Defensiveness

S

(Ezekiel 13:3,5) Thus says the Lord God, "Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing . . . You have not gone up into the breaches, or built up a wall for the House of Israel that it might stand in battle in the Day of the Lord."

O

The various walls in Israel were to have been repaired and fortified so they could withstand God's judgment on them . . . a seemingly impossible feat by definition. Nonetheless, Israel's false prophets erected facades that fooled only themselves and their followers--not the enemies God provided. Unless the Lord builds the "walls," they labor in vain who build them (see Psalm 127:1).

A (Psychological)

Studies of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) have made it glaringly obvious--beyond denial--that child abuse significantly increases the risk for mental and emotional disorders (Wylie, Psychotherapy Networker, March/April 2010, p. 25). This underscores for me the important tasks that true prophets, biblically speaking, must devote themselves to. People who speak into other people's lives must create spiritual walls of protection first. Isaiah said (Isaiah 60:18): "Violence shall no more be heard in your land, devastation or destruction within your borders; you shall call your walls Salvation, your gates Praise." Only after these walls are repaired can there be physical, social, emotional, inter- or intra-personal safety be maintained.

A (Personal)

What am I doing to help people build up the breaches in people's defenses? When people become defensive with me, do I use that opportunity to attack their defenses? Although I might not say anything, I still might get stuck with my observation or judgment. Instead, I could go the next step and wonder, "What risk is that person sensing that would cause that reaction?" Before I judge anyone's defense, I should be sure my motive and method are Spirit led. Whether I'm a teacher, a parent, a neighbor, or a counselor, any time I try to raze someone's defense, I'm being cruel unless (before, during, and after) I help that person build a better safety than what that person had put there. This is work that only God's Spirit can supervise.

P

Lord, You told us that "not many of you should become teachers, for we who teach will be judged with greater strictness" (James 3:1). And I'm aware of my own stumbling, my own rickety defenses. I'm also aware of the wonderful safety I have behind the walls of Your grace. Sometimes I feel as though I were still in a playground, experimenting with games, imaginations, rules, fairness, and fun. Help me to play well with others today. Help me communicate Your Good News.