As I share my writings, I want you to realize that I am writing to myself! My goal is to transform myself with the help of my Heavenly Father into a more pleasing person to Him. As I go through my transformation, I want to share it with you. Maybe something I write will help you in your own life. Let's transform together!
So many times christians go to church and say . . ."so and so did this and so and so didn't do that and can you believe that person was wearing that?" You know, if we're going to get any spiritual growth in our own lives, we are going to have to come to the realization that God ministers to each and every one of us differently. Now don't get me wrong, if there is false teaching or discipline problems, there are elders to deal with that, but so many times we are so caught up in ourselves as christians that we think we have "divine power" to cast all of our judgments and beliefs upon other christians around us whether it is scriptural or not. That is pure "pride" and we all know the scripture about pride. Proverbs 16:18-20 says. . .Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. He who heeds the word wisely will find good, And whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he. NKJV
God has individual plans for those who seek His will, we need to quit focusing on the flaws of others because God uses weakness to build strength for His kingdom and if someone appears weak to you, how do you know that it is not the purpose of God to help teach that person to grow from within themselves? Now I know the scriptures say that God hates spiritual weakness, but he can grow a person in the Lord from a weak position to learn to be strong (I am one of those people). I have been in the church all my life and even as a child, I could never understand how someone is able to serve the Lord without fear as long as so many others were putting judgment on them. Why do so many christians just watch and wait for someone else to make a mistake? Well, I think I can tell you from personal experience. It is because if we are focused on someone else's faults, then we don't have to deal with our own sins. If we take the focus off of God and our own personal growth, then we get nowhere, which is exactly where satan wants us to be.
Think about this, if you're focused on every one else, you'll never have the ability to have peace in your own life, there will always be drama, and if there is constant drama then we will never have the time to do the "will of God".
Another thing, your personal ministry to others will not grow! We are commanded to love and spread the good news. If we waste all of our energy on criticism, then what is the point of even being a christian?
You know, the bible speaks of harsh judgments on us for judging others, if the world sees us in our "judging state" they will never want to be a part of God's kingdom. We are His representatives, so watch yourselves, judge yourself as I will and hopefully in that we will find peace, contentment, love and joy in our lives. Christian means "little Christ" so do the word justice or don't do it at all.
We all have the choice to change our bad habits and move forward. Pray and ask for forgiveness and move forward to a new day.
Life is there to live it fully, it is up to us how we choose to do that. Live it with love and compassion and with that comes peace and fulfillment. Grow yourself through Jesus! Matthew 7:1,2 says . . . judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.
Let's get over this judging, let's show love and compassion and help others overcome some of the obstacles in their lives by being there for them not their judge. Love and you will draw people closer to you and that will be your opportunity to share Jesus with them.
Just a reminder: Main Street Church of Christ, McConnelsville is having revival this week at 7:00pm with refreshments following, hope to see you there. Look for me, I'll be the one smiling!
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