“The more I see the world through Jesus’ eyes, the less I expect non-Christians to act like Christians. . . . Sheep without a shepherd are always going to act like sheep without a shepherd. The answer isn’t better training for the sheep. The answer is to introduce them to the Shepherd.”- Alan Wright
“The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God. for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.”- 1 Corinthians 2:14 (ESV)
Alan Wright concludes Chapter 9 of Seeing as Jesus Sees as he notes that many people walk around mad. But in reality, they are sad. Certainly, Jesus never confused the two emotions.
In addition, psychologist Larry Crabb asserts that anger arises when we confuse desires and goals. Desires are deep, legitimate, and often godly. Yet, they remain outside our control. On the other hand, a goal represents an objective under my control.
Therefore, prayer serves as the appropriate response to a desire. And action is the proper response to a goal. Furthermore, it’s appropriate to respond to an unfulfilled desire with grief. Hence, Alan adds:
“People who are mad at the world when it doesn’t match their desires. But their anger is misplaced. What they’re experiencing is the sadness of unmet desires.”
In conclusion, Pastor Wright states, in 1 Corinthians 2:14 Paul explained the limits of natural vision. However, the word Paul used for “natural” has no English equivalent. But English does, however, contain the word spiritual, meaning of or pertaining to the Spirit.
Because the word natural is inadequate, some suggest crafting a new adjective – soulish. Thus, the apostle Paul meant to convey this thought. People whose spirits are dead and cut off from God find themselves limited to what their sinful minds can comprehend. Consequently, Alan states:
‘When you’re tired of the world’s folly and feeling irate, ask Jesus how He sees the broken planet. . . . Jesus doesn’t excuse the ills of the world. But He understands the frailties behind the folly.”
Today’s question: How do you respond when you see people acting like sheep without a shepherd? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Spiritual victory – Jesus’ eyes”
