The Martyr Attitude (Guest Blogger Pastor Rob Carroll)

A fellow member of Network of Covenant Churches & Ministries , Pastor Robbie Carroll sent us something God spoke to him during his morning devotions. I found it to be very timely and he gave me permission to share it here....

The Martyr Attitude

I meditated in my devotion this morning on this concept which I felt compelled to forward with two thoughts.

“God’s gift to us is…happiness.” Ecclesiastes 3:13 CEV

The martyr attitude!
People with a “martyr attitude” do things out of a sense of duty, not joy. They feel guilty about enjoying life. They tend to begrudge happiness to those around them. They resent it when others don’t do things for them, yet they won’t ask for help in case they create a sense of obligation. The fact is, “martyrs” don’t value themselves so they think nobody else does. That’s not how God wants you to live. The Bible says there’s a time to work…to play…to laugh, and enjoy life, because “God’s gift to us is…happiness.” Jesus said, “I came to give life…in all its fullness” (Jn 10:10 NCV). You need fun and relaxation. They’re not unspiritual! Without them you become unbalanced and you open yourself to stress-related illness, mood swings and compulsive behaviors. You find yourself constantly vulnerable, driven and unable to relax.

Refuse to take on a false sense of responsibility. Don’t neglect or deny your own legitimate needs. Yes, you’re called to help others, but it’s not wrong to do things for yourself, to receive from God, and those He sends to bless you. If somebody compliments you, accept it graciously. If they attempt to belittle you, ignore it and move on. One counselor writes: “When you find yourself trying to prove how much you’ve been hurt, or trying to ‘top’ someone else’s pain, stop and figure out what’s going on. The reward is learning to stop the pain and move into joy, peace and fulfillment.” David said, “In Your presence is fullness of joy” (Ps 16:11 AMP). So begin to spend more time with God. You only get to make the journey once, so enjoy it and make it count.

I came away with two thoughts:

1. We do not HAVE to WORK at our work! Meaning, ENJOY what you do. If you are in a difficult season presently, reframe it’s context for yourself, you have the ability to control your attitude. We are all WORKING hard at our goals, maybe a reframe is PLAYING hard at our goals…Just a thought.

2. EVERYONE will NOT understand you, your goals, or dreams. That may look at you like you’ve lost your mind. DON’T let it bother you, everyone is not supposed to AGREE with you on every point. Sometimes we limit our own creativity and success trying to teach a rock to swim.

Blessings!

Pastor Robbie Carroll