Being someone of relatively strong opinions (dont start laughing now Charles), and an often firm mindset (stop snickering Charles)...it is too easy for me to be harsh when dealing with people that irritate me. Say, if were almost run into on the highway, and I mutter, Idiot needs to watch where he is going. That sort of thing. I do it too often. For I was reminded, in a moment of prayer and contemplation just now, that when I am harsh in my language against other people, it is an affront to my faith, and far worse, to God. For each person I encounter, see on tv, read about, is someone made in the image of God, and fashioned by Him. For His purposes, by His Hand, and in His Wisdom. So when I denigrate them with a name, or snarky humor, I am putting down the handiwork of God. Who am I to do that? That doesnt mean that I dont have the right to call actions into question; That guy is driving dangerously, That political action is horrid, That wretched crime is awful,....but for every action I call into judgement, I need to be spending an equal or greater share of time praying for the individual Im singling out. I need to spend more time seeing each person as intrinsically valuable, whether I agree with them or not, because God sees them as valuable. Because they have worth for simply being. Their actions may be wrong, but in many times, my actions have been wrong. They may show bad judgement, but I have too. And as God has forgiven me, lavished love and grace on me, showered me with mercy and kindness, so I need to do such to others. God has been working on me (I fear it is going to be a very long process for Him, as I am quite flawed)....I used to bristle and mutter when I would see obviously racist propaganda around. I remember muttering to Charles about it one night, and my good husband said quietly to me, Isnt that the person we are supposed to work on the most, and show Gods love to the most? That stuck in my mind, and I began praying and praying and praying some more on this, as it is quite a large pet peeve with me. And God changed my heart, at least somewhat...(remember, Hes still working on me)....now when I see such horrid racist materials, instead of ranting, I pray, God, will you please reconcile him to his neighbors. Thats all I can pray at this point, because my heart still isnt good enough to pray for more...but it is a start. Lord, let me not mutter idle demeaning words of others. Let me not put them down as a person, no matter what I think of their actions; let me be able to separate the two from each other. Instead, Lord, let me be able to see each person as having great worth because they are fashioned by You, and loved by You. Let me see them with Your eyes, and love them with Your love. Guard my tongue, and my typing fingers, so that I do not make fun of, slander or belittle Your creations, but instead only try to edify, encourage, love, lift up and educate. In the Name of Him who loved us first, Amen. And Charles...Im counting on you to help me remember this, and to live by it! --Beth Haynes Butler
Posted on: Wed, 04 Jun 2014 21:39:17 +0000
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