I normally get a "tantrum of carnality" when I don't agree with a situation, or when the situation doesn't turn-out the way I expected it to be. When I trust God for something and it doesn't happen I normally shut all doors of my heart. I kick, scream, shout, question.....and then end up speaking doubt in God's promises or love. It might sound crazy and immature (and it most probably is!) - but tantrums of carnality happen all the time!
One of these tantrums happened a few years ago. I am a passionate believer of supernatural healing - I believe that God heals. But, it was interesting to note that the moment I discovered that one of my friends were diagnosed with MS, I ran as far as I could from the passion I had for supernatural healing. I was so angry that the situation didn't turn out the way I expected it to turn out, that I was shaken in my faith, which manifested itself in a holy tantrum of carnality! This tantrum caused chaos in my relationship with Jesus. I cried, yelled, questioned....until I finally made up my mind not to think about supernatural healing again, because it was a grey area which I couldn'tdefine properly. That is a holy tantrum of carnality!
Some Christians are quick to throw a Tantrum Of Carnality (or TOC's for short) when things to not turn out the way they want it to turn out, especially if they trusted God for a new car, a new house, a new promotion, a new friend......healing, deliverance, prosperity...the list goes on and on. The problem with this kind of behaviour is that it always causes strive, doubt, fear, insecurity, heartache, suspicion and pride. You lose your connection with God, because you do not want to receive anything from Him or the people around you.
Last month I had a "bad" day at work. My husband came home to find me shut off from any form of encouragement or scriptural input he wanted to give me. I was so angry with everyone and everything that I couldn't receive love and support from my husband when he wanted to give it to me.
I think God sometimes feel the same way.
TOC's cause us to move outside of the covering and the love that God wants to pour into our hearts. Submission does not mean to "get down, woman so that I can punish you!" or that "you are a slave to your Master." Submission means to receive. The moment we choose to shut all the doors of our heart so that God's truth cannot enter our lives, we choose not to submit to God, therefore we cannot receive faith for the situation because faith only comes by hearing, and hearing the Word of God. Rom 10:17.
The first thing Supernanny Jo does when she encounters "parenting" chaos is to write down house rules. The Bible is full of rules or safety measures that God has put in place in order for us to receive the best from God and for us to be in right-standing with Him. TOC's oppose the Word of God and will limit the Word to produce any fruit. Our attitude should be an attitude of submission towards God, where we want to receive His perspective, His power, His promises, His comfort, His wisdom, His love for us in an unexpected and disappointing situation. Only then can we start being rooted in the revelation of Christ. We will be empowered to petition for change through our prayers, or to exercise our faith to see miracles happen. The Word is there as a solution to a situation that seems impossible. The Word is there to instruct us so that we can be connected to the God of the possible!
The Bible is very clear that we cannot resist the devil, if we do not first submit to God.
James 4:7 says: Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
The Word always works and we can trust in God even if situations do not turn out the way we want it to- but we have to be willing to receive from God.
God is not the enemy, He is the Saviour - a most Holy God worthy of our love and respect and gratitude. He wants to love us and give us everything necessary to help us through a time that seems impossible.
God is for us.....so why should we be against Him with our tantrums of carnality?
