If we are not heedful and pay no attention to the way the Spirit of God works in us, we will become spiritual hypocrites. We see where other people are failing, and then we take our discernment and turn it into comments of ridicule and criticism, instead of turning it into intercession on their behalf. God reveals this truth about others to us not through the sharpness of our minds but through the direct penetration of His Spirit. If we are not attentive, we will be completely unaware of the source of the discernment God has given us, becoming critical of others and forgetting that God says, “. . . he will ask, and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death.” Be careful that you don’t become a hypocrite by spending all your time trying to get others right with God before you worship Him yourself. CHAMBERS
You may have heard someone say, ”When you point your finger at someone, you have three pointing back at you.” Jesus talked about the speck and the beam. (Luke 6:41-42). People want to fix other people when they, themselves, have huge issues in their own lives that they either ignore or accommodate. Jesus also talked about the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:23-35). The servant was forgiven a great debt, but when it was his turn to show mercy and grace, he refused but demanded restitution and justice. Aren’t you glad that Jesus took your place and suffered the wrath of the Father for you!
So why is it that we are so quick to condemn others? To think they should not be shown mercy and grace as they struggle with life? I don’t think we see their sin as a struggle but as a choice … hmmm … how does that differ from my sin? They could be different if they really wanted to be … hmmm … if it’s so easy, why do I struggle with that? Here is the deal .. we all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. We are all one choice away from sinning against God … Jesus came and died and was raised for all of us .. we are not in an exclusive club … we are not the Holy Spirit … but we are sons and daughters of the King and have been called to be encouragers, salt and light, comforters, prayer warriors, messengers about the Good News, forgivers who forgive just as we have been forgiven, the list goes on …
Sound too hard? It is, because it is Spiritual, it’s not carnal … we can’t be all of those things without the fire of God burning in our hearts. We have unclean lips (Isaiah 6) until our lips are touched by a coal from the altar. We must stop thinking that we can live this life in the power of our own ability .. We can only do and act and be who God has called us to be by abiding in Christ … He is the Vine and we are the branches, apart from Him we can do nothing … (John 15:5) The question is, what part of nothing don’t we understand. When I read scripture, I think I understand, but the more I read the deeper I go .. the things of God are so deep … I only understand in part but the closer I draw near to God the more I understand … and the more I realize that I don’t understand … How great is our God, sing with me .. how great is all our and all will see how great, how great is our God!
Keep your light shining and your eyes fixed on Jesus.
Bondye Beni Ou (God Bless You)
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