Proverbs 15:1
A kind answer soothes angry feelings, but harsh words stir them up.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
Dallas
Police - and the country at large - are dealing with the aftermath of
the
heinous murder of 5 officers and the injury of 7 other people on July
7th. Today, warnings emerged that forced the Dallas Police Department
headquarters to go on
“lockdown” and search nearby buildings. People were beginning to come
together to honor the memory of those killed and to show support for the
injured. Kind words were being offered on all sides. Surely the
potential of this new threat had to stir up the feelings of fear, anger
and frustration that were tantamount just two nights ago.
If you
have ever watched young children at play, you know that one child can
take a toy from another…and ugly words and actions can ensue. Either an
adult can step in to moderate…or the children can resolve this conflict
on their own. A moment later, another child can dredge up the incident
or “stir the pot” with an unkind word or gesture…and “WWIII” erupts all
over again!
A friend can speak kindly to you…offer you words of
encouragement and make you feel good about yourself. And then he/she
can turn around and post something derogatory or hateful on social
media…share an off-color or racist joke in a group within your
earshot…or speak unkindly of someone else to you…and your total opinion
of that person changes. I have been incredibly disappointed by the words
and actions of people I thought were kind, Godly individuals. And I’ll tell you…sometimes, it has permanently colored my opinion of them.
It
should come as no surprise to us that people are watching and
listening…and that what we say and do matters. But some of us have a
hard time holding our tongue and refraining from sharing our thoughts
and opinions – even when we know what we are about to say or do will be
hurtful to others. We need to understand that we often get one shot at
getting this right…that the opinion others form of us happens in a few
brief seconds. And quite frequently, those telling moments determine
whether we represent Jesus and offer others a Savior they would like to
follow and emulate…or we totally negate our Christian witness.
I
recently read an opinion editorial about political candidates and how
people on both sides call them names and speak of them in a disparaging
and derogatory manner. The suggestion was made that when we are told by
the Chevy salesmen how bad the Fords are (or vice versa), we often are
left feeling badly about both – and often seek to either buy something
altogether different…or go home empty-handed. If we put this in a
Christian perspective, when we talk unkindly to someone – or about them –
we give others the impression that there is an ugly side to serving
Jesus. And sometimes, this might be enough to turn these people away
forever…to steer them in the direction of another “god” or idol - or
toward the devil himself.
Surely this is not what we want. I
know it is definitely not what Jesus wants! We simply MUST start
guarding our thoughts, words and actions. We must focus on Jesus to the
point that we automatically run everything by Him before we speak or
act. We must become so in tune with Jesus - and innately cautious -
that it is virtually impossible to stir up trouble or embarrassment as
His representatives. And we have to start now.
Let’s start by
praying for all people involved in the terrible tragedies of recent days
across our nation. Let’s talk to God about how we characterize
others…the language we use as we speak of them to others – and the
attitude we convey. Let’s ask Him to guard our hearts – and our words
and deeds – and guide us as His disciples, so that we leave others
saying, “I want to serve Jesus, too!”
Jesus was bruised, beaten,
spit upon – and crucified. Yet His words were always kind and
soothing. He never spoke harshly to others…so why on earth should we?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label representing Jesus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label representing Jesus. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for February 20, 2016
John 21:15-19
When Jesus and his disciples had finished eating, he asked, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than the others do?”
Simon Peter answered, “Yes, Lord, you know I do!”
“Then feed my lambs,” Jesus said.
Jesus asked a second time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter answered, “Yes, Lord, you know I love you!”
“Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus told him.
Jesus asked a third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus had asked him three times if he loved him. So he told Jesus, “Lord, you know everything. You know I love you.”
Jesus replied, “Feed my sheep. I tell you for certain that when you were a young man, you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will hold out your hands. Then others will wrap your belt around you and lead you where you don’t want to go.”
