Untangled Part 5

Still cranking through Hebrews 12:1-2 and working on untangling ourselves from things of this world that trip us up.

The word of God is to be our light along the path. Psalm 119:105

Wk 1 - people pleasing

Wk 2 - dopamine overload

Wk 3 - apatheism & self sufficiency

Wk 4 - make excuses or restitutions

This week we find our final struggle (for this series) in our involvement with other people. My buddy used to say randomly but also specifically when something interesting happened between friends or in relationships, “Oh, what tangled webs we weave.”

It doesn’t take much living to find this reality so true in our lives. There is constant entanglement when it comes to relationships with other people.

In 1 Sam 18-19. We see how Saul grows embittered with David and jealousy takes its toll. Fear of losing his position and favor of the people (week 1 reference) leads him to seek to take David out. In the end, we see Saul take his own life in a sad situation of personal defeat.

There are several issues at work that play into this conflict and ultimately his demise but I want to point out just a few for us to consider in our own circumstances with our own relationships.

When we join the CIA in our relationships the outcome is almost always deadly.

Comparison - Comparison is a thief and a liar and Saul was robbed by this hateful darkness. He was lied to that because David was growing in popularity it meant Saul was in competition with David. He grew bitter and sought to destroy David.

Insecurities - Saul was Israel’s FIRST king. That’s a lot of pressure, and he certainly did nothing on his own to earn it. He probably had a little imposter syndrome going on. As his fame grew it only fed his insecurities more because he feared failing and being found out.

Anytime someone or something feels like a threat to us, we naturally get defensive. If we’re insecure, anyone can be a threat but especially the one we perceive is coming for our spot.

Assumptions - We all know how badly assumptions can get us in trouble. Besides making us look foolish, we also think the worst which in turn breaks trust and ultimately, breaks relationship.

Our ‘Webs of Relational Disfunction’ grow more and more entangled when we let comparison to others, our own insecurities, and our ignorant assumptions pile up in our mind. We must remain centered on Christ and focused on the target of eternity, shutting out the lies and distractions from the enemy.

Here are a few scriptures to hold ourselves in check:

Romans 12:18 Make every effort, as far as it depends on you, to live at peace with everyone.

Ephesians 4:1-3 …I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

2 Timothy 2:23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels

And finally, let Philippians 4:8 be the state of our mindset: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

Let’s get to running a tangle free life! And let the relationships with others enhance our running not slow it down.

#TangledWeb

#Untangled

#RestoringWholenessOfLife 

Brett