Unlearning

Unlearning is as important as learning

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2 ESV

“Ultimately, will cannot genuinely connect us to life. We cannot will love. But we can be open to love. We cannot will forgiveness. But we can be open to receiving the gift of a heart that is willing to forgive. We cannot will intimacy with God. But we can be open to an experiential knowing of God that comes as a divine gift of soul-satisfying spiritual friendship.” David Benner, Desiring God’s Will

Becoming a Christian is a commitment to learning, practicing, forgiving, praying and loving. Christianity is also a lot of unlearning too. It’s a far cry from the world.

We pick up our cross daily.  (Matthew 16:24-26)Who wants to do that? Here’s the kicker—And we deny ourselves! Does this sting? It doesn’t mean we let others do what they want with us. But we may deny ourselves harmful things like overwork, addictions, and toxic relationships. We pick up our cross, learn, pray, and move forward.

We are to consider others as more important than ourselves. (Matthew 20:16)When I was a child, being first in the pool, first in the spelling bee, and the first to drive a car were big deals. We are to consider others as more important. It doesn’t mean they are. No one demonstrated this more than Jesus. He fed the crowd first. He encouraged and inspired the crowd before preaching and washed the disciples’ feet before the Last Supper.

Leaving the 99 for one lost soul. (Matthew 18:12-14) This one turns upside-down the belief that more is better. We have a Savior who will find us no matter what, and we are to do the same for others. He only does what he sees the Father doing.

A small amount can accomplish great things. (Luke 21:1-4) The widow who put in two mites in the temple offering. She gained high praise from Jesus, who judges the heart.

Musings

It takes a lifetime to unlearn the world’s ways and learn the Father’s will for each of us. We shouldn’t be discouraged because Christians around the world are doing the same. We need to encourage each other and consider each other because we will experience the Father’s love and His friendship personally.

Prayer

Dear Father,

Who knew all the unlearning behaviors that need to go when we become Yours? We take another step toward becoming like Your Son with thanks. Your burden is light.

Amen.