I was discussing with my family the complicated and challenging life we live as Christians. We can sometimes be over-zealous for others to experience the same kind of excitement we have with knowing Christ. In doing so we can act a bit harsh, perhaps a bit judgmental and at times not reflect the Love of Christ. As Christians we know without a shadow of a doubt a personal life in Him is extremely joyful and brings inexplainable peace to the believer. In addition to this great Salvation by His grace and mercy alone, comes the daily sanctification through the piercing conviction brought on by the Holy Spirit. He is at work in our lives daily, teaching and showing us what each of us need to learn (John 14:26)[a]. I truly believe each of our walks is as distinct as the uniqueness in how He created us (Psalms 139:13-16)[b].
Each of us, individually, are to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12) [c].
It is not our responsibility to convince others of this great Salvation yet is our responsibility to share convincingly. Neither is it our responsibility to work out the daily sanctification of other believers. We are to account for our own walk, our own talents. What God gave us and what we do with what He gave us matters. What He told us to do matters all the more. We need to ask ourselves if we are being obedient to that charge.
Often times we can get complicated, adding our own layer, our own rules or our own thoughts and interpretations. Remember the Pharisees did this and were completely blind to the Gospel. God’s word is clear, there is our way and His way (Proverbs 14:12)[d]. Again in the book of Isaiah we can know and understand that God’s ways are much higher than ours (Isaiah 55:9)[e]
Brothers and sisters, let God work through us in Love; not condemning or judging. We are all sinners and perhaps by loving more and judging less, those around us will see “something they want” and not “something they don’t want to be like”. There is a difference. Let us do ‘our’ part so God can do His and let us not get in the way.
Be blessed, Steve
[a] John 14:26 – But the (Greek-Parakletos or Comforter) Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.
[b] Psalms 139:13-16 – 13 For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. 14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. 15 My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.
[c] Philippians 2:12 – Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;
[d] Psalms 14:12 – There is a way that seems right to man, but its end is the way of death. the end thereof is death
[e] Isaiah 55:9 – For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.