Communicating With Aliens
103
“So Loved the World”
Before I go on in the defense of man, I would like to take a moment to cement the case of Christ. In order for us to be effective at reaching men’s hearts, our own must not be confused in priority. Christ should always be first in our hearts, and our purpose must lie within this fact. There are definite truths about God, and our relationship with him. We have discussed in length the first, Gods love. I am not going to go into length about these facts, because I have not set forth to write a doctrinal thesis. But a guide, or a map if you will, into the hearts of the lost. What I do mean to point out is the importance in keeping these truths close to your heart at all times. We don’t need to defend them, they are truths and need no defense. They belong to us, and are the very foundation of our life’s. Upon this foundation we stand as testaments to these truths. For us to feel the need to defend them is a sign within itself, that the foundation is not finished. To be shaken is never a sign of a good foundation. We can see this in Jesus, and Paul. In all their persecution, they stood firmly on their foundation. When ridicule focused on their persons, they merely directed the source back to God. Lets explore some of the potential arguments to my conclusion before I reach it. In that way, you wont be tempted to be distracted by proving what I say wrong.
The Argument, and the best case Biblically, would be that we are to be separate from the World. This idea is evident in the Bible. We see very harsh words and warnings on this very subject, spread out amongst the Word of God. My argument with this is not on its authority, but rather on how its perceived. When it comes down to it, its about the difference between the world and the lost. Even in the physical since of the word world, we find that the only connection between the physical world and its people is that we live in it. We are no more the physical world, as it is us. It is a place, and we merrily live on/ in it. This concept is also true to the biblical since of the world. It is not the person, but they place where he lives. The lost live in a place full of sin and deceit. They have residence in the world, but they are by no means “the world”. For us to be separate from “the world”, is for us to separate ourselves from its culture and mindset. Unfortunately, we have failed in this attempt. We “as the Church” have dove into politics, and adopted false freedom. We have made oaths to our countries and to their ideas. In contrary to the teachings of the Word, which tell us not to make oaths, and to claim citizenship only to the Kingdom of Heaven. You see, we do not belong to this World. The connection that we have made between “the world” and its natives is a great mistake. By doing this we have single handedly put them to blame for the state of this World. When that blame is to be placed on Sin, and the punishment is to be paid for by Satan and those who [in the end] chose him and his ways. The lost will only be made guilty of this if their not found. The responsibility for their salvation lies solely upon our shoulders. They my in the end burn with this World, but only by association.
In other words, take your family into consideration. We all have Sons or daughters, wife’s or husbands, fathers or mothers, who are lost and in the world. If this connection (that the lost is the world and vise versa) exists, than It would be blatant rebellion against the Word, for us to love them. Because it is written that we are not to love the world. But rest assured that this is not the case. But rather they are prisoners of that said world. We are to love them, and detest their capture. We are to pray for their freedom, the freedom that is offered by Christ. The only true freedom. We are to fight for their freedom, not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities and powers that hold them captive.
Knowing this should spark another thought. This thought should come with conviction and yearning. A thought so powerful that its effects could change the world. A thought that motivated Christ, that prompted God. Are you ready to own this thought? Are you ready for a mere idea to change they very way you live your life? Here it is…..Everyone you come in contact with, not just some, but all. Are also someone else’s husband, wife, mother, father, brother or sister. The fact is that someone out there is shedding tears for them. Someone is crying out for their freedom. That person is loved by someone. And if somehow they have slipped through life without having anyone to love them, they have a Father who will love them that much more. God has already given his very life for their freedom. How could we set back and not act on the chance to influence them. How could we withhold our encouragement and love. It’s not humanly possible, unless. Unless we have in our hearts dehumanized them. If we view them as an object, instead of a person. We could spare ourselves from our moral responsibility to them simply by naming them “THE WORLD”
Unfortunately, my friends, this lie has plagued the Church since its very beginning. It was a lie that was used even before the first Church. It has always been the most effective weapon against us. This lie attacks us without us even knowing what it has done. It demobilizes us, makes us ineffective. It rip’s at the very fabric of our purpose. It gives us reason to hide, and gives way to our cowardice. In the end it may be the best lie ever told. The enemy does not want you to show the light. He is very happy to have you hide it within the circles of believers that you are accustomed to. So if he can make you fearful of the lost, he has initially won. So I encourage you to break away from this form of thought. To shun away from any thoughts that are not of love and God. To rid yourself of fear and selfishness. To no longer think of yourselves highly, but instead, with humility. Look at this world as a person who is saved only by grace. A grace that is given freely to anyone who asks. You are not special, and set apart because of what you’ve done or who you are. It is only because of the grace of God, that your end does not match that of the lost.
