#13 Telltale Signs of Less Than God's Best



Please Consider:

Many of us experience unnecessary challenges in our relationships or circumstances. These struggles often have deeper root causes, some of which are easy to identify. Two common underlying causes are offensiveness and defensiveness—yet these merely mask even deeper issues. At first, this might not seem obvious, but I assure you it is true.

Both offensiveness and defensiveness have an abrasive quality. However, God's highest and best ways are never abrasive. As James 3:17 reminds us, "The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable…" It is sown in peace.

Consider this: If someone calls us tall and we are tall, it is not offensive. If someone calls us short and we are tall, it might be offensive. Likewise, if we are truly tall, there is no need to defend ourselves against someone calling us short. We may simply say, "That's incorrect" or even "That's obviously incorrect." In either case, our response does not need to be abrasive.

Beneath the abrasiveness of offensiveness or defensiveness lie deeper root causes—unforgiveness, anger, resentment, bitterness, fear, shame, guilt, and countless other learned behaviors or conditioned responses. Though these may seem minor, they are, in reality, toxic. To varying degrees, this toxicity contributes to the difficult relationships and circumstances we face.

As we mature in faith—both individually and collectively—these harmful learned behaviors can be overcome. In essence, we can die to our old ways and be born anew. This is God's provision for ever-increasing sanctification, leading us into greater freedom in His Spirit and the fullness of His highest and best.


  • Pray about it

  • Share with a family member, friend, or neighbor

  • Do your own research

  • Share your helpful insights by emailing them to us for our comments page

  • Encourage a local discussion group

  • Encourage special classes (Spiritual Gifts, etc.)

Matthew 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
Matthew 15:8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
Mark 12:30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. 31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.



The intent of CRA is:
>NOT to demean other religious perspectives but to share the rationale for a better way;
>NOT to insist but to proclaim what is perceived to be a more excellent way;
>NOT to convince but to reveal the perceived Truth and allow the Spirit of God to convict the hearts and >minds of those who are receptive;
>NOT to force feed but to share
>NOT to intimidate but to encourage;
>NOT to coerce but to invite;
>NOT to argue but to dialogue;
>NOT to divide but to unite.