Revealing the power of pain in Christian life
I wish I could remember where I heard this. But it is worth repeating for those who know what real pain feels like. A television minister or evangelist whose name I can’t remember now reminded me of the real nature of hearing powerful words that strike at your very heart. If faith comes by hearing, then listen to this. He said for someone to hurt you, he or she has to be close enough to you to kiss you. Whoa! This immediately made me sit up and notice, as you should have. Beyond the biblical reference to Judas and Jesus, this dynamic point is what people of faith should be conscious of. The real pain comes from people, circumstances, and issues we care about. Life does not always encourage you to live with your guard down. But, if we’re honest, we have done so when we feel safe with those around us. It is that vulnerability that gives the kiss of death the power to crush your very being. There’s no pain like unexpected pain deliberately aimed at you.
It is ironic that, as Christians, we are supposed to reveal to the external world our internal souls. Those who see us should indeed see who we are and who we are. It’s a very public declaration, and then by how we live our lives, the world should know we belong to God. Irony might not be the best word to describe my example, but remember, the ultimate kiss was the kiss of betrayal. However, the difference between you, me, and Christ was that Christ knew the kiss was coming. As a matter of fact, not only did He know it was coming, Christ needed it to fulfill His divine mission. It was a kiss that was part of a plan to save the world. We are the ones who are blindsided by kisses we wish we could have seen coming. Think back for a minute about the devastating kiss in your life, and I’ll bet you today that it gives you a reason to have a particular insight into your testimony. It does me. Maybe your kiss was part of a plan intended to save you. I know this may be difficult to hear through the pain it caused, but if we can somehow reconcile the effect it had on us with the life God has planned for us, then perhaps the best is yet to come for you and me. I don’t know about you, but because of past betrayal, I’ve learned that I cannot live a guarded life and expect God to heal my heart. A closed heart can neither give nor receive, including love from the love of the Lord. I think I can see Judas coming these days and, as Christ did, accept this effort as a failed attempt to destroy my joy. Well, the good news of today is there. Bless that. Those closest to me today know this and that my heart is open to them and you. Everybody else can keep their lips to themselves.
May God bless and keep you always.
This column is from James Washington’s Spiritually Speaking: Reflections for and from a New Christian. You can purchase this enlightening book on Amazon and start your journey toward spiritual enlightenment.
