Don't assume that you know...

Don’t assume that you know the reason why you see what you “see” in others.

Recently, I’ve been in a situation where I’ve been able to observe the behavior of several different people in a particular setting.  In honesty, I really don’t understand this behavior and have asked God to give me wisdom, understanding and discernment.  It’s a situation where, if I allowed myself, it would be very easy to pass judgment.  But every time that temptation comes up, I ask God to give me the strength to overcome it…He has been SO faithful.

So, as the months have gone by and I have continually observed, one thing God has brought to light for me is that one of these folks is very ill.  To look at her, one would think that all is well.  But in reality, she revealed to me that the doctors have told her that she has only a few years to live.  Needless to say, that hit me like a ton of bricks!!  Knowing this, I totally understand her behavior.  Before knowing this info…it was difficult to understand. 

For many years now, due to my own highly dysfunctional background, it’s been important for me to get to know other people’s story.  Knowing someone else’s story can give insight as to why people do what they do…why they react the way they do and so on.

I can say from experience, it’s no fun when others choose to judge by their own experiences instead of the experiences of the one they’re judging!!

Everyone has a story.  Get to know their story and Heaven forbid…don’t set yourself above them!  Let’s pray that we will love the way Jesus loves!!  J

Is It True? Is It Kind? Is It Necessary?

Being a Christian doesn’t mean that we have the right to spout out anything we want to say at any time.  No, in fact, I believe that being a Christian means that we should hold ourselves to a higher standard.  We should question our own motives before we make statements to others and take the high road when in challenging situations.

As Nicky Gumbel, vicar of HTB Anglican Church in London states:  ‘The words of the tongue should have three gatekeepers:  Is it true?  Is it kind?  Is it necessary?’  These are questions I keep in mind when I post something on twitter, facebook or make statement to others.  Of course I’m not perfect and I’ll be the first to admit when I’m wrong.

As a whole, my goal is to be an encourager.  I want to build people up…not tear them down. Proverbs 18:21 states; ‘Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat of its fruit.’ Our society seems to thoroughly enjoy tearing folks down.  That behavior is so hurtful!

Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.  Colossians 4:6 

As Christ Followers, let’s make a conscious effort to be kind and loving to one another.  Let’s believe the best in others.  Let’s not only set a watch over our mouths, but let’s set our minds and keep them set to do the right thing…speaking kindly to others. 

I am a friend of God.

I am a friend of God.  This is a lyric to a song that we sang at church recently.  The guest speaker made a statement that she was so glad she knew she was a friend of God.  But, on the other hand, she wondered what kind of friend she had been to Him?  What a thought provoking statement!

Hmm, makes me think…am I helping others the way that God would want me to…or am I too self important and less concerned about the needs of others around me, whether they be friends, family or strangers?  Am I listening to Him the way I should…or am I the one doing all the talking?  Am I seeking Him for who He is… or am I seeking Him for what He can do for me?  WOW!!  These are ALL legitimate questions when evaluating our friendship with God.

I think we can all relate to “friends” in our lives that fall into one or more of these categories.  I know I do.  My hope is that I don’t fall into any of these categories with friends OR with God.  I don’t know how these behaviors make you feel, but I don’t like them.  It makes me feel as though someone who treats me in that manner really doesn’t care about me.

With that said, I can tell you there’s no way I want to treat God that way.  I want to seek Him for who He is, not for what He can do for me. (See Matt. 6:33)  I want to truly be a friend to God.  That means not only seeking God’s face…but, seeking the face of God in others around us.  Seek those around you who need help.  Maybe someone needs a ride to work.  Let that car in front of you merge in while driving in traffic.  Be ears for someone who needs to vent…ears, not a voice of solution.  Simply put…be good to others.  True friends are good to each other…they don’t use or abuse one another.  Being a friend to God means being a friend to those around you…that put’s a smile on God’s face.   J