Jesus said this to tell how Peter would die and bring honor to God. Then he said to Peter, “Follow me!”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This is one of my favorite passages in the Bible…and one of the most important passages for us as true Disciples of Jesus. It is especially fitting today as I think about a dear, sweet servant who I have referenced many times in these devotionals - Mrs. Peggy Logan. Mrs. Peggy went to be with Jesus this week. This faithful octogenarian devoted much of her life to the feeding of Jesus’ sheep. She and her husband, Wilford, adopted a baby – and you would never have known that Paul was not her own flesh and blood. She reveled in his accomplishments…and those of her three grandsons and their children.
When Paul was a child, Mrs. Peggy often took in other children in the church and community for a few days or more when their parents were in need of a babysitter. One friend recalled to me this week how she and her two brothers spent a few nights at Mrs. Peggy’s when they were little and her parents had to be away. She marveled at how Mrs. Peggy – a then-single-mother with a job as the church secretary – managed the care of four little children for a few days!
In later years, Mrs. Peggy cared for her mother-in-law when her health declined. She would often tell me how NO ONE from Mrs. Logan’s church called on her. Mrs. Peggy vowed that this would never happen again on her “watch.” So she made it her “mission” to visit, cook for, telephone, and support others in any and every way at her disposal. To say that Mrs. Peggy was a human dynamo would be an understatement. Even in recent years, she maintained a calendar that would make most 30-somethings faint with exhaustion. She was a tremendous role model - and an example to all of us that we can do more!
I will be the first to tell you that I will probably never be a “Mrs. Peggy”…but I can do more to share the love of Christ with others. I can be more attuned to the people around me…the needs right here in my own circle of influence that are begging to be met…the “sheep” that need to be “fed.” I can look around at those who feel isolated and forgotten…the grieving who have been left behind as those who rushed to comfort them early on move on with their lives…those who are sitting with someone who is ill – and wondering if anybody cares…the families whose lives are so harried with the “busyness” of life and could use a “you’re doing a great job” pat on the back or a note of encouragement…the elderly who feel like life has moved on without them – and they are merely marking time until Jesus calls them home…the children who simply need a hug and someone to say, “You matter!”
There are SO MANY opportunities for us to feed the sheep of Jesus. Our life as Christians is not just about adding to God’s Kingdom…we have to nurture those who have already given their hearts to Christ! Too often, we rush to get to the next person…to “add one more to the flock”…and we totally forget the sheep we already have. Jesus would NEVER do this…and neither should we! Look around you…which sheep need your love and care today? Mrs. Peggy totally “got” this scripture passage – and I know that Jesus must be mightily pleased with her earthly efforts. I want Him to be pleased with mine, also. What about you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
When Jesus and his disciples had finished eating, he asked, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than the others do?”
Simon Peter answered, “Yes, Lord, you know I do!”
“Then feed my lambs,” Jesus said.
Jesus asked a second time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter answered, “Yes, Lord, you know I love you!”
“Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus told him.
Jesus asked a third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus had asked him three times if he loved him. So he told Jesus, “Lord, you know everything. You know I love you.”
Jesus replied, “Feed my sheep. I tell you for certain that when you were a young man, you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will hold out your hands. Then others will wrap your belt around you and lead you where you don’t want to go.”
Jesus said this to tell how Peter would die and bring honor to God. Then he said to Peter, “Follow me!”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
This is one of my favorite passages in the Bible…and one of the most important passages for us as true Disciples of Jesus. It is especially fitting today as I think about a dear, sweet servant who I have referenced many times in these devotionals - Mrs. Peggy Logan. Mrs. Peggy went to be with Jesus this week. This faithful octogenarian devoted much of her life to the feeding of Jesus’ sheep. She and her husband, Wilford, adopted a baby – and you would never have known that Paul was not her own flesh and blood. She reveled in his accomplishments…and those of her three grandsons and their children.
When Paul was a child, Mrs. Peggy often took in other children in the church and community for a few days or more when their parents were in need of a babysitter. One friend recalled to me this week how she and her two brothers spent a few nights at Mrs. Peggy’s when they were little and her parents had to be away. She marveled at how Mrs. Peggy – a then-single-mother with a job as the church secretary – managed the care of four little children for a few days!
