purpose in Difficult Times - Part 1

Personal failures can have such long-term consequences that survival may seem questionable. John Edward Pine-Coffin, a military surgeon, served aboard an English ship during the Boer War. Following this war he tried to establish a private practice in England, which resulted in failure and initiated a personal crisis. Survival meant re-enlisting in the military.

In 1842 on a military ship bound for New South Wales, depressed and confused, he was forced to assess his faith in God. He described his faith as "a belief that every life event and action follows the plan and will of God." Sorrow for sin and its consequences was endurable through his love and trust for Christ Jesus. This gave him hope for the future.

Changes that occur during crises often prove to be temporary in duration. Edward Pine survived personal crisis through making choices that demonstrated commitment for permanent change. With God's help and the power of Christ in you, hope exists for permanent change. Trusting God with all your heart is a choice worth making.