It can be a precarious road to walk. The walk of a Christian.
Coming to know The Lord for me was an answer to a decade long quest. At least that’s how long I was aware. Even within that decade I wandered in and out of the quest....thoughts appearing here and there like rays of light flashing through the mire of the life I was living.
When the light finally became more than a flash, or maybe I finally paused long enough to see what was being spotlighted, I wanted "that Light" and never wanted to turn back! And so I believed, received Christ as my Savior, welcomed Him into my heart and took this change very seriously. I KNEW from where I had come and I wanted a new life.
Some things were obvious; behavior changes like church attendance, bible studies, no more partying, watch my mouth...those kinds of things were easy. And without a doubt God was working on my inside too. I was reading the bible which of course convicted me in areas, grew me in others .... and Satan is crafty.
Pride sets in. Look how good I am doing! Learning Gods Word....cleaning up the outside of my life. And thinking I have it all together while others do not...maybe they aren't even REALLY Christian. Disgusting.
The disgust might have meant that the Word of God was beginning to penetrate. Hebrews 4:12 says "for the word of God is alive and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart". And THAT reveals just how wretched we really are. Christians. God fearing, devoted followers of Christ. With great intentions! I certainly didn’t WANT to become judgmental. I wanted to please God and there isn’t anything wrong with that. It’s comparing oneself to others that gets you in trouble.
"The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all I get.' But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.". Luke 18:11-14.
We are wise to heed God's Word and we must be VERY careful because it will be very rare or most likely will not ever happen where we are correct when we judge another persons heart.
"Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves Me. The one who loves Me will be loved by my Father and I too will love them and show myself to them." John 14:21
The NIV bible I have on my Kindle is the only translation I have seen this scripture worded that way. The use of the words “one” and “them”. I find this interesting. Perhaps it means that individually we are to focus on our own relationship with The Lord, knowing there are countless others who are doing the same. I am not the “one” who has got this down.
In fact, I don’t.
But there is good news! Jesus loves us and He is so kind. He sort of reminds me of a kindergarten teacher. When kindergarteners start school, this is their first experience at so many things! Different methods work for different children. The teacher teaches a concept, maybe the ABCs, or colors. Both of these are basically memorization. Some people are auditory learners and so a song will help in the process. If that doesn't work for some, a visual tactic may be tried...the letter A presented with an apple. Whatever. Jesus was the same way with His disciples. And He is the same way with us! Didn't underatand that teaching? Heres another tactic. He says if we seek Him, He will be found. If we aren't "quite getting it" He bends near and shows us again. He says He didn't come to condemn and we would do well to not try and do that for Him. If He doesn't deem it necessary, it's probably not necessary. Lets just learn from our mistakes.
"Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more".
Isn't that great?!
But there is good news! Jesus loves us and He is so kind. He sort of reminds me of a kindergarten teacher. When kindergarteners start school, this is their first experience at so many things! Different methods work for different children. The teacher teaches a concept, maybe the ABCs, or colors. Both of these are basically memorization. Some people are auditory learners and so a song will help in the process. If that doesn't work for some, a visual tactic may be tried...the letter A presented with an apple. Whatever. Jesus was the same way with His disciples. And He is the same way with us! Didn't underatand that teaching? Heres another tactic. He says if we seek Him, He will be found. If we aren't "quite getting it" He bends near and shows us again. He says He didn't come to condemn and we would do well to not try and do that for Him. If He doesn't deem it necessary, it's probably not necessary. Lets just learn from our mistakes.
"Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more".
Isn't that great?!
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