The Button

Posted by Dion Todd February 27th, 2017 9,356 Views 0 Comments

The high priest, Ananias, commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth. Then Paul said to him, 'God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! Do you sit to judge me according to the law, and command me to be struck contrary to the law?' Acts 23:2 WEB

Paul did not appreciate being slapped in the face. Where Jesus had even faced crucifixion without complaining, Paul had a different attitude. Later he learned to turn the other cheek and to be content in whatever circumstance that he found himself in (Philippians 4:11). It was a growth process and it took time, and being slapped occasionally.

Each of us have our 'buttons.' Something that someone does that really sets us off. We often say 'I can't help it!' but really it is just a weakness, a flaw in our character, and it is just like a handle on a pot. By pressing your button at the right time, people can manipulate you, get you to commit acts, get into trouble, say stupid things, and do things that you normally would not do. It is if they have a remote control for your body.

Pray, grit your teeth, think happy thoughts and let it die within you. If you submit to God and resist the devil, it will flee from you (James 4:7). Eventually that button will cease to work in your life. I have many buttons that no longer work when people press them, though I have a few that still work.

Prayer: Heavenly Father please help me to see the traps that are before me and to control my emotions while under pressure. Set a guard over my lips and help me to think before I speak. I want my life to be pleasing to You, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.