It is never an easy thing when you try to digest a big meal. I'm still chewing on these verses. The hardest thing I think in our Christian life is to not just be readers or even good students of the Word but to really make the steps to change what is out of line with what we are studying.
does that make sense ?
I guess for me this week it was just a gentle reminder that I need not stand in Judgement of anyone but "test the fruit of their labors". Asking the question, is what they are producing of God, does it produce unity, building up, encouragement..... the list could go on. If not, then their fruit will testify against them. I need not waste my energy in debates, in pointing the finger. Only call it what it is false fruit, dead, lifeless. Then cut it down and throw it out. I give it no place in my life.
I know for myself it is hard to do because I want so much to "salvage, save, rescue and redeem" but that isn't my job. That is Christ's Job. He is the Savior, The Healer, The rescuer". I need only be faithful to worship and remain faithful in my service to Him.
So, this week, as I am faced with different things I am reminded of what my role is and how I need not be caught up in the frenzie of "making a point", or "pointing a finger" but rather Living and being Salt to the world around me.
Challenging indeed... it goes against the natures that are in constant conflict (the flesh and the spirit) to do these things but I'm reminded yet again of the passage :
" For you have been called to live in freedom- not freedom to satisy your sinful nature, but freedom to serve one another in love." Gal. 5:13
"So, I advise you to live according to your new life in the Holy Spirit. Then, you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves". Gal. 5:16
"When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, your lives will produce these evil results:
sexual immorality, impure thoughts, eagerness for lustful pleasure, idolatry, participation in demonic activities, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, divisions, the feeling that everyone is wrong except those in your own little group, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other kidsof sin. LEt me tell you again, as I have before that anyone living that sor of life will not in heret the Kingdom of God.
But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us:
love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law."
Gal. 5: 19-23
Lord, that I might live in the Spirit and not the Flesh- I desire to Your ways above my own............
It is in Your name I pray,
The Name of Jesus,
Amen...........
a diamond in the rough......
2 comments:
I feel your struggle. You see the right path and want to share it, but in doing so it is easy to end up pointing fingers and that never leads anyone anywhere. I have struggled with this for years and would love to hear your continued thoughts and any revelations you have on this topic.
Another thing I am struggling with is not dwelling on the negative in others but seeing the good that they possess and focusing on that. It is so easy to see where others fail and stumble but to find the good in everyone is so difficult but that is what I need to do. Do you have any thoughts on this?
a
ps - thank you so much for hosting this blog - it is bringing me home and I appreciate the opportunity to talk with you more than you will ever know!
Hey - I hear you and I'm daily working through these things. I'm going to take some time though this week to post on these areas you are talking about. Because really it is the toughest thing as believers to do- to keep our eyes on ourselves rather than others.
It is probably the biggest issue we as believers have with body life. Meaning living in fellowship with one another. It has become so second nature to judge others, to think neg. about others and then to just out right gossip about them.
This should be a good week of study! :)
more to come tomorrow! ;)
thanks for the words of encouragement- I sometimes wonder if anyone is reading this blog- that is why I put the counter on there so that I wouldn't get discouraged and think - it's not making a difference. :) Oh man I have little faith!
love ya - mel.........
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