Collin County Living Well Magazine September/October 2018 | Page 18

COME UP HIGHER
W
e live in a world with two parts, one we can see and the
other part is unseen. We should live as though the part we
can’t see is more weighty and more real than the part we
see with our human eye. 2 Corinthians 4:18 says it this
way:
“So we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are
unseen; for the things which are visible are temporal just brief and fleet-
ing, but the things which are invisible are everlasting and imperishable.”
Maybe, like me, you’ve experienced unprecedented relational challeng-
es lately. People who were close just seemingly walking away. People
you thought you could trust showing a side you’ve never seen before.
Sometimes, the way people are behaving can cause you to question
your own sanity. In our nation, we see polarization, extreme anger and
a visceral hatred. Well, can I share some things I’ve learned walking out
this season with the Lord? First and foremost, we need to come up higher.
We need to gain discernment to see what is going on in the invisible
realm. This will give us the opportunity to maneuver through this minefield
the enemy has set up to destroy us. Let’s be clear, the trap he’s setting is
simply this—OFFENSE. Matthew 24 warns, “many will be offended and
hate one another and betray one another”. The Greek word “offense” is
“scandelon,” and refers to, “the bait in a trap that draws something into
it.” We derive the word “scandal” from this Greek word.
Bad news? No! Because there’s something more scandalous than the
depths of darkness and depravity of our world. It’s greater than any
man’s heart. It’s the answer to everything that comes against us. It’s the
thing that causes us to overcome offense through forgivene ss, to see
others in their sin and choose to love. It enables us to see the invisible
world and know how to pray for those who persecute us. And it gives
us hope that everything’s gonna be okay. More than okay. The story we
are writing is epic, glorious and filled with victory! The enemy set what
he thought was a trap to kill Jesus, but what he didn’t realize is, Jesus
willingly laid down his life. Now, the cross has the final word!
Let me share some practical words to help you when you’re feeling cra-
zy in these wild times. Do not take the bait of offense. Let the trap and
the snare of the enemy be an opportunity to lay down your life. Humble
yourself, seek God and pray for the ones who hurt you. I had a very close
friend just stop calling or responding to calls. When I finally asked what
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COLLIN COUNTY Living Well Magazine | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018