Now that that’s said, we can proceed in talking about relating. In relating I’m talking about identifying. We are to identify with Christ. That is where our identity lies. Identity is a subject that we as Americans treat with ownership. But there is absolutely nothing about your identity that belongs to you. With little motto’s like “to ones self be true”, we have been consumed in our society by individuality. This train of thinking is perhaps the single most detrimental form of thinking that consumes the world today. Fist off, there is no individuality in Christ, there is the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We fit into this mix. Not as individuals, but as a unified body of believers that is called the Bride. Second, there is absolutely nothing you do that only effects YOU. We are all connected to one another. We are all dependant on others. Individuality is just a pretty word for selfishness. Your identity is in Christ and only in Christ, and who you think you are often differs from how others see you. Unfortunately, its how others see you that truly matters. What good is knowing who you, if no one else sees it? If five people see the color green, and you in ignorance think that its orange, its because you perception is off. Everyone wants to see themselves as right, its human nature. Who you are is best described by others, and that’s just how it is. When you are dead and gone, so are your opinions on yourself. The world is left with all the opinions of the people in your life. Those are the opinions that hold water. We often hear the term “walk a mile in some one else’s shoes”. This neither is understanding. We are not to walk in their shoes, but rather, in Jesus’ sandals. What I mean by understanding comes more from a place of mercy. Its knowing that they merely no not. Its forgiving them for their offenses toward us and God. Just as a child doesn’t know that it is harmful to stick his finger in the electrical socket, they have no clue of things that are spiritual. To be understanding is simply to meet them where they are. Because the fact is, they will never be where you are without help. Lets describe this with my own story. In the next portion of this chapter I’ll show you some easy ways to achieve understanding in your life, without conforming to the patterns of the world. To embrace understanding in a world that is lacking of it. After all, understanding is the key ingredient of wisdom and justice.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Monday, July 5, 2010
Communicating With Aliens 101-102.5
101
Communicating With Aliens
Through a smoky atmosphere, we encroach closer to the strange land. Looking through the window, we realize how easy it would be to call this home. But, we can not. We merely have a short task to do here and we must depart to the wonderful home that our King resides in. Our task? To tell the natives that they are dying, them and their world is heading for disaster. That our King has always loved them, and has prepared away for them to our home.
As our cozy ship touches the rock and dirt, our anxiety ensues us. We can not wait to share this great news. As the hanger opens, crowds gather round. We hop at the opportunity to tell everyone there about our King. We spread in small groups, all with its own copy of the message, and proceed to read to them the news that has been given. Nothing! Not even a grunt, or a sigh. They stand there looking at us with confused eye’s. You can see clearly that they’re afraid.
What’s wrong? We wonder. It cant be the way we look, our appearance is just as theirs is. We don’t have weapons, and the message is good. It cant be in the message. It must be communication, ,,ahh, yes, communication. They don’t speak our language. Of course not, it makes perfect since. We storm off this ship with all this zeal, and start blabbering and pointing our fingers around. No wonder their all freaked out.
What do we do now? Well, we could retreat back to the cozy ship and discuss the differences between us and them. While we’re there we can listen to a pep talk from our coach. After all that we can all go out there and attempt at building our own communities, complete with only things and people from our world. And try to hold on until the return ship comes.
