Learned Behaviors

Is it true many behaviors are learned? I don't know the exact answer to that question, but in my study of the book of Proverbs, I am learning many are. 

Selfishness is a learned behavior. The more we practice selfishness the more selfish we become. 

Gossip is a learned behavior. The more we partake in it, the more we do it. 

A negative attitude is a learned behavior. The more we hear it, think it and speak it, the more negative we become.

Foolishness is a learned behavior. The more foolish we act the more foolish we become.

Jealousy is a learned behavior. The more we compare ourselves to others, the more jealous we become.

Love is a learned behavior. The more we look to Christ and live like Christ, the more we will live out love.

Living in joy is a learned behavior. The more we understand the gift Christ gave us-everlasting life-the more joyful we become.

Obedience is a learned behavior. The more we study God's Word, practice it, obey it, and live it out, the more obedient we become.

Forgiveness is a learned behavior. The more we understand it, become aware of its importance, and grasp how much we have received it, the more forgiving we will be.

A postive attitude is a learned behavior. The more we focus on His promises and truths, the more postive our thoughts and speech will become.

Many of these might be taught, but most are learned through repetitive practice. 

Practice makes perfect, isn't that the saying? 

Think about it!

Do You Ever...

Do you ever have those moments when you are in deep prayer and feel as though you are literally on your knees, in the Most Holy Place, surrounded by the Lord's visible presence?

I have those moments every now and then, and I wish they were a lot more frequent. One day they will be, and they will be real and forever and amazing. 

However, today as I set absorbed in the presence of God, crying out to Him for some direction, clarity, understanding, growth, knowledge and wisdom, I found myself asking in a different manner than before. 

I asked with a heart of expectancy. I asked with a new boldness. I asked with a faith that said, "I believe in Your promptness, power, and love for me."

Though there has been waiting, and it might even continue, I found myself wide-eyed, with my heart at attention, looking, listening, expecting. 

Expecting to see Him, to hear Him, and to be radically moved by Him.

And I was. And I found. And I heard. And I felt Him. I felt Him breath on me as He spoke the words I have longed to hear. 

So what now, now I know. Now I shape my life around His truth, His answers, His provision, direction, and desire. 

Now, now I have tasted and seen.

Now, I want more! More of Him. More wide-eyed moments. More radically moved moments that shake me to the core. I want more of these God ordained moments where He shows up and says, "

Here. Here I am. Come to Me over and over with that faith. That faith that shows me its complete. I want more of that longing, that desperation, that comes from a heart that knows where the only living water exists."

It's not about pride in "who" I am. It's not about, "Hey look at my gift." Its about experiencing Christ in such a way, your only state of being is humble, grateful, and overflowing with amazement of His presence.

It's about a pouring out of self, so that the pouring in, is of Him. 

Isn't that our true desire? To pour Christ into others?

Sometimes we need a perspective change. One that says, Look to Him, rather than look at "Me."

I think once that revelation and transformation takes place, we will then find ourselves being used by the Lord in ways only He can. For then, and only then, will we see a pouring in of Him that changes lives.

For Your honor and glory, Lord.