- Jul 26, 2004
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Why is it that the folks who best know us are the least to hear the Word from us? Iit seems like what Jesus said, "A prophet is without honor in his own country?" or in this case, "own household."
Those with whom we are the closest know, without a doubt, that we are not angelic-like beings who emit an aura of intense spirituality. We are who we are in the Lord: not who we once were, and not who we'd like to be, but we're still on the right road.
Especially when my "best friend" who knows me very well sees that I don't quite tiptoe around others in an effort not to offend, but instead am more prone to speak to the wrong that I see. It is a character trait I am well known to exhibit at my place of work as well. For this, I am judged as being less godlike than I should be.
I know a great deal of Word, but if I'm not acting like a doormat for others to walk over, what I know has no value to them, I sense is the situation.
Look at the relationship Paul and Barnabas had. They were in contention with one another so often that they had to split. It's not like they were flowing with loving tolerance for each others opinions and personal stands.
I see often that what folks want from Christians is some kind of ooey gooey "love" that is supposed to be willing to lay down and die for any one and everyone simply because they claim to know the Lord. But, if something is wrong, we shouldn't shy away from addressing it, even if it ruffles a few feathers.
Timeliness is important, I realize, for a word in due season, how sweet it is, we are told. And sometimes we have to wait rather than speak the moment we notice a situation needs addressing, not in a condemning way, but in one that is insightful and discerning. And still, even that approach isn't well received.
Those with whom we are the closest know, without a doubt, that we are not angelic-like beings who emit an aura of intense spirituality. We are who we are in the Lord: not who we once were, and not who we'd like to be, but we're still on the right road.
Especially when my "best friend" who knows me very well sees that I don't quite tiptoe around others in an effort not to offend, but instead am more prone to speak to the wrong that I see. It is a character trait I am well known to exhibit at my place of work as well. For this, I am judged as being less godlike than I should be.
I know a great deal of Word, but if I'm not acting like a doormat for others to walk over, what I know has no value to them, I sense is the situation.
Look at the relationship Paul and Barnabas had. They were in contention with one another so often that they had to split. It's not like they were flowing with loving tolerance for each others opinions and personal stands.
I see often that what folks want from Christians is some kind of ooey gooey "love" that is supposed to be willing to lay down and die for any one and everyone simply because they claim to know the Lord. But, if something is wrong, we shouldn't shy away from addressing it, even if it ruffles a few feathers.
Timeliness is important, I realize, for a word in due season, how sweet it is, we are told. And sometimes we have to wait rather than speak the moment we notice a situation needs addressing, not in a condemning way, but in one that is insightful and discerning. And still, even that approach isn't well received.