Fewer Cringe-Worthy Moments

There are moments I make myself cringe.

Like when the person driving in front of me spurts along at 8 or 9 miles an hour beneath the speed limit, and my response is less than lovely.

I wish I knew why getting behind the wheel sometimes brings out the Cruela DeVille in me. My guess is it’s likely a combination of my Type-A gotta get there personality and the selfish part of me that doesn’t want people in my way.

And that just makes me sad.

For the desires of the flesh are opposed to the Holy Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are opposed to the flesh; for these are antagonistic to each other—continually withstanding and in conflict with each other, so that you are not free but are prevented from doing what you desire to do. (Galatians 5:17)

Can you relate? Is there some trigger in your life that makes you respond in cringe-worthy ways, too?

Sweet friend, our answer is the verse prior to the one above:

But I say, walk and live habitually in the Holy Spirit—responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh—of human nature without God. (Galatians 5:16)

But it’s not enough to just read the verse above. We’ve got to internalize it, then (here comes the sometimes painful part) do it. And the best way I know to make that happen is to pray.

And pray. 

And pray. 

Because authentic change only begins when we absorb God's Word and pray. So this week I will be making a concerted prayer effort--while I'm in my car--to pray, breathe deeply, and not stress about traffic.

The truth is, in order to have fewer cringe-worthy moments, we need to have more prayer moments. Then we'll be responsive to an controlled by the Holy Spirit. Not by a snide comment, an awful situation, or even a rude driver.

Feel free to print out this prayer and use it to your heart's content. I'll do the same. And together, let's have fewer cringe-worthy moments.  

Dear Lord,

Authentic change begins by recognizing my need to change, and asking You to help me. I want to walk and live habitually in the Holy Spirit. I want to be responsive to and controlled and guided by Your Spirit—not by people, events, or situations that trigger a sinful response on my part. When circumstances are not to my liking, help me not to gratify the cravings and desires of my flesh, but in Your grace, walk in the Holy Spirit so that my reaction will honor You.

Help me to walk in the fruits of the Spirit, particularly (name one specific reaction).  God, Your Word says out of the heart the mouth speaks. Please purify and change my heart so that good things come out of my mouth. Enable me to glorify You by walking in self-control, and give me Your peace and joy this week as I make the effort to change my behavior in this area.  In the precious name of Jesus, Amen.