Leaving “Victim” Behind
“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example.”
1 Peter 2:21
Politically correct notions in the culture today would lead us to believe that we all have reasons to be angry about the biases arrayed against us. The supposed discrimination extends to girls, boys, the elderly, homosexuals, drug addicts, alcoholics, atheists, those who are overweight, balding, short, undereducated, women (rep‐resenting 51.2 percent of the population), and now, white men. There’s hardly a person alive who doesn’t have a claim against an oppressor in one context or another. I (JCD) call it “the victimization of everyone.”
Unquestionably, there are disadvantaged people among us who need legal protection and special consideration, including some racial minorities. But the idea that the majority is exploited and disrespected is terribly destructive—first, because the belief that “they’re out to get me” paralyzes us and leads to hopelessness and despair; second, because it divides people into separate and competing self‐interest groups and pits them against each other.
The Scripture gives us a better way. It tells us to thank God every day for His blessings and to focus our attention not on ourselves, but on those who are less fortunate. Not once does it support or sanction the curse of victimization. Do not yield to it.
Just between us . . .
• Do we usually blame someone or something for our circumstances?
• How does playing the role of a victim make us tend to give up?
• What does God promise us for our earthly struggles?
Lord, forgive us for our quickness to shift into “victim thinking.” Show us which hard things we can change and which we should accept as Your loving best for us. And grant us Your grace and joy in both circumstances. Amen.
Listen to today's broadcast of Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk at OnePlace.com. For more from Dr. Dobson, visit the resource center at drjamesdobson.org.
This devotional is taken from Night Light for Couples. Copyright © 2000 by James Dobson, Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
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If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! (1 Cor. 10:12). Build a record of choices and deeds that proves to your partner you can be trusted at all times.
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And a husband must not divorce his wife (1 Cor. 7:11). The distress young children experience after a divorce remains with them throughout their lives.
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When faced with the breakup of her parents’ marriage, a hurting teenager used the following word picture in this letter to her father.
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Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share (1 Tim. 6:18). We are most like Christ when we show compassion and generosity to others.
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Even though you know you're guilty, you can't get the words out of your mouth.
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Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love, but a faithful man who can find? (Prov. 20:6). This gentleman who so gently cared for his wife clearly understood the meaning of commitment.
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What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes (James 4:14). Time is an embezzler, juggling the books at night when no one is looking. So remember to use each day for the Lord as though it could be your last.
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Faith is being sure of what we hope for (Heb. 11:1). Hope based on the realistic expectation that something can or will change is a powerful, positive, driving force.
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Masculinity has come under attack from practically every side in today’s mixed-up culture. But now more than ever, it is in everyone’s interest to encourage and support the biblical concept of a good family man. Boys and young men who are growing up need strong Christian role models they can look up to. Husbands and fathers also need godly mentors so they can lead the next generation of men.
