(Love) Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth 1 Corinthians 13:6 When we are careless or complacent in our spiritual walk, Satan cunningly finds a crack in the door and invades our lives with destructive thoughts, attitudes, and finally the act which is devastating. Paul admonishes, Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:10-12). How do you react when sin is committed by someone you know? So often we respond in judgment, in criticism, in scorn rather than with compassion, understanding, and grace. A fall or failure should be a time of driving us to our knees in prayer and intercession for the fallen person with a heart of compassion. Jesus said, Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. (Matthew 7:1-2). How quick we are to see evil and sin in others, when often we are guilty of the same or some other sin in our own lives. Jesus said, Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brothers eye. (Matthew 7:5). We dont realize our own vulnerability to sin and Satan. Wherefore let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he fall (1 Corinthians 10:12). Let us be very careful to search our own hearts so we may walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God (Colossians 1:10). What was your reaction when some of the evangelical leaders fell into sin? I mention these because they were in the forefront of society and the news as representatives of Jesus Christ. They should represent the standard for godly living God has set forth in His Word. Do we take some strange pleasure in their downfall, as if we place ourselves above such evil, incapable of committing the same thing? God forbid! When someone falls, especially a rival, or one who we regard as superior, are we quick to judge that person and criticize their mistake? Evil, whatever label it wears--jealousy, envy, an unforgiving spirit, hate, anger--is an abomination to God. Paul says we should mortify the deeds of the flesh (put them to death...give no place to them in our lives). Godly love does not take pleasure in seeing these sins in others! We should be driven to prayer, lifting the fallen one before the Throne of Grace, that there might be repentance and reconciliation to God, and restoration to man! James says, Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. (James 1:19-21). Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139:23-24). Let godly love rule in our hearts!
Posted on: Sat, 19 Oct 2013 02:04:18 +0000
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