In later years, Mrs. Peggy cared for her mother-in-law when her health declined. She would often tell me how NO ONE from Mrs. Logan’s church called on her. Mrs. Peggy vowed that this would never happen again on her “watch.” So she made it her “mission” to visit, cook for, telephone, and support others in any and every way at her disposal. To say that Mrs. Peggy was a human dynamo would be an understatement. Even in recent years, she maintained a calendar that would make most 30-somethings faint with exhaustion. She was a tremendous role model - and an example to all of us that we can do more!
I will be the first to tell you that I will probably never be a “Mrs. Peggy”…but I can do more to share the love of Christ with others. I can be more attuned to the people around me…the needs right here in my own circle of influence that are begging to be met…the “sheep” that need to be “fed.” I can look around at those who feel isolated and forgotten…the grieving who have been left behind as those who rushed to comfort them early on move on with their lives…those who are sitting with someone who is ill – and wondering if anybody cares…the families whose lives are so harried with the “busyness” of life and could use a “you’re doing a great job” pat on the back or a note of encouragement…the elderly who feel like life has moved on without them – and they are merely marking time until Jesus calls them home…the children who simply need a hug and someone to say, “You matter!”
There are SO MANY opportunities for us to feed the sheep of Jesus. Our life as Christians is not just about adding to God’s Kingdom…we have to nurture those who have already given their hearts to Christ! Too often, we rush to get to the next person…to “add one more to the flock”…and we totally forget the sheep we already have. Jesus would NEVER do this…and neither should we! Look around you…which sheep need your love and care today? Mrs. Peggy totally “got” this scripture passage – and I know that Jesus must be mightily pleased with her earthly efforts. I want Him to be pleased with mine, also. What about you?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 13, 2016
Genesis 1:27-30
God created human beings; he created them godlike, Reflecting God’s nature.He created them male and female. God blessed them: “Prosper! Reproduce! Fill Earth! Take charge! Be responsible for fish in the sea and birds in the air, for every living thing that moves on the face of Earth.”
Then God said, “I’ve given you every sort of seed-bearing plant on Earth and every kind of fruit-bearing tree, given them to you for food. To all animals and all birds, everything that moves and breathes, I give whatever grows out of the ground for food.” And there it was.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
When my mother was placed on Hospice and returned back to her house, two of her husband’s daughters (who both live in Tennessee) – Janet and Suzanne - came to help with her care. Both women are nurses, and their expertise was greatly appreciated. Janet’s husband, Craig, accompanied her…as well as their daughter, Sara, who was still on winter break from college. Almost upon their arrival, Janet and Craig sat down and made a menu plan. Then off to the store Craig went.
Craig returned with multiple sacks of groceries, and the kitchen became a beehive of activity. He browned hamburger meat and chicken, chopped and sautéed vegetables, and boiled pasta. He and Janet even baked two delicious chocolate “Texas Sheet Cakes!” In short, Craig created meals to sustain us for the next several days. Along with dishes generously provided by friends of my mother, we ate like kings and queens.
The beautiful thig about all of this is that my sister, Greg and I did not have to do a thing. All of our needs were met as we focused on caring for Mother and tending to other important business. We knew that we would be physically fed. But we were “fed” in other ways, also, as people reached out to provide for all of our needs as best they could. We were encouraged, nurtured, and prayed over. Cards, flowers, phone calls and countless electronic messages reminded us to “hang in there”…”get some rest”…and “be sure to remember to breathe.” All that we needed in that moment was provided.
There is a wonderful old hymn, “Great is Thy Faithfulness” – written in 1925 by Thomas Chisholm. One line of the chorus says…”All I have needed, Thy hand hath provided.” Truly, God provides all that we need, in every circumstance. God provided for our needs in ways I cannot even describe in the last two months…and I know that He will continue to do so. His command to us is to go…to do… to represent Him as good stewards of all that His hand hath provided…to “feed His sheep” in every sense of the word.
Look around…who needs you? Where do you need to use what God has provided to “prosper and reproduce?” This is about more than creating future generations. God wants us to be good stewards of ALL of His gifts…and to multiply His kingdom by sharing His love, grace, kindness and mercy with others so that they want to belong to Him, also. What opportunities lie before you to accomplish this goal with whatever means God has equipped you?
