A kind rebuke from a friend

Sarah Schlemmer - Prayer Leader
Follow Sarah on twitter: Sarahschlemmer
Sarah grew up in Whitehall Montana and came to IHOP in January 2005 and completed the Onething Internship. Her desire is to increase daily in the revelation of Jesus through prayer and studying His word, so that she would live a life without mixture and bring glory to His name.


 

Don’t you love it when the Lord uses someone to reveal a hidden area of darkness in your heart?

Yes, it usually hurts but it is so good. It is good because truth always brings freedom. 

I had one of these wonderful experiences not too long ago. I was with a friend, she was driving and I was talking about different people I know at IHOP; one right after the other, going on and on about how amazing and godly and awesome they each were. Then my friend blurted out, “Sarah, STOP!! This is disgusting!!! Why are you talking like this?” 

Her sudden command caused me to think back over the words I had just spoken. I was trying to figure out where I went wrong. Everything I said was true; they were awesome, godly, amazing people. A little confused, I thought…is it wrong to talk about people in a positive way? 

But when I was speaking my friend heard something beyond the words, she heard my heart. She said, “You are talking about these people as if they are different from yourself, as if they are better than you. You are one of them too. It is not bad that you are admiring them, but it is wrong to compare yourself to them.” 

Later, when I was thinking about this conversation I realized that I had placed myself on a different level as I lifted others onto their respective pedestals. I was listening to that subtle voice that says…you’re not as good, or as talented, or as godly, or as “whatever” I was admiring in the person at the moment. Comparison had taken root in my heart and I was unaware of it. It was hidden to me yet very evident to the Lord…and my friend.  Her kind rebuke that day brought truth and freedom to my heart. 

At times I still find myself slipping into the mode of comparison; it takes such intentionality to stop those unrelenting thoughts that bombard the mind.  The temptation to entertain them always remains, but there is a better way, the way of truth.  To understand and meditate on the truth of who we are in the sight of God is the way to freedom. It takes a humble heart to agree with the way God sees us; to continually renew our minds choosing to agree with the words He has spoken.  Lord help us and give us grace to believe. 

© 2011 Sarah Schlemmer