Scripture:
Luke 6:37 “Stop criticizing others, or it will all come back on you.”
Observation:
Heh – another NLT specialty that should really be translated as “don’t condemn” rather than “don’t criticize.” Que sera, sera. Sometime before Christmas break I realized (again) how critical I am and how ugly it is. Every criticism is devoid of grace, compassion, and empathy. Though the verse could be interpreted to mean other people will criticize you, the sentiments themselves tend to just sit, like poison, in my soul resulting in far more retribution than any external result.
Application:
I need to have more grace, more compassion, and more empathy. Though I can’t immediately change my thoughts, I can change whether I express them, and if controlling my tongue is anything like a bit in a horse’s mouth or the rudder of a ship, then hopefully I can change my thoughts.
Prayer:
Lord, forgive me for being a critical person – redeem me. Please help me control my tongue, and beyond just not being critical, please fill me with grace, fill me with compassion, and fill me with empathy – so much that they overflow.
Scripture:
Matthew 7:1-2 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Observation:
I read this verse yesterday for a study I’m doing on staff. I don’t remember what the question was, but there was one that framed this verse, for me, in the form of grace. I often judge other people because a lack of understanding, compassion, and ultimately grace.
Application:
I need to give people more room, and start with the (accurate) assumption that I don’t know enough about their situation to make any kind of judgment – even if it wewre my place (which it’s not).
Prayer:
Lord – I can’t help but to ask that you don’t measure grace to me in the amount I measure to others.
Scripture:
Galatians 4:9 “But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?”
Observation:
This entire passage is a treatise admonishing the Galatians for allowing themselves to be pulled into the false teaching that following Jewish law will make them holy – will give them salvation. In deep angst, Paul asks them what madness has led them from the freedom in Christ to the slavery of law. And we still deal with this today. Except, rather than buying wholesale into any particular system, we’ve each set up our own personal set of “laws” which not only bind us, but which we quietly judge the world around us against.
Application:
I know I’ve allowed my preferences, my guidelines to be the constructs a Christian must follow – but ultimately, there is only one, to love Christ. As it is, I’m attempting to enslave those around me, and a fool if I think I’m not enslaving myself through those same constructs.
Prayer:
Lord – help me free myself and to stop attempting to enslave those around me.
Scripture:
John 16:9 “The world’s sin is unbelief in me.”
Observation:
Yesterday I was reading a post on Ed Stetzer’s site which compiled a several lists of accountability questions – questions which begged deep, honest reflection and ultimately lead to the question, “Am I becoming more like Christ in my thoughts and actions.” It’s a great post. One commenter said, “We have it backwards. I propose that we abandon our religions of good works, becoming instead a living temple of the Spirit that compels us to right living, rather than “living right” in order to fulfill some list of legal requirements.” I could only disagree with his thoughts on the matter. However, Jesus words combined with this man’s thoughts challenge how I view sin in other’s lives.
The greatest sin from which a person can repent is unbelief. It is at this point that Christ forgives all others. This is the sin which Christ has called us as Christians to battle. Then, we are to allow their relationship with Christ and the leading of the Spirit to shape their character over a lifetime. Yet I get caught up in the momentum of this great repentance and cringe at every continued act which I know doesn’t align with His direction. Ultimately, I think our responsibility as Christians is to admonish and edify one another toward a relationship with Christ, rather than away from sin. Only Christ can effect real life change.
Application:
Rather than getting wrapped up in people’s sin – whether the person believes, I need to stay focused on encouraging a relationship with Christ, and trust the Holy Spirit to do the rest.
Prayer:
Lord, my relationship with you has a positive impact on my life – help me be an evangelist about that relationship, to “sinners” and “saved” alike.
Scripture:
John 8:1-11 – Jesus Forgives an Adulterous Woman
Observation:
I’m having a hard time putting together a particular thought for today’s reading. My first thoughts were about vs. 9 “they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left.” I imagine the slipping away had more to do with wisdom than age, per se. I want that wisdom. Then I began to think about Jesus’ response to this woman (standing in the middle of crowd of people staring – all of them aware of her exact sin) who was probably an emotional wreck. He gives a simple opportunity for change – “I’ll not condemn you for your sin, but go, and sin no more.” What strikes me is not Jesus’ love, but the similarity of the Christian church to the pharisees. We go and find sinners, not to bring them to Christ, but to stone them with words of condemnation. We write bills and rally for laws to “prevent sin.” Then we stand on and quote these laws instead of relying on YOUR Word. What concerns me even more is that I wonder about our ability to walk away. It’s not just “the world” that needs Jesus to return, it’s the church too. We need a powerful rebuke and a new example of love.
Prayer:
Lord, if you see fit, when the opportunity and need arises, I submit my life, my voice to you for this purpose.
