What influence does rejection have on the development of flesh patterns?
The pain of rejection is dreadful, so it has a huge impact on our flesh.
Most people seek to avoid rejection at all costs.
Remember that flesh patterns are meant to accomplish either one of two things:
1. Get the ‘feel goods’ in
2. Keep the ‘feel bads’ out
Rejection motivates us to develop relationship strategies to prevent and/or escape the pain of rejection.
Here are some examples:
- Acquiescence/Compliance: Never say ‘No.’
- Insulate/Isolation: “If I don’t interact or care about people, they can’t hurt me.”
- Perfectionism: “Acceptance is based on the ability to maintain the illusion of perfection.”
- Control/Manipulation: “If everyone does what I want them to do, I am safe.”
- Addiction: “I hurt so much, I need ______ to feel better.”
Beloved, here’s reality: FLESH PATTERNS DO NOT WORK!
They do not protect us from rejection.
In fact, as long as we are walking after the flesh, we cannot experience the love, joy, and peace of the Spirit.
As God’s children, we have the freedom to choose to either wallow in our pain-filled flesh or to put it off by putting on the mind of Christ.
God never intended for His children to experience rejection and its resulting pain.
He longs for us to realize and experience the healing balm of His love and acceptance of us in Christ Jesus.
We will look closer at this next week.
Until then, ask the Holy Spirit to show you your Rejection Flesh Patterns and to prepare you to put them off and put on His love and acceptance.
Blessings!
Robyn
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