Consider This: It's Not My Fault

Consider This: It's Not My Fault: Genesis 3 11 And he said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?" 12 Th...

It's Not My Fault

<sup>Genesis 3

11</sup> And he said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?" ¹² The man said, “The woman you put here with me —she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.” ¹³ Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”

It’s Not My Fault

So whose fault is it when your life spins out of control?  Who is really to blame for what happens to you?  Is it just random stuff, or could it have been avoided?  Adam and Eve blamed each other. 

 It is said that where ever you are in life, your best thinking got you there.  It is convenient, and even comforting to blame life, and other people for your mistakes.  But here’s the truth.  You made the decisions that got you either in a wonderful, successful life, or a struggle to stay alive.  You made the decision about college, you made the decision to spend the money that way, to live at the maximum extreme of your income, you made the decision to date that person, you made the decision to take that advice.  Nobody but you!

It is the truth that makes you free.  Start taking 100 percent responsibility for your actions and you will find yourself being more careful.  Acknowledge God in all your ways and He will direct your path.  His word is our counsel and contains our roadmap.  Follow the Word to victory!

Love or Infatuation?

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between love and infatuation?  Maybe you have never even thought about it. We know it is linked with love somehow, and is used to describe feelings associated with love, but what exactly are we talking about? Infatuation does not only involve feelings, it has biological implications as well.  Infatuation may be needed as a prerequisite to, or component of love; but it is not love.

Infatuation is exciting, exhilarating, and it gives you that warm all over feeling when you just think about someone you like.    The first date, first kiss, and the way you relate to one another, all of these are necessary steps in the intriguing game of “love”.  They are not love, but they play an important role in the process.  It is electric, it is great, everything is new, everything feels good, we love the process, but a process is just that.  It is a process, and not the final product.  .  This is only stage one.  We fall in love with the process, the series of “firsts.”   

Here are some things to consider:  because infatuation may be a necessary element when falling in love, and can be mistaken for love, there are several symptoms you really help you recognize where you are.  Here I will show you just three: overwhelming excessive excitement, little or no self control, and jealously. These are sure signs that you are in trouble.  That is the behavior of an emotionally needy person who is not happy with themselves. If God is a part of the plan, you can wait. 

Infatuation is thought to be fueled by natural chemicals produced by our bodies and is said to last three to five years.  There are several chemicals that are released in our brains to produce feelings of bliss, pleasure, that help attach us to one another, and feelings that mediate alertness and sexual arousal.  They influence our reward system, affect our generosity, fuel our empathy, and nourish our feelings when becoming involved with someone.   Are you “in love with being in love?” 

Do you love the chemical rush of brain chemicals, which is commonly associated with the pleasure system of the brain and provide feelings of enjoyment?   Being under the influence may explain why some people stay in relationships for only relatively short periods of time.   Attaching themselves to new relationships exposes them to the “infatuation chemicals” over and over again.  It mirrors addictive behavior, and it is not love.

Love never fails  I Corinthians 13:8

The Process

Have you seen something that you want and possibly even need, and wish there was a simpler way to get it? Or perhaps you are experiencing some difficulty that you wish would just go away.  As it seems, not many people like the process it takes to reach success, not naturally or spiritually.  However, it is the process that takes us to victory!

We want success and victory, but not the process it takes to get it.  We are like children who want to swim without lessons, who want to drive without instruction, or graduate without school.  We want a great car, but no payment, a great house with no mortgage; we want a wonderful family with no sacrifice.  Whatever your heart’s desire is, if it’s worth it there is a process to get it.  We want the prize, but not the process.

It’s not always easy to see that it is the process, and not the prize, that brings value to our lives.  It is the process itself that teaches, refines, restores, and uplifts us.  The process leads us from our own way, to God’s way.  The process removes our imperfections, and leaves us strong and able.  The process enlightens us, and imparts wisdom.  We become more capable to show compassion, and have empathy.  The process strengthens us.

It is hard to remember that it is normal and natural to experience difficulty.  We naturally seek a life full of goodness and beauty.  But we are destined to be tempted and tried. Jesus has promised us life and life more abundantly.  Perhaps if we embrace moments of difficulty, it would make those moments easier to come through, knowing that they (moments of difficulty) have purpose, and we will be better people once we have overcome them.  God promises us blessings and the greatest prize of all.  So relax, the trials you are facing are designed to bring you to a better place!

James 1:12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.