Or, we could buck up, and read the rest of the message to see if there are any hint as to what to do. All the while, building relationships with the Aliens. We could learn their language, and their culture, and in time give them the message when we know it can be well received. This would be tough. It would be grueling. It might even put us in danger, But our King has us here for one reason, and one reason only, and that’s to share this message.
“All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth. Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world” (Mt. 28:18-20 ASV).
That’s a nice little story spin. It almost could be used to sell an investor on a plot for a show on the Sci-Fi channel. But its all to close to the truth. We are amongst aliens. We do have a job to do. And there is most defiantly a communication breakdown. Most Christians today ignore the great commission. They stick to what’s safe and known to them. They leave all the work to a selected few that they call evangelists. But the truth is, it consists of all of us. Yes there are people who have a gifting in this area. They tend to herd people into the Kingdom like cattle to a McDonalds meat processing plant. But we all are called to our circle of influence (which is work, play, school, family and so on). These potential relationships all around us are perfect places to show others the love of Christ. Some of the things I will address in this compilation of writings are, How personal relationships are the best form of mission completion, how to gain a foot hole into building a relationship with an alien, how to communicate with aliens (successfully), and how to bring the aliens home.
102
Communicating With Aliens
“On a personal note”
There are all kinds of evangelism. Street corner, T.V evangelism, handing out tracks, events, door to door, and many other creative ways to spread the good news. The most effective way, however, is the original. Love. Love doesn’t offend, it doesn’t push people away, it uplifts, and draws people closer. Love is the very essence of God, and all of creation yearns for it. Unfortunately, love takes work. Its does not come easily for us. It opens us up to hurt and turmoil. It takes our focus off of our own lives, rendering us susceptible to social responsibility. In every way, love is a hard road.
In a sense Love, being the character of God, is the anti- flesh. Now, I’m talking about love. Not the endorphine stimulated feeling that comes to us. Love is an action, not a feeling. You chose to love someone. “ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preserves.” 1 cor.13: 4-7. Nowhere does it say that love is a feeling that runs down your neck, or that its what you have in common with another. This is Biblical Love. It is God.
“…God is Love. Whoever lives in love, lives in God, and God in him.” 1 john 4:16.
God loved all of us before we believed. He loved us so much in fact that he walked on earth, and died on a cross for us. Our salvation comes when we choose to love him back. My point is, we don’t have to have the same beliefs that someone else has in order to Love them. And, in order to love them, we must have a relationship with them. The very act of Love requires time. “Love is patient” you cant be patient in passing. It would be awfully easy not to keep a record of wrongs if you only see the person at work. Love is an ongoing endeavor. It has no end, no break, and is expected of us to the fullest measure.
“….Hear, oh Israel, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:29-31
Love is the greatest commandment. This is true. It completes the Law in full. Love God, and Love others. What is also true, is that it is the purest form of evangelism. Perhaps the most effective also. Because, by loving others, you are introducing them to God. The very essence of who God is, becomes at reach to them. Not only are you fulfilling the Law, but your reaching the lost. PERFECT! God is amazing. He almost made it fool proof. Now the question is, are you sure your loving others? It’s easy to love family, and even church family, but are you loving “others”? Or are you sitting in judgment of their lives? Are you packing up God so no one else can see him? Do you make it a point not to associate with people who don’t share your moral point of view? If you answered yes to any of these than its time to make a change. Its time to realize that the only deference between us and the world is that we’re forgiven. Its time to know that we cant expect people to live according to a Bible that holds no meaning to them, to a Law that they are not yet under. It is our duty to show them God, and when God gets a hold of them then we can guide them in his ways. Love them, and cover yourself in the Law. Let God do the rest.
Perhaps this was a bit strong. But it is strength that I feel about this. I was once lost. It was not doctrine that lead me to the Lord. Nor was it the Law. It defiantly wasn’t someone pointing out the many, many sins in my life. It was this and this alone. Gods unfailing, undeserved, Love. His relentless pursuit for me was my persuasion. Everything else is back burner, and fleeting. God is the constant, and God is Love.
