a few weeks ago, i was talking to a couple of friends (and fellow racers) about a situation they encountered overseas. basically, somebody confronted them about something, and in the midst of it, God told them to let Him be their defense. He told them not to defend or explain themselves, but to allow Him to. it would have been real easy for them to fight for themselves, to prove that they were in the right, but they listened to the Lord and in the end, He really did prove to be their defense.
i've thought a lot about that situation, and how little i let Jesus be my defense. even in situations where its a matter of just admitting i'm wrong, i struggle so much not to defend myself. it happens all the time! i do something wrong at work, or am told a better way to do something, and instead fight to prove that my way was right. its kind of ridiculous.
but as i've noticed this in myself, i've also noticed it in those around me…people fighting to prove that they were right, simply because they don't want to admit that they were wrong. as humans, we so desperately want to be right that we often are willing to sacrifice relationships over it. so often, its the most petty things!
it all comes down to pride. if somebody proves us wrong, its a major hit to our pride. but Jesus has called us to humility, to being teachable! if its a situation where somebody truly is calling your character into question, Jesus will be your defense. He will tell you whether or not to say anything. and if He tells you not to say something, its not because He's not defending you! its because He has a better plan.
i have lately been challenging myself (and often failing) to stop defending myself or explain myself. usually, when people show you what you did wrong, its not to tell you that you are a terrible person or something. its just to help you out! its been a pretty humbling experience to admit i'm wrong when that goes against everything that feels naturally. i believe its really tearing down my pride, making me more like Jesus.
what areas of your life do you need to quiet yourself and allow Jesus to be your defense?
