In Acts 24 we read that in the midst of Paul’s defense before Governor Felix, he is not reverting to blame, giving in to fear, or shying away from hardship. He walks forward each step of the way in pursuit of Jesus and obediently shares the Gospel before Jew and Gentile alike.
There is a phrase I heard a pastor use quite a few years ago that inserted itself into my mind, and slowly, through the power of the Holy Spirit, into my pattern of life: “Keep your lists short.”
I can’t quite remember the context in which this phrase was used, but it has morphed to fit into a multitude of personal contexts. The most common way this phrase has helped center me is in the context of relationships. When there is something I have been convicted of and I need to extend an apology, it is important for me to go to that person as quickly as possible. I want to keep that list short. If my husband has done something to upset me, my pattern is to take a moment to move through the emotional reaction I am having, and when that has subsided, go to my husband to discuss the issue at hand. I don’t do this perfectly every time, but because of this pattern, my husband and I experience what Paul teaches in 1 Corinthians 13: that “love does not keep a record of wrongs.”
This pattern has two benefits that I can think of immediately. First, it allows my relationships to thrive and grow in freedom and trust. Second, which is closely linked to the first, it does not give the enemy time to take these small things and spin lies that turn them into big things. The people who know me best can tell you, I still have room for improvement in this area. But this pattern, or spiritual practice, is something I have walked with the Holy Spirit in for many years.
What can we do this week to align our lives with Paul’s model of keeping our lists short? Is the Holy Spirit stirring you to forgive, seek forgiveness or resolve an issue so that your conscience is “clear before God and man”?
It takes courage to ask for correction and direction in this way. May we be so aligned with Christ that this courage comes quickly and naturally.