KNOW THYSELF BEFORE YOU WRECK THYSELF

   KNOW THYSELF BEFORE YOU WRECK THYSLEF

by C. L. Skaggs

 St. Teresa of Avila's Interior Castle takes the reader on a journey of discovery of the heart. She tells us that the spiritual being within each of us is based upon the heart. Not our physical heart, but our spiritual heart. And within our spiritual heart, there are seven hallways winding around in a circular design. Within each hallway, we find various rooms, each containing our spiritual wounds or clutter that prevent us from getting closer to God, who resides within the very center of our castle. In order to reach the throne room within the center of our hearts, we must allow the Holy Spirit to guide us through each of the rooms that hold all the clutter that keeps us from getting closer to God. 

    We must deal with each of the clutters, sweeping that room clean. Some are more difficult to deal with than others. Clutter such as anger, or depression, or lying and cheating, perhaps this particular room contains unforgiveness or this one pride. Whatever is in these rooms of your heart, each one must be swept clean and filled with the incredible, unending unconditional love of God.

     It is sometimes hard to sweep these rooms clean, but with God's love and grace, you can do it. One must learn that whatever the event that caused the wound, it happened and there is nothing you can do about that. What you can do is accept it for what it is, forgive the person who caused it, and then forget it. Give it to God and forget about it. He will deal with a person who did you wrong, that is His job, not yours. By holding a grudge, it hurts, and no one else. The entrance to your own castle dear friend, is prayer.

      One who does not forgive and deal with the wounds, prevents their own spiritual growth. In order to sweep the rooms of our cluttered hearts, it takes courage and perseverance. But in the end, it is worth all of the struggle and pain. Because at the end, is the throne room of God. Where we definitely want to be. The alternative is clear, be stuck outside the castle where wild beasts seek to devour the soul. So, getting to know thyself is far better than wrecking thyself. For those who do not enter the castle through prayer, is doomed to spend eternity in the outer darkness of the Kingdom.

     This teaching is what the Bible calls sanctification. (2 Corinthians 3:18) Allowing God to transform us through His Word and His purifying Grace. We are to be transformed from our old self, into the image of Jesus Christ. It takes work on our part. Sometimes it is difficult to look at ourselves with honesty. We tend to make excuses for the way we are, or for why we can't change. But by simply spending a little time in God's Word, and in His presence, each day can help us tremendously. God Bless.                                                                                                                                                                           C. L. Skaggs   

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