Have you ever heard any of the following statements:
Don't judge a book by its cover.
Intel Inside
What's in your wallet?
Ok, so the last two are commercial ads. The point is what do you do when you meet someone new? Do you judge them by their appearance? the way they look, smell, dress, or speak?
We've been searching for a new church and consequently we've had the opportunity to meet many new people. How have we judged them?
According to God's Word, we are only supposed to look at the heart.
Joh 7:24 Don't judge by appearances. Judge by what is right.
I've decided to try and be careful as I meet these new people. I've asked the Lord to let me see only the good in them. This is difficult because we don't really know them, and whether someone is good or not is a heart matter. But God has been good enough to help me not judge them based on appearances. I want to see them the way God does. With loving eyes, not harsh eyes.
Here's another one:
The truth is in the pudding. (Where did this one come from?)
Anyhow, once we get to know someone, then we can make a true judgement and determine if they are exhibiting the fruits of the spirit - or not. Until then they will be:
Innocent until proven guilty.
My Family
The Thompson's 2009
Member of the Christian Writer's Guild
Use the code below to place on your sidebar. Need Help? Click Here
Writing Tip of the Day
Add this to your site |
- Sonya Lee Thompson
- Virginia, United States
- Sonya Lee Thompson is an inspirational writer who draws from her own life experiences as a wife, friend, Bible study facilitator, and mother of six children. She is also the founder and administrator of Titus 2 In Action.
Subscribe To
Posts
Comments
Facebook Badge
Titus 2 In Action
6 comments:
Amen! We, of course, have been going through the same thing. I love how you & I were laughing a few weeks ago over this and now you are experiencing. May we both look through Jesus' eyes.
And the "proof is in the pudding" is a shortening version of a saying this is really put "the proof of the pudding is in the eating." It means you should judge thing by the results, not just the looks. (I googled it!)
Churches ARE people, but, you're right--you can't make your decision to go to if you judge everyone.
The Holy Spirit's discerning nature is where we have to put our full focus. Only He knows how we will fit into a certain branch of God's Church. It doesn't mean once we're established that we'll necessarily get along with everyone there.
It's that "Love one another" commandment once again. And we all need to continually seek the Spirit's help so we can do what the Word asks or requires of us.
That still small voice speaks volumes. Hang in there!
Its the right thing to do but sometimes it is hard!
Especially when people (by looks only) remind you of someone who has hurt you in the past.
My husband is in the interview process with a church as pastor. When he was a Youth minister we were hurt by a church. I have caught myself asking..."She looks a little like "XXXX", so is she like her too?"
God convicted me of this and now my question is..."How can I minister to her today?" See the question isn't about how she will treat me but how will I treat her because truthfully that is all I can control.
Thanks so much for great thought provoking and Jesus glorifying post!
Pamela R.
Trying to find a new church home is a very hard thing to do. It took us years to find a new church after we moved, but when we did, we knew it the first time we walked in the door it was "our place". Now my son has been dating the pastor's daughter for almost 3 years and we are totally involved in ministry there! It is great and has truly become our family.
God has taught me over the years to just look at people the way I want them to look at me. I now see them as human beings and give them room to be less than perfect. That has helped me tremendously in my relationships.
I will be praying God will lead you to the place for you to call your church home.
Love ya,
Starr
That's what I've been saying all along. :)
Great post!
I have a hard time putting my flesh aside when it comes to "judging a book by it's cover". However, I know Jesus never looked at people the way, I'm ashamed to say, I have. This has giving something new to think about. I guess it just boils down to living like Jesus. If only, that wasn't so hard. :) I'll say a prayer for you church hunt!
Post a Comment