HILLSIDE HELPS: “Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord. Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens.” (Lamentations 3:40-41) Finding fault is easy, that is, unless we are talking about our own faults. It is human nature to maximize the sins of others, while at the same time minimizing our own sins. If honest, we must confess that, in our own mind, we think we have twenty-twenty vision when it comes to identifying and pointing out the failures of someone else, while at the same time ignoring our own failures. This condescending pointing of the finger and playing the blame game should not continue in the life of a true Christian. Remember, “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.” (Lam. 3:22). One would think that those who have been snatched from the fire and set free would ever walk humbly showing the compassion they were shown of God. Unfortunately, the fallen nature of Adam is very much alive in both those not redeemed and those redeemed. God’s Word is clear, “Let US search and try OUR ways.” (vs. 40) Why, this would be too personal and painful wouldn’t it. To stand back and observe the sins of others and condemn the sin and the sinner is much easier than the painful process of examining one’s own private and secret sins. The HOLIER THAN THOU CROWD, of Jesus day appeared holy to some degree, but Jesus compared them to whitewashed tomb stones that were clean on the outside, but full of rottenness on the inside. Only God can see all the way through us. No evangelist, pastor, doctor, or psychiatrist has that power and ability. The world and the church would be better off if “so called saints” would leave the judging up to God. This way, more time could be spent “examining one’s own heart and life”. The prayer and preparation to overcome a judgmental attitude includes a prayer, “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) The very personal pronoun is used six times in two short verses. That alone should convince us that we should focus on “My” sins and wickedness, rather than that of others. Today I encourage you to take a close look into the scriptures in order to compare your life to the holiness of God rather than comparing your level of ungodliness to the ungodliness of others. Pray that the Holy Spirit would shine the Light deep into the secret chambers of your heart and make known every “secret” sin. Invite the Lord to examine you and show you sin. He will, and when He does, turn from that sin in repentance. Then, “Let us all lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens.” (vs.41) (Bro. Jerry) PLEASE SHARE
Posted on: Wed, 21 Aug 2013 09:51:08 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015