Read Galatians 6:1–10 Adapted from 3 Questions by Rod Loy Several years ago on a Friday afternoon, as I golfed with a friend my cell phone rang. I didn’t get it out in time to answer it, so I listened to the message. It was a man who had left the church and I considered him a troublemaker. My friend and I both heard the message: “Pastor Rod, I need to talk to you today. God has been dealing with me. Please call me.” I put the phone back in my bag, took out the driver and began taking some practice swings. My friend asked, “What’s wrong Rod?” I shrugged, “The call was from a guy who has been a big hassle to me. He and his family left the church. He wants me to call him back. I paused for a second, and then I announced “You know, we’re a lot better off with him gone. I don’t even want to return his call.” Tension built, finally with more than a tinge of sarcasm my friend said, “Rod, that’s a great attitude for a pastor . . . Maybe instead of thinking about his hole, you should ask God to fix your attitude. My friend took a risk to confront me that afternoon. The apostle Paul said others need to take that risk for their friends, too. Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves or you also may be tempted” (Galatians 6:1). God caught King David in lots of sins and sent the prophet Nathan on a dangerous mission. Nathan had to confront David. Nathan also told David about the severe consequences of his sin. He described in detail the pain David would suffer but David didn’t come unglued and try to harm the prophet for delivering God’s message. He simply confessed his sin, and God graciously forgave him. We may not have “prophet” written on our business cards, but God wants all of us to follow Nathan’s example to gently and boldly correct people who have wandered off base.
Posted on: Sat, 27 Jul 2013 09:58:17 +0000
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