Angle

This is a word that can used in geometry and architecture as well as in personal interests. I think it is related to “an agenda” that a person might have or their “angle” – which in this case might mean their perspective. I think everyone has an “angle” (aka secret motive) through which we operate. Sometimes my angle is honorable and at other times, it can be very self-centered. I think most everyone has this battle going on inside. I can be very selfish – I want what is best for me. I can be very self-less, but it definitely a choice.

Jacob’s sons had learned that their sister had been raped and then the perpetrator decides that he wants to marry her. The “perp’s” dad things bigger – let our men marry your daughters and your sons marry our daughters. The brothers act deceitfully and go along with it like everything is ok. Jacob’s sons propose that they will do this if all the men of the town will be circumcised. Check this out….

²¹ “These men are our friends,” they said. “Let’s invite them to live here among us and trade freely. Look, the land is large enough to hold them. We can take their daughters as wives and let them marry ours. ²² But they will consider staying here and becoming one people with us only if all of our men are circumcised, just as they are. ²³ But if we do this, all their livestock and possessions will eventually be ours. Come, let’s agree to their terms and let them settle here among us.” (Genesis 34:21-23 NLT)

Jacob’s sons had an angle/agenda. On the third day, when the wounds would be sore, they entered the town and killed all the men and looted all their possessions. Jacob was a bit stressed for sure, but in their mind, they were justified because Shecham had violated their sister.

I think everyone has an angle. When working through a proposal, it’s important for the “angles” to come out in the open. If I can understand the other person’s angle, I can determine if we can actually work together. If their angle is secret and even destructive then my defenses are up and I will take a step back.

As I continually surrender my heart to the Lord, I realize that my angle should simply be His angle. I should want what He wants and it’s not a secret what He wants. He wants everyone to know Him and follow Him. He wants everyone to know of His profound love and mercy displayed through His One and Only Son.  As a follower of Jesus, my angle (agenda) should be aligned with His angle. When I take matters into my own hands – my angle, sin starts wreaking havoc on my heart.

If you want to know what I’m thinking, just ask me. I want to be an open book when it comes to my angle. It is my goal to live an honorable and trustworthy life before God and everyone else. I want my angle to be one of serving others and helping them.

Pressing On!

Dwayne