Corn of Wheat

Isolated? yes, so are many, but loneliness hurts people at holiday times. Is there help? Let’s look at some clinical observations first.

“At the root, isolation compromises immunity, increases the production of stress hormones, and is harmful to sleep. All of this feeds chronic inflammation, which lowers immunity to the degree that lonely people even suffer more from the common cold.”

“If we cling to the belief that we should be perfect, we may not risk doing things that might expose our imperfections.  …we don’t want the risk of being disappointed. Our fear of failing keeps us isolated.” “…fear of facing shame or embarrassment. We don’t want to be seen as defective—or see ourselves as flawed.” psychologytoday    John Amodeo Ph.D., MFT

A solution is offered:

“The curious paradox is that when I can accept myself just as I am, then I can change.” Carl Rogers

“…This takes a courageous willingness to feel sad or disappointed sometimes, or even a mild sense of shame, which might help us learn and grow. This is simply the human condition.”

So, what psychology offers leads us to good definition, however, then I must try to be resilient.

“Moving toward a less lonely, more engaging life means cultivating resilience.”

“Resilience means finding the strength to say “yes” to ourselves when others say “no” to us.”

“It requires realizing that how others respond to us says something about them; it is not a statement about our worth and value.”psychologytoday    John Amodeo Ph.D., MFT

True as these statements may be, Paul the Apostle found himself in a dilemma,

“but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.” Romans 7:19

Frankly, to pretend that I am fine, when actually I am not, leads to a developing cover-up program which has no roots in reality. Where does one get the ability to simply push real fears, inhibitions, and feelings of loneliness down into the unconscious without having them totally removed forever?

The real problem, says God’s Word, lies in The Old Sin Nature, inherent in every man.

Here we find the inhibitions, fears, shame and hesitancy fighting for their wretched existence; and the real self-projection reminds us that they will prevail.

But,

there was a bloody cross, where a man was called “Sin” by accepting fully this identity,  then died, a corn of wheat falling into the ground, and now brings forth much fruit.

Because,

“…except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it brings forth much fruit.”John 12:24

Friends, Christ took the sin nature, all of which exists in every person born of Adamic seed, bore it in His own body on the tree, and tasted death for every man, in identification with you and me, so that we, in identification with Him, might find our true freedom, a freedom from ourselves, which unites us with Him.

What a glorious day, when we discover our co-crucifixion with Him, to also discover our co-burial with Him, to discover our co-resurrection with Him, and then our co-Ascension, and co-seating, yes, with Him in heavenly places…!!!  Ephesians 2:6

No, we can never do this of ourselves, but we can agree with it; it is done already for us. It is Christ who will produce this life in us.

Where does this lead us?

“The most obvious feature of a seed is its outer shell. Seeds generally have an outer shell to carry the embryo, and protect it from its environment. When conditions are right the seed draws in moisture, and breaks open this shell. Having served its purpose, the shell is discarded.”cupofwrath

Friends, our outer shell consists of a personality, formed as an  mask which enables us to feel insulated in tough or fearful situations.

This costume which masquerades us is the most deceptive part of our old sin nature. It hides our bad side, but is just as devious.

Folks, fear not when God goes to work on our cover-up equipment. Jesus will set us free, indeed!  He already has. Love ya