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"I've come to realize our perspective needs lifting to God's level." |
WE ARE TOLD to not despise small beginnings (Zechariah 4:10), yet there are those seated in a large place given a lot of flak by those in the church. Singer Brandon Lake comes to mind and certain well-known pastors. Minister Bill Johnson sets an amazing example in how he prays for his enemies. He speaks blessings over their families and finances. I have heard and seen many others take offense instead and even speak belligerently. This is not Jesus. He is gentle and kind, if particular.
Once more, I urge you to read Matthew 5, Romans 14, and Ephesians 4 in a modern translation. Read them together.
Jesus said our new commandment, which is greater than any other, is to love one another (John 13:34). He did not specify loving only those who love us but made the point to say we are to pray for and do good to our enemies (Matthew 5:44). I’ve come to realize our perspective needs lifting to God’s level. We speak frustration over them and wish them out of the way. But when Jesus gets a hold of them, they will not be who they are right now. Won’t that be marvelous?
When Jesus gets hold of us, we won’t be the same either.
There’s that Chinese gang member again. God healed him of dyslexia and then, well-able to read, he went on to graduate from business school. He’s a successful businessman now and an outspoken testimony of God’s miracle power.
There is also the apostle Paul. A well-educated man, steeped in religion, after salvation, he called all he was and all he knew so much dung (Philippians 3:8). In his epistles, he went on to write of the love of God, that it is patient and kind, and of having moderation or modesty (Philippians 4:5). He speaks of the spread of the gospel while he was in prison and how many Romans were saved through his time there. He greets each church he’s written with blessings. And these were those he wished crucified before Jesus changed him.
“Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord. Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.” (Romans 16:8-9 KJV)
“But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;” (Philippians 1:12 KJV)
Paul also said, of choosing deacons in the church, that their home life showing God’s goodness was a prerequisite of their being given larger responsibilities. In short, if they couldn’t love their family correctly then they would not handle church members well either (1 Timothy 3:4-5). Their small beginnings were pictures of bigger things. Our jealousy plays into this in a large way. Is it that that one on the world or national stage is actually greedy and arrogant or that jealousy in your heart has shaded your vision? Because only God truly knows the heart, so it is our responsibility to walk humbly and hold our mouth shut. As my mother said when we were young, “If you can’t say anything nice, say nothing at all.” She, of course, did not write this proverb but how true it is.
I am grieved by ugliness from the church toward our family members. I am grieved because the Spirit has laid it upon me. Here is His point-of-view, His heart. His heart is always at the center of what I speak or write. He is the God whose love sent Jesus to save the world. He is pictured as sensitive. We take that, too, in the negative, but instead, it is positive. He knows all the nuances, all the tiny pieces and how to put them where they go. He can repair relationships, cleanse our thoughts of hatred and settle our minds in His peace. He can strengthen us to be more patient and less judgmental. He heals memories. He healed mine. And gave me a view of what He desires the most. It surprised me, then I realized He'd been working it in me for a long time. I hold no judgment over anyone. I call no names and make no accusations. This is Him. He’s asking of us a greater effort in having His perspective and not labeling ours His. He’s asking us to truly KNOW HIM. I can tell you most do not. He shoulders all our incorrect views, what we decide about God in history, God in Israel, God in the church, without saying a word. We describe Him as a dove, as a cloud, as a fire, using the “glory of the Lord” as a figure of our place in the kingdom of God. When, the truth is, He’s so grand, so wide, and mighty, and we’re so small. We must be infinitely grateful that such a good God would take us in and give us everything.
I shouldn’t have had to refocus the image of God handed to me by the church. Toss parts of it out even. And wonder still how we designed Him that way. He’s so much gentler, more understanding, and They – Father, Son, and Spirit – unity like we do not understand. One voice of three personalities, remarkably similar, and without any judgment toward us at all. It isn’t judgment that draws men to salvation but kindness. They set our example. We must desire it, then seeing it, lay down our arms and walk free.
“Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance?” (Romans 2:4 BSB)
Image by nini kvaratskhelia from Pixabay
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Suzanne D. Williams, Author
www.suzannedwilliams.com
www.feelgoodromance.com
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