3 Jul 2008

The Trigger-Led Life

Submitted by theshovel

Here it comes again, sweeping me up against my will, sucking me in like a rip current to it's inevitable conclusion. Oh, I know it's there, it's always there. For it has been waiting for me to drop my guard. I should know better because it attacks in the same places. It's predictable. However, therein lies the problem, for my reactions are just as predictable, despite the fact that I struggle in faith against them. And that is why I cannot let down my defenses, not even for a moment. The truth is that I know myself well, and I know the triggers that set me off. Once I give in, once I cross that line I am bound to follow through. My protection is to be delivered before I get to this place, before the inevitable is set in motion. Either that, or I hope once again for that rare event where God steps in and saves me from myself. Next time I will keep my focus on Jesus moment by moment. I will look to him to deliver me, for I cannot afford to let this happen again.

Despite my many attempts to more accurately Christianize my revolving cycle of struggles in this life, I know that I did not learn this in Christ. No, the futility I describe above, that which I have experienced more times than I could ever begin to count, is nothing more than the putrid remains of my education in and of this world. It is all part of the same recycled lie mankind has toyed with since the beginning.

The truth is that I set myself up to struggle and fall because I think I understand myself outside of Christ, and I think I know what I need from him. But in this I know nothing. For I have developed a whole system of living that's based upon my understanding of actions and reactions, cause and effect ... and I have the gall to drag God into my formulas and expect him to operate accordingly. But if I am in Christ I live according to him, not him according to me. I hope you hear me when I tell you that in Christ the trigger-led life is but a delusion.

Spoonful:

spoonful 2008

Comments

Re: The Trigger-Led Life

theshovel - August 26, 2011 - 4:50pm

These comments were all transferred over from the original website

Posted: Jul-13-08 at 9:31am by Leo Pike
Brother Jim, When the Christian learns to ask Him, life will be a lot easier.

Posted: Jul-13-08 at 10:47am by joyfulone
WOW! Amen and amen. There's hope for this treadmill of the "trigger-led life" I do this so often, that I have the proverbial T-shirt. In fact my address is; #1Triger Led Circle!

To quote you:
"The truth is that I set myself up to struggle and fall because I think I understand myself outside of Christ, and I think I know what I need from him. But in this I know nothing. For I have developed a whole system of living that's based upon my understanding of actions and reactions, cause and effect ... and I have the gall to drag God into my formulas and expect him to operate accordingly. But if I am in Christ I live according to him, not him according to me. I hope you hear me when I tell you that in Christ the trigger-led life is but a delusion."

This is the best explanation and the best remedy for this behavior I have ever seen. Thank you so much. And God bless you real good! Joy

Posted: Jul-13-08 at 2:59pm by Tim P
Hi Jim. Thanks for sharing these things, brother.
I think I am aware of the problem, but please tell me again the solution. Tell me more about what it means to live according to Him. I feel I need to hear this over and over so that I can better detect the counterfeit.

Posted: Jul-14-08 at 5:03am by Guest
thank you ................. just when i needed you most.....................God bless you today and every day........

Posted: Jul-14-08 at 3:25pm by Christina
Hi Jim I wanted to take the time to tell you that I think your work through this website is is a treasure. I have recommeneded your site to many over the years. Thank you for all that you do and all that you sacrifice to get the truth out. I read your email today and it said: "I hope this day finds you well, but more than that I hope you are challenged to reconsider what it is that you have really learned in Christ. I would love to hear back from you with any comments, questions ... or objections" The things I've learned /seen/experienced started flashing back in my mind and heart. I wish I could tell you all of it. I am not the person I used to be. I was given a much different life than the one I had chosen. I walked in the shoes of Paul, Moses, Abraham. I went places I would never have gone. I did things I could never do. I know what it is to be carried by grace. To be mortified/glorified/sanctified and justified. I learned that I am nothing in myself, but through him I can be anything He needs me to be. I fear a life without God. I have learned a lifetime of things and Yet there is so much more to learn. Blessings to you and yours Christina

Posted: Jul-14-08 at 3:26pm by John
Reminds me of a sermon I preached about five years ago entitled, "Above the Law" from Romans 8.1-3 and Matthew 5.17-18. I guess I got the inspiration from seeing a Steven Seagal (my favorite action hero :-) movie of the same title. Ol' Steve was so "good" that he was able to operate "above the law." The Lord has made us good enough to operate in a realm above what you describe below. Yet, occasionally :-) I still catch myself "striving" to get caught up in all of that. Thank God that He is that Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. :-) you touched me again, my brother! Thank you!

Posted: Jul-15-08 at 3:48pm by Bea
Dear Jim, a most thought provoking dilemma!! The wonder of being "In Christ" is that we shall know the Truth and He will set us free. This also means, to me, that I have the freedom to fail, fall back into old habits that were ingrained in me early and late..... only to have it revealed by Him to me and apparently you as well that that is not the way... yet He gives us that freedom!! He is, indeed AWESOME!! In HIs Grace,Bea

Posted: Jul-18-08 at 5:40pm by Pat
Jim

Just read the copy of "The Trigger-Led Life". I love the way you wrote it. I read the first paragraph almost nodding in approval. Funny (or not really) how the over-and-over-again life is just like the trigger life.

I was glad to hear you say "I think I know what I need from Him". I'm happy at this moment to not know what I need. To know whatever "it" is is in Christ alone, my all in all.

Love, Pat