Isn’t it time we got busy fulfilling the commands of Genesis 1? How will you feed the sheep of Jesus? When and where will you “prosper and reproduce” in His name? Don’t you think it’s time to decide?
©2016 Debbie Robus
God created human beings; he created them godlike, Reflecting God’s nature.He created them male and female. God blessed them: “Prosper! Reproduce! Fill Earth! Take charge! Be responsible for fish in the sea and birds in the air, for every living thing that moves on the face of Earth.”
Then God said, “I’ve given you every sort of seed-bearing plant on Earth and every kind of fruit-bearing tree, given them to you for food. To all animals and all birds, everything that moves and breathes, I give whatever grows out of the ground for food.” And there it was.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
When my mother was placed on Hospice and returned back to her house, two of her husband’s daughters (who both live in Tennessee) – Janet and Suzanne - came to help with her care. Both women are nurses, and their expertise was greatly appreciated. Janet’s husband, Craig, accompanied her…as well as their daughter, Sara, who was still on winter break from college. Almost upon their arrival, Janet and Craig sat down and made a menu plan. Then off to the store Craig went.
Craig returned with multiple sacks of groceries, and the kitchen became a beehive of activity. He browned hamburger meat and chicken, chopped and sautéed vegetables, and boiled pasta. He and Janet even baked two delicious chocolate “Texas Sheet Cakes!” In short, Craig created meals to sustain us for the next several days. Along with dishes generously provided by friends of my mother, we ate like kings and queens.
The beautiful thig about all of this is that my sister, Greg and I did not have to do a thing. All of our needs were met as we focused on caring for Mother and tending to other important business. We knew that we would be physically fed. But we were “fed” in other ways, also, as people reached out to provide for all of our needs as best they could. We were encouraged, nurtured, and prayed over. Cards, flowers, phone calls and countless electronic messages reminded us to “hang in there”…”get some rest”…and “be sure to remember to breathe.” All that we needed in that moment was provided.
There is a wonderful old hymn, “Great is Thy Faithfulness” – written in 1925 by Thomas Chisholm. One line of the chorus says…”All I have needed, Thy hand hath provided.” Truly, God provides all that we need, in every circumstance. God provided for our needs in ways I cannot even describe in the last two months…and I know that He will continue to do so. His command to us is to go…to do… to represent Him as good stewards of all that His hand hath provided…to “feed His sheep” in every sense of the word.
Look around…who needs you? Where do you need to use what God has provided to “prosper and reproduce?” This is about more than creating future generations. God wants us to be good stewards of ALL of His gifts…and to multiply His kingdom by sharing His love, grace, kindness and mercy with others so that they want to belong to Him, also. What opportunities lie before you to accomplish this goal with whatever means God has equipped you?
Isn’t it time we got busy fulfilling the commands of Genesis 1? How will you feed the sheep of Jesus? When and where will you “prosper and reproduce” in His name? Don’t you think it’s time to decide?
©2016 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 18, 2015
Proverbs 12:16
A fool is quick-tempered; a wise man stays cool when insulted.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of TyndalePublishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Recently, a 2016 Presidential candidate commented to the media that another candidate could not be elected…because of her face. He quickly began to backpedal and say that he wasn’t actually referring to her physical appearance…but rather, he was referencing her persona. It’s hard to imagine that anybody bought his excuses. But rather than throw stones in his direction, this woman did something that was rather extraordinary – especially in an age when mud-slinging has risen to an all-time high! This candidate put out an ad that features dozens of women who represent the “face” of America today.
In a televised political debate, the woman was asked how she felt about the comments made against her, and she firmly stated…”I think women very clearly heard what [he] said.”
I have deliberately not named either candidate. This is not really about either of them. And I will say that I have heard this woman hurl insults at other candidates…though not to the degree of the one delivered in her direction. But we would do well to look at her very public reaction to what had to be a hurtful affront. It is human nature to want to retort…to strike back and wound the person who has offended us. And the question we have to ask ourselves is, “Would Jesus do this? Would He approve of such a response?”
