A Battle in my Mind

While reading my devotions this hit me hard. I needed time to contemplate it. 

Thomas Kempis (1471) stated “It is enormous benefit to the soul to have contempt for oneself and wholeheartedly ascribe every good thing to God.”

My messy self became became engaged. My true self was also activated. The battle within my mind ensued.

This is how it sounded.

Messy self… see you are supposed to have contempt for yourself…you are not good

True self… keep in mind that this was written in a different time, before 1471

Messy self…yeah but you need to stay humble, you like to think too highly of yourself 

True self… may I remind you that you’re a wounded, over compassionate, unworthy believing, human that sometimes doubts God loves you. All of those are lies. Scripture affirms those beliefs are not true. You have been injured in the lie of condemnation.

Me… oh yeah!

True self… and perhaps there is a difference here between male and female perspective?

Maybe he isn’t wrong for his audience but maybe he isn’t right for a different audience? Perhaps the audience who lacks confidence needs a different message? A message that defeats the lies of unworthiness.

Me… oh yeah!

Messy self….. (crickets)

True self… keep seeking! You will find truth! Facts are not necessarily the truth! Remember that!

Me… oh thank you! You are truly so good to me! I don’t know what I did to deserve this privilege of dialogue with you but I am in awe as to how much you love me! 

True self… go forth showing others my love for them! Now that you know, you are a messenger, no need to be perfect, just a bridge of love!

Me… that sounds like so much fun! Let’s do it!