Pizza

I was fighting myself today. But thought of consequence, and the gifting of just a little self-control given freely was enough to come out victorious with my relationships all in tact.

Man, I've been told a few times that the very moment we give ourselves over God and live in his ways we witness heaven on Earth. The more we rely on God to live in righteousness and faith, the more God reveals Himself and the beauty of His Holy place...
We're so fortunate to have simple admission to His throne room through prayer.

So I'm willing to accept this theory for two reasons.
The first one is most obvious, and it is based on the contrast to the opposite.
Take Hell's pizza for example. The creative idea and extended metaphor of the franchise is the labelling of pizza with the '7 deadly sins' and more. Hmm, I'd say they're right, the 'gnashing of teeth' in eternal Hell is most likely full of this evil and more. But yet these things happen right here on Earth - the lies, the lust, the hatred, the stealing, the murder, the jealousy - they're like a part of daily living on this physical world. These things take no effort, they are mindless, self-centred but controlled by Satan no less.
But, there is another Way. God, by sending us His Spirit has empowered our spirit to live a life of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control - Galations 5v22.
My argument is that if the deadly sins bring Hell on Earth, so too can the gifts of the Spirit bring Heaven to Earth. Living in this way frees others from inhibitions, frees us from guilt, rids us of fear, gives us new worth, hope and peace, and frees us from pain. Doesn't sound like a week on Earth, but eternity in Heaven. Bring it on!!

The second reason is what God's Way has done in my life. My passions have completely flipped, and I have definite day-to-day purpose. By choosing to love and forgive even when others don't return the favour, I have a sense of belonging and peace that God is with me.

It's like having a slice of heavenly pizza...
and so that's how I know.

Lord, thank you for letting me take a bite today. Thank You that Your Ways overcome all tensions and You offer them freely to those who are willing.
Amen