When Offenses Come
We should get up each morning believing for a good day, expecting favor, knowing that God is directing our steps. At the same time we should be realistic, knowing that every person may not treat us right. If you're only going to enjoy the day if no one is critical, rude, or condescending, you're setting yourself up for disappointment. At the start of the day you need to decide that no matter what somebody says or does, you're not going to be offended or get sour. You've already made up your mind to stay in peace. If someone lets you down or is cold and inconsiderate, your attitude is, "No big deal. I can't control what they do, but I won't let them control me. I'm not letting another person ruin my day."
Jesus said, "Offenses will certainly come" (Luke 17:1). He didn't say they might come. He didn't say that if you're kind, you pray and quote the Scriptures, you'll be exempt from grumpy people and people who cut you off in traffic. He said offenses will certainly come. You will have opportunities on a regular basis to get upset, to become offended and bitter, to argue, to try to pay people back. That word "offense" comes from a Greek word that means "to bait," referring to the bait that's used to lure animals into a trap. When you're tempted to be offended because someone betrays your trust or says something derogatory about you, recognize that's the enemy trying to deceive you into his trap, saying, "Come on, get upset, argue with them, tell them off." Instead of letting it upset you, say, "No, thanks. I'm not taking the bait. I'm going to enjoy this day."
The Scripture talks about how we should put on the whole armor of God. One part of that armor is the shoes of peace. It's interesting that God chose our feet for peace. It implies that everywhere we go, we're going to have to choose to stay in peace. You can have on your helmet of salvation, your belt of truth, your shield of faith, but if you don't put on your shoes of peace, if you don't make the decision that you're not going to let other people bait you into conflict, then even though you have on all the other armor, without peace it's not going to be effective. Every morning make the decision that nothing that comes against you is going to get you upset--that's putting on your shoes of peace. You're saying, "God, my life is in Your hands. I believe that You're directing my steps. Everything may not go perfect today, but I trust You. I know You're working all things for my good."
Jesus said, "Offenses will certainly come" (Luke 17:1). He didn't say they might come. He didn't say that if you're kind, you pray and quote the Scriptures, you'll be exempt from grumpy people and people who cut you off in traffic. He said offenses will certainly come. You will have opportunities on a regular basis to get upset, to become offended and bitter, to argue, to try to pay people back. That word "offense" comes from a Greek word that means "to bait," referring to the bait that's used to lure animals into a trap. When you're tempted to be offended because someone betrays your trust or says something derogatory about you, recognize that's the enemy trying to deceive you into his trap, saying, "Come on, get upset, argue with them, tell them off." Instead of letting it upset you, say, "No, thanks. I'm not taking the bait. I'm going to enjoy this day."
The Scripture talks about how we should put on the whole armor of God. One part of that armor is the shoes of peace. It's interesting that God chose our feet for peace. It implies that everywhere we go, we're going to have to choose to stay in peace. You can have on your helmet of salvation, your belt of truth, your shield of faith, but if you don't put on your shoes of peace, if you don't make the decision that you're not going to let other people bait you into conflict, then even though you have on all the other armor, without peace it's not going to be effective. Every morning make the decision that nothing that comes against you is going to get you upset--that's putting on your shoes of peace. You're saying, "God, my life is in Your hands. I believe that You're directing my steps. Everything may not go perfect today, but I trust You. I know You're working all things for my good."