We have the perfect example in Jesus of someone who did not retaliate…and let me remind you that He had more than enough reasons to do so! There are times to speak up…to stand up for your convictions and set the record straight. But there are ways to do this…to prayerfully and carefully respond with dignity befitting a Disciple of Christ. And honestly, there are times when it’s best to simply back away and let the insult lie. As in the case I have shared…the ugliness of the comments spoke for itself. No retort was really necessary – certainly not a negative or hateful one.
I’ll be the first to say that this is challenging territory. Our human instinct is to repay “an eye for an eye.” But we are also told in this scripture passage to hold our tongue. In Matthew 5:28-30, we are reminded to “turn the other cheek”…and this is exactly what Jesus did. So how can we justify any other response?
©2015 Debbie Robus
A fool is quick-tempered; a wise man stays cool when insulted.
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of TyndalePublishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Recently, a 2016 Presidential candidate commented to the media that another candidate could not be elected…because of her face. He quickly began to backpedal and say that he wasn’t actually referring to her physical appearance…but rather, he was referencing her persona. It’s hard to imagine that anybody bought his excuses. But rather than throw stones in his direction, this woman did something that was rather extraordinary – especially in an age when mud-slinging has risen to an all-time high! This candidate put out an ad that features dozens of women who represent the “face” of America today.
In a televised political debate, the woman was asked how she felt about the comments made against her, and she firmly stated…”I think women very clearly heard what [he] said.”
I have deliberately not named either candidate. This is not really about either of them. And I will say that I have heard this woman hurl insults at other candidates…though not to the degree of the one delivered in her direction. But we would do well to look at her very public reaction to what had to be a hurtful affront. It is human nature to want to retort…to strike back and wound the person who has offended us. And the question we have to ask ourselves is, “Would Jesus do this? Would He approve of such a response?”
We have the perfect example in Jesus of someone who did not retaliate…and let me remind you that He had more than enough reasons to do so! There are times to speak up…to stand up for your convictions and set the record straight. But there are ways to do this…to prayerfully and carefully respond with dignity befitting a Disciple of Christ. And honestly, there are times when it’s best to simply back away and let the insult lie. As in the case I have shared…the ugliness of the comments spoke for itself. No retort was really necessary – certainly not a negative or hateful one.
I’ll be the first to say that this is challenging territory. Our human instinct is to repay “an eye for an eye.” But we are also told in this scripture passage to hold our tongue. In Matthew 5:28-30, we are reminded to “turn the other cheek”…and this is exactly what Jesus did. So how can we justify any other response?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for June 29, 2015
Proverbs 11:2
Too much pride can put you to shame. It’s wiser to be humble.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A candidate for the 2016 Presidential election has declared that the Pope should refrain from offering an opinion on global warming. He is said to have told a reporter…“The church has gotten it wrong a few times on science. We probably are better off leaving science to the scientists, and focusing on what we’re really good at, which is theology and morality.” Apparently this candidate missed the fact that the Pope received a “Chemical Technician’s Diploma from Escuela Técnica Industrial N° 27 Hipólito Yrigoyen…and once worked at more than one laboratory performing chemical testing.
Open mouth – insert foot. We do it all the time. But as Christians who genuinely desire to represent Jesus – and serve Him well – we ought to be paying closer attention to our words, actions and deeds. Before we criticize anyone else – about anything – we ought to check our facts – and check with God to ask Him which of His purposes our judgment of others will serve. I’m talking about how we characterize and/or criticize everyone from our neighbors and the cashier at your local grocery store or restaurant…to the workers who collect your garbage each week or work in some other “service” position…to our political and religious leaders (including the President of the United States – and even the Pope)…and all of those in between. As the old rhetorical question goes…”Who died and made you king?”
Let’s get something straight…none of us knows what is in another person’s heart. And quite frankly, we have no clue what goes on in another person’s daily living, for the most part. The person you dare to judge or disparage may have challenges and heartaches that you could never imagine. He/she may have knees so raw from kneeling in prayer and spending time with God that it’s hard to walk across the floor. Were we to stand side-by-side before God with this person and hear our good deeds – and our sins – listed…we might have to hang our heads in shame by comparison.
