Something on my heart I wanted to share. I agree, we Christians are called to admonish one another in certain situations. It must be done carefully and in love always. It is good to sharpen one another, if done in the right spirit.
However, I believe there is a serious imbalance if we spend the majority of our time pointing out the sins of other Christians.
Do we constantly think about the details of what we don't like about every other person, denomination, etc.?
Are most of words we speak ones of condemnation and annoyance with our brethern in Christ?
Perhaps we should spend more time in humility, focusing on improving our own walk along the narrow path. It is an easy trap to fall into. We see flaws in others far more easily than ourselves.
Remember some of the harshest words of rebuke Christ gave were toward the spiritual pride of the Pharisees. Spiritual pride is exceedingly dangerous. Remember the death we all deserve. Remember the precious grace we are given.
In all the admonishments flying about, please don't forget to edify and uplift too. :-)
Luke 18:9-14
The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
9 Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’ 13 And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
However, I believe there is a serious imbalance if we spend the majority of our time pointing out the sins of other Christians.
Do we constantly think about the details of what we don't like about every other person, denomination, etc.?
Are most of words we speak ones of condemnation and annoyance with our brethern in Christ?
Perhaps we should spend more time in humility, focusing on improving our own walk along the narrow path. It is an easy trap to fall into. We see flaws in others far more easily than ourselves.
Remember some of the harshest words of rebuke Christ gave were toward the spiritual pride of the Pharisees. Spiritual pride is exceedingly dangerous. Remember the death we all deserve. Remember the precious grace we are given.
In all the admonishments flying about, please don't forget to edify and uplift too. :-)
Luke 18:9-14
The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
9 Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’ 13 And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
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