“ Love vs. Judgment”
102 cont.
“Do not judge, or you will be judged. For the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:1-2.
Wow, Jesus meant business when he said this. It’s a shame that most everyone will tell you that they’ve been judged by a Christian. If you have any interaction with the unsaved, you’ve probably ran into a few that feel this way. But what does judgment have to do with communicating with the world (aliens)? The second that you judge someone, you place yourself higher than them. A person will never relate to a person who intimidates them. People naturally run away from judgment. Then, are we to sit back and let them sin? Yes. It does not matter what they do outside of Christ, with out him hell is evident. No matter how good they are, or how little they sin. Our goal is NOT to make them live like a Christian. Its to lead them to Christ, who will walk with them. Until that point comes, there is absolutely no reason to judge their decisions.
Now with that said, there are some exceptions. If what they’re doing is life threatening, a heart to heart, loving concern can be expressed. Or if there are children being influenced, and or baby believers. But this should be handled with the utmost care and sensitivity. This will only be effective if there is already a relationship in place, and even then there is no certainty. By all means, never pull your love as a “punishment”. If it gets bad, pray. If it continues, allow them to end the relationship. That way, when rock bottom hits, they feel comfortable coming to you when their ready. I will get into this alot more in the how- to portion of these writings.
If you find your self judging others, ask yourself why you do it. If you come up with a list of whys I’m sure you will not have listed Loving others as one of them. If you have, there’s a Book I want you to read, its big, mostly black and has allot of red letters. The judgment that we are talking about does not come from love. It can stem from pride, fear, anger, ext. All of which, derive from the enemy. It’s a tool he uses to divide, and alienate. To break hearts, and bring condemnation. There is nothing good that comes from it. Especially within the church walls.
“There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you- who are you to judge your neighbor?” James 4:12
Back off, Gods got it. Its not your responsibility to judge, It’s Gods. If anything this should be a relief. Now you can stop worrying about how others are living, and put that energy into your relationship with Christ. The God who made the Law is so much more qualified than you to do it also. So relax. Let God work, and focus on your heart. We are always able to grow in God. Our hearts can always use more attention. If this is you. Don’t feel condemnation. As I pointed out before, your defiantly not alone in this. Conviction belongs to the Lord, Condemnation is the enemy’s.
“So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. I care very little if I am judged by you or any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes…..” 1 Cor. 4:1-5
“ Men should regard us as servants”, not as judges. We are to lower ourselves, not walk around declaring that we’re right and their wrong. Even if its true to some extent. What we live, and the extent of our Love is what can change the hearts of men. If we become successful at controlling our judgment, we will be far more effective at our mission.
Before I conclude this section, I would like to point out that I am not by anyway innocent of judgment. “We have all sinned and fell short of the glory of God”. But it has always been an area of focus in my life. The grace that God has shown me, is what I wish on others. I can only try to show that grace with others. One more verse for the closing.
“My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, here’s a good seat for you, but to the poor man, you stand there or sit on the floor at my feet, have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? ……..If you keep the royal Law found in scripture, ‘love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as law breakers. For whoever keeps the whole law, and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. For he who said, ‘do not commit adultery,’ also said, ‘do not murder.’ If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a law breaker.
Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!” James2:1-13
Thank the Lord for his mercy and grace!
Communicating With Aliens
Through a smoky atmosphere, we encroach closer to the strange land. Looking through the window, we realize how easy it would be to call this home. But, we can not. We merely have a short task to do here and we must depart to the wonderful home that our King resides in. Our task? To tell the natives that they are dying, them and their world is heading for disaster. That our King has always loved them, and has prepared away for them to our home.
As our cozy ship touches the rock and dirt, our anxiety ensues us. We can not wait to share this great news. As the hanger opens, crowds gather round. We hop at the opportunity to tell everyone there about our King. We spread in small groups, all with its own copy of the message, and proceed to read to them the news that has been given. Nothing! Not even a grunt, or a sigh. They stand there looking at us with confused eye’s. You can see clearly that they’re afraid.
