An unofficial blog...
6/30/08
How do you react when you meet a fellow human being who says she's got it all figured out?
Some people may be impressed and think "Wow. That's amazing. I'd like to emulate her." Some may ask questions and seek to understand the path, so that they can have it all figured out. Some may react in a positive way, but let me tell you, in the face of such a declaration, I am not some. I tend to roll my eyes, say a prayer that the sin of pride might be banished from her life, and go on my merry way. (I hope someone will call me on the obvious fact that my own pride is the root of this reaction, but let's save that discussion for another day.) I tend to think that no one has it all figured out, and anyone who would claim to is much farther from Truth than the rest of us.
I'm afraid this kind of thinking is pretty rampant in the world in which I live. I believe what is right for me, and you believe what is right for you. As long as we don't step on each other's toes, we'll get along fine. Seems like the formula for a pretty peaceful existence, doesn't it?
The problem comes in when I remember what I believe. I am a Christian, a follower of Christ. As such, I do believe I have found the way, the truth, and the life in my Savior, Jesus. There are problems in the world and I know that Jesus is the answer. I've got it all figured out.
But wait, I don't want to be that girl! On the other hand, I have the words of Jesus from Mark 8:38, "If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels."
Here is where we must live in the tension. Jesus was never reluctant to speak truth, even when the potential for an unfavorable reaction was great. I must also be bold to speak the truth of what I believe. The kicker (and the difference between a Christian speaker of truth and a self important speaker of arrogance) is this: Jesus spoke the truth in love.
When you find yourself in a spiritual argument, may you love before you speak, and may I do the same.
God bless,
Michelle Patton
Please email comments or questions to music@leawoodbaptist.com.
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