Fruit of the Spirit
Officious People
(#291 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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Officious: assertive of authority in an annoyingly domineering way, especially with regard to petty or trivial matters; intrusively enthusiastic in offering help or advice; interfering; self-important; self-assertive; overbearing; overzealous; opinionated; intrusive; meddlesome
You know the kind, those who have a strong need to be right, rather than to benefit their listeners, or should we say, “Targets.” They will say their zeal is all about “spreading the truth.” But, the fact is that their “strong need” is rooted in insecurity and unworthiness, not truth. There are many people like this. This might even be you. There is transformation waiting for those vulnerable enough to look in the mirror, those willing to go there.
How can the bearer of truth be distinguished from the one trying to compensate for feelings of insecurity and unworthiness? It’s simple; first look for the peace. Truth is always accompanied by peace. In other words, if one is blessed with deep insights about the Kingdom of Yahweh, then joy, gentleness, calmness, composure, and peace that surpasses understanding will prevail in his heart [mind] (Philippians 4:4-7).
Within that peaceful state, the one who stewards the truth recognizes that he is nothing more than a farmer sowing seeds. He recognizes that he plants and the Almighty brings the increase. (1 Corinthians 3:6) The response of the “ground” is not up to him. The Messiah was crucified for the seeds He planted; yes, very often truth and rejection go hand-in-hand!
Even so, truth is never accompanied by an overbearing spirit that insists on its own way. Remember, love does not seek its own (1 Corinthians 13:5). Yes, love, as well, is always present with truth. The bearer of truth loves anyway, even when rejection and hostility come as the blowback from proclaiming Yahweh’s reality. How would truth respond to such an attack? “Father, forgive them. They don’t know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)
As for the roots of insecurity and unworthiness, they will slowly dissolve over time as insistence gives way to humility and as identification with the “old man” gives way to the “new creature in the Messiah” (2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 6:6; Ephesians 4:22-24). Humility is another characteristic that is always present with truth. As you become humble, Yahweh is magnified. He must increase, and you must decrease. (John 3:30) As you become lesser, Yahweh becomes greater in you. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Master, and He will lift you up. (James 4:10). When you accept that lesser is greater, the transformation will heal your desire to become everybody’s everything. You will become peaceful, quiet, and content being yourself. How do we know all of this? We’ll let you guess.
Peace, unfailing love, and humility are all integral characteristics of Yahweh’s truth; they bear His signature. But, none have a place in the “gospel” of officious people.