Too many of us make snap judgments – and harsh ones. We SAY that we are Christians and then proceed to elevate ourselves to almost God-like status…and judge everyone who is “beneath” us. And by that, I mean anyone who doesn’t view every aspect of life exactly as we do and act accordingly. Let me assure you…God is not impressed by this. In fact, He is downright brokenhearted.
We had better learn to stop puffing our chests out in pride at how devout and faithful we are, and humbly serve God by loving one another – each and every one! We’d better get our facts straight and not accuse others of something in which we aren’t fully versed. And we had better start learning how to get along…with everybody.
I do not mean to sound angry – or to be critical and become “one of those people” in the process. But I am disheartened at the number of so-called Christians who have created an atmosphere of “us vs. them” and set themselves up as superior to others. I am saddened by the condescension and hate…and I am truly sickened to think about the inroads that this gives to the devil. What unbeliever could possibly want to become a Christian when he/she sees how so many of us behave toward each other?
We can’t have it both ways. We cannot be prideful and truly represent Jesus Christ as His disciple. Who do you think you are? How are you representing Jesus to others…with an arrogant, condescending attitude…or as His humble servant who extends His love in every direction? How you answer this matters – greatly. God wants foot soldiers for His army…not another Commander-in-Chief. Which one are you trying to be?
©2015 Debbie Robus
Too much pride can put you to shame. It’s wiser to be humble.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
A candidate for the 2016 Presidential election has declared that the Pope should refrain from offering an opinion on global warming. He is said to have told a reporter…“The church has gotten it wrong a few times on science. We probably are better off leaving science to the scientists, and focusing on what we’re really good at, which is theology and morality.” Apparently this candidate missed the fact that the Pope received a “Chemical Technician’s Diploma from Escuela Técnica Industrial N° 27 Hipólito Yrigoyen…and once worked at more than one laboratory performing chemical testing.
Open mouth – insert foot. We do it all the time. But as Christians who genuinely desire to represent Jesus – and serve Him well – we ought to be paying closer attention to our words, actions and deeds. Before we criticize anyone else – about anything – we ought to check our facts – and check with God to ask Him which of His purposes our judgment of others will serve. I’m talking about how we characterize and/or criticize everyone from our neighbors and the cashier at your local grocery store or restaurant…to the workers who collect your garbage each week or work in some other “service” position…to our political and religious leaders (including the President of the United States – and even the Pope)…and all of those in between. As the old rhetorical question goes…”Who died and made you king?”
Let’s get something straight…none of us knows what is in another person’s heart. And quite frankly, we have no clue what goes on in another person’s daily living, for the most part. The person you dare to judge or disparage may have challenges and heartaches that you could never imagine. He/she may have knees so raw from kneeling in prayer and spending time with God that it’s hard to walk across the floor. Were we to stand side-by-side before God with this person and hear our good deeds – and our sins – listed…we might have to hang our heads in shame by comparison.
Too many of us make snap judgments – and harsh ones. We SAY that we are Christians and then proceed to elevate ourselves to almost God-like status…and judge everyone who is “beneath” us. And by that, I mean anyone who doesn’t view every aspect of life exactly as we do and act accordingly. Let me assure you…God is not impressed by this. In fact, He is downright brokenhearted.
We had better learn to stop puffing our chests out in pride at how devout and faithful we are, and humbly serve God by loving one another – each and every one! We’d better get our facts straight and not accuse others of something in which we aren’t fully versed. And we had better start learning how to get along…with everybody.
I do not mean to sound angry – or to be critical and become “one of those people” in the process. But I am disheartened at the number of so-called Christians who have created an atmosphere of “us vs. them” and set themselves up as superior to others. I am saddened by the condescension and hate…and I am truly sickened to think about the inroads that this gives to the devil. What unbeliever could possibly want to become a Christian when he/she sees how so many of us behave toward each other?
We can’t have it both ways. We cannot be prideful and truly represent Jesus Christ as His disciple. Who do you think you are? How are you representing Jesus to others…with an arrogant, condescending attitude…or as His humble servant who extends His love in every direction? How you answer this matters – greatly. God wants foot soldiers for His army…not another Commander-in-Chief. Which one are you trying to be?
©2015 Debbie Robus
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