Ava, Heather and Rene. Three women of God who couldn’t seem to figure out how to navigate through all the inevitable clashes of personalities in the wonderful world of roommates. I was so irritated with them for not being willing to “give up their right to be right” and just choose love instead. Their issues were making me grumpy. Did I mention my irritation?

Ava texted me and asked for prayer against strife and unforgiveness. Ugh. Just stop being babies. That’s what I really want to say. Fine. I’ll pray.

“God, I pray that you please….”

There was a “check” in my spirit. Something was wrong, or off. Weird, ok, well let me search my heart. ……………Searching………………. Oh. I see.

If I were to put it into conversational terms with God and I, here’s what it would have looked like:

“God, I pray that you please…”

“Let me stop you right there. Please don’t come to me in prayer for my children with an attitude of annoyance and self-righteousness. Pray when your heart is right.”

What?! Dang it! Self-righteousness is so sneaky! I thought of Luke 18 about the prayer of the religious leader versus the prayer of the sinner (or Pharisee and tax collector). The former was sure he was right in his attitude and actions, and he looked down on others who were not at his “level of understanding”. It seems obvious when you read the parable how self-righteous he is. How could he not see it? But it sneaks up on you. It’s a plank causing you to not see clearly. I’m starting to learn the best way to guard against that stuff is just walking closely with God. When judgments try to wheedle their way into my heart, I want to be so close to Jesus, that I recognize and rid myself of them quickly.

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it (Proverbs 4:23 NIV).

I had to wait a day until my attitude was aligned with love and I could honestly pray for them. But when I did pray, it was with a heart of compassion and an earnest desire for unity. It was a prayer in unity with the heart of Jesus. Thank God he keeps us from all the little traps in life as we walk closely with Him.

I tell you that this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted (Luke 18:14 NLT).

A Part of Renewing Your Mind:

• Guard your heart against being self-righteous in your attitude towards others.
• If you find yourself feeling annoyed or disappointed in someone, take your attitude to the Lord and make sure to get his heart/perspective on the situation.
• Be careful when you feel superior to someone. That could be a warning and a trap.