What’s wrong? We wonder. It cant be the way we look, our appearance is just as theirs is. We don’t have weapons, and the message is good. It cant be in the message. It must be communication, ,,ahh, yes, communication. They don’t speak our language. Of course not, it makes perfect since. We storm off this ship with all this zeal, and start blabbering and pointing our fingers around. No wonder their all freaked out.
What do we do now? Well, we could retreat back to the cozy ship and discuss the differences between us and them. While we’re there we can listen to a pep talk from our coach. After all that we can all go out there and attempt at building our own communities, complete with only things and people from our world. And try to hold on until the return ship comes.
Or, we could buck up, and read the rest of the message to see if there are any hint as to what to do. All the while, building relationships with the Aliens. We could learn their language, and their culture, and in time give them the message when we know it can be well received. This would be tough. It would be grueling. It might even put us in danger, But our King has us here for one reason, and one reason only, and that’s to share this message.
“All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth. Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world” (Mt. 28:18-20 ASV).
That’s a nice little story spin. It almost could be used to sell an investor on a plot for a show on the Sci-Fi channel. But its all to close to the truth. We are amongst aliens. We do have a job to do. And there is most defiantly a communication breakdown. Most Christians today ignore the great commission. They stick to what’s safe and known to them. They leave all the work to a selected few that they call evangelists. But the truth is, it consists of all of us. Yes there are people who have a gifting in this area. They tend to herd people into the Kingdom like cattle to a McDonalds meat processing plant. But we all are called to our circle of influence (which is work, play, school, family and so on). These potential relationships all around us are perfect places to show others the love of Christ. Some of the things I will address in this compilation of writings are, How personal relationships are the best form of mission completion, how to gain a foot hole into building a relationship with an alien, how to communicate with aliens (successfully), and how to bring the aliens home.
102
Communicating With Aliens
“On a personal note”
There are all kinds of evangelism. Street corner, T.V evangelism, handing out tracks, events, door to door, and many other creative ways to spread the good news. The most effective way, however, is the original. Love. Love doesn’t offend, it doesn’t push people away, it uplifts, and draws people closer. Love is the very essence of God, and all of creation yearns for it. Unfortunately, love takes work. Its does not come easily for us. It opens us up to hurt and turmoil. It takes our focus off of our own lives, rendering us susceptible to social responsibility. In every way, love is a hard road.
In a sense Love, being the character of God, is the anti- flesh. Now, I’m talking about love. Not the endorphine stimulated feeling that comes to us. Love is an action, not a feeling. You chose to love someone. “ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preserves.” 1 cor.13: 4-7. Nowhere does it say that love is a feeling that runs down your neck, or that its what you have in common with another. This is Biblical Love. It is God.
“…God is Love. Whoever lives in love, lives in God, and God in him.” 1 john 4:16.
God loved all of us before we believed. He loved us so much in fact that he walked on earth, and died on a cross for us. Our salvation comes when we choose to love him back. My point is, we don’t have to have the same beliefs that someone else has in order to Love them. And, in order to love them, we must have a relationship with them. The very act of Love requires time. “Love is patient” you cant be patient in passing. It would be awfully easy not to keep a record of wrongs if you only see the person at work. Love is an ongoing endeavor. It has no end, no break, and is expected of us to the fullest measure.
“….Hear, oh Israel, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:29-31
Love is the greatest commandment. This is true. It completes the Law in full. Love God, and Love others. What is also true, is that it is the purest form of evangelism. Perhaps the most effective also. Because, by loving others, you are introducing them to God. The very essence of who God is, becomes at reach to them. Not only are you fulfilling the Law, but your reaching the lost. PERFECT! God is amazing. He almost made it fool proof. Now the question is, are you sure your loving others? It’s easy to love family, and even church family, but are you loving “others”? Or are you sitting in judgment of their lives? Are you packing up God so no one else can see him? Do you make it a point not to associate with people who don’t share your moral point of view? If you answered yes to any of these than its time to make a change. Its time to realize that the only deference between us and the world is that we’re forgiven. Its time to know that we cant expect people to live according to a Bible that holds no meaning to them, to a Law that they are not yet under. It is our duty to show them God, and when God gets a hold of them then we can guide them in his ways. Love them, and cover yourself in the Law. Let God do the rest.
