The Square Peg

When was the last time you went on a recon mission? You know what I mean…you heard a juicy bit of gossip but didn't get the whole scoop, so you decided to run a ‘recon mission’ to find out more.

Like the time your co-worker suddenly resigned his position, citing 'personal reasons' for his departure and you started asking around to find why he really left, even though his decision to leave didn't affect your job at all. Yeah...that's running recon.

Or the time you heard your former pastor was caught looking at porn and might be fired so you called one of the deacons in your former church to express your 'concern' and desire to 'pray' for your pastor...even though you haven't spoken to him in over 3 years. Guess what? Yup...recon.

How about when a friend tells you another friend is spreading rumors about you and your boyfriend? Instead of getting a play-by-play from the repeater, what would happen if you employed the Matthew 18 approach to handle this situation? Don’t hide behind the mask you wear and talk to everybody else about the situation except the parties you should be talking to.

When you’ve been in the presence of someone as they spoke ill of someone else (not in the room), did you keep silent? Or did you gently point out that the conversation wasn’t appropriate? Did you come to the defense of the one being torn down or did you participate by agreeing, adding your own first-hand knowledge, or did you spread the poison further by making up new stories? I don't know about you, but I need to work on this part (not the new stories; the other stuff).

When was the last time you restored someone?

Everyone reading this knows what I'm talking about and everyone knows it's wrong. But just in case you need a little scripture:

Troublemakers start fights; gossips break up friendships.
Proverbs 16:28

He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.
Proverbs 17:9
Did you realize you were separating friends when you talked about them?

Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day's out. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ's law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived.
Galatians 6:1-3

As a ring of gold in a pig’s snout is a woman who shows no discretion.
Proverbs 11:22
Sidebar: It's not just women who need to work on this. I know plenty of men need to learn discretion, too.

No, not that "G spot". I'm talking about the God spot. That's the place inside every one of us that can only be satisfied by His presence. The place where nothing else will do. Nothing.

You can try to anesthesize the pain caused by its lack using drugs, food, sex, alcohol, things, people, cigarettes, power, money, knowledge, children, education, reason, adrenaline, or whatever else suits your fancy, but in the end it all comes down to one thing: it's called the God spot because He's the only One who fits in there exactly right. Substitutes are for schools, sugared soft drinks (and sometimes not even then), and athletic games, so don't waste your time and energy.

You don't have to get crazy about it. I'm not saying you have to give up everything you think is fun in order to get what I'm talking about, although it's possible your definition of fun will change. You don't have to pull out that 25 pound family Bible that's been covered in dust at your grandmomma's house since the day you were brought home from the hospital and start dragging it with you everywhere you go. You don't have to clean up, start subtracting things from your life, or adding weird things in. This isn't about measuring or comparing yourself against anyone else.


But if you're...
                          searching

                                             wondering

                                                                 thinking

                                                                                 wishing

                                                                                               hoping

                                                                                                            hurting

                                                                                                                          doubtful

                                                                                                                                           desperate

                                                                                                                                                              or ready to give up...

why not give it a shot? Just once (or just once more), fill your G spot with something real. Something organic. Something pure. Something that'll quench your thirsty soul like nothing else has or can. 

A friend told me recently that she'd never watch another movie featuring Brad Pitt or Angelina Jolie because Brad cheated on Jennifer Aniston and Angie broke up Brad and Jen's marriage. My friend said she has a serious dislike for homewreckers.
When another friend updated her facebook status to say that she was 'glad the pedophile was gone' when Michael Jackson died, numerous friends posted comments; some in agreement, others who insisted MJ's talent be separated from his personal life. Is a person his talent, or is a person his character? Should people only be defined one way?
I'm curious to hear from you. Would you share your feelings about this? Do you separate a person's talent from their character? Would you vote for a politician knowing he was immoral if his policies directly affected whether your job was kept or done away with? Would you quit supporting your favorite basketball team with your game attendance if one of the players was abusing his wife? Why do you believe the way you do and how did you come to your conclusion?

Are you trying to steal third base because you're afraid if you don't you'll never make it to home plate? Are you worried you'll be stuck in the outfield forever? You're not alone. But being unwilling to wait can be dangerous.

What you're doing in God isn't based on what comes next. If you fear someone's going to be dishonest with you, don't cheat him first. God requires more from those He's going to do more in.

Have you really been touched by God, or just by the atmosphere?

Be wary of the synthetic plan of man. Promotion comes from God.

Proteges want what you learn.
Parasites want what you earn.

Which are you in the lives of others?

Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.
Proverbs 11:22

Minister to many, fellowship with few.