Perhaps this was a bit strong. But it is strength that I feel about this. I was once lost. It was not doctrine that lead me to the Lord. Nor was it the Law. It defiantly wasn’t someone pointing out the many, many sins in my life. It was this and this alone. Gods unfailing, undeserved, Love. His relentless pursuit for me was my persuasion. Everything else is back burner, and fleeting. God is the constant, and God is Love.
“ Love vs. Judgment”
102 cont.
“Do not judge, or you will be judged. For the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:1-2.
Wow, Jesus meant business when he said this. It’s a shame that most everyone will tell you that they’ve been judged by a Christian. If you have any interaction with the unsaved, you’ve probably ran into a few that feel this way. But what does judgment have to do with communicating with the world (aliens)? The second that you judge someone, you place yourself higher than them. A person will never relate to a person who intimidates them. People naturally run away from judgment. Then, are we to sit back and let them sin? Yes. It does not matter what they do outside of Christ, with out him hell is evident. No matter how good they are, or how little they sin. Our goal is NOT to make them live like a Christian. Its to lead them to Christ, who will walk with them. Until that point comes, there is absolutely no reason to judge their decisions.
Now with that said, there are some exceptions. If what they’re doing is life threatening, a heart to heart, loving concern can be expressed. Or if there are children being influenced, and or baby believers. But this should be handled with the utmost care and sensitivity. This will only be effective if there is already a relationship in place, and even then there is no certainty. By all means, never pull your love as a “punishment”. If it gets bad, pray. If it continues, allow them to end the relationship. That way, when rock bottom hits, they feel comfortable coming to you when their ready. I will get into this alot more in the how- to portion of these writings.
If you find your self judging others, ask yourself why you do it. If you come up with a list of whys I’m sure you will not have listed Loving others as one of them. If you have, there’s a Book I want you to read, its big, mostly black and has allot of red letters. The judgment that we are talking about does not come from love. It can stem from pride, fear, anger, ext. All of which, derive from the enemy. It’s a tool he uses to divide, and alienate. To break hearts, and bring condemnation. There is nothing good that comes from it. Especially within the church walls.
“There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you- who are you to judge your neighbor?” James 4:12
Back off, Gods got it. Its not your responsibility to judge, It’s Gods. If anything this should be a relief. Now you can stop worrying about how others are living, and put that energy into your relationship with Christ. The God who made the Law is so much more qualified than you to do it also. So relax. Let God work, and focus on your heart. We are always able to grow in God. Our hearts can always use more attention. If this is you. Don’t feel condemnation. As I pointed out before, your defiantly not alone in this. Conviction belongs to the Lord, Condemnation is the enemy’s.
“So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. I care very little if I am judged by you or any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes…..” 1 Cor. 4:1-5
“ Men should regard us as servants”, not as judges. We are to lower ourselves, not walk around declaring that we’re right and their wrong. Even if its true to some extent. What we live, and the extent of our Love is what can change the hearts of men. If we become successful at controlling our judgment, we will be far more effective at our mission.
Before I conclude this section, I would like to point out that I am not by anyway innocent of judgment. “We have all sinned and fell short of the glory of God”. But it has always been an area of focus in my life. The grace that God has shown me, is what I wish on others. I can only try to show that grace with others. One more verse for the closing.
“My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, here’s a good seat for you, but to the poor man, you stand there or sit on the floor at my feet, have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? ……..If you keep the royal Law found in scripture, ‘love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as law breakers. For whoever keeps the whole law, and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. For he who said, ‘do not commit adultery,’ also said, ‘do not murder.’ If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a law breaker.
Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!” James2:1-13
Thank the Lord for his mercy and grace!
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