Do you get upset with people that don’t act as you think they should? I think we all do at times. But, can we hold them to the same guidelines that we ourselves have adopted? What if they are not Christians…can we expect them to act according to Biblical principles?
Listen to what Jesus said according to the Gospel of Luke…
That servant who knows his master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows. 48. But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. Luke 12:47-48 (NIV)
Those that don’t know how they are supposed to act will be punished less severely than those of us who claim to be Christians, are supposed to know God’s will and then DO NOT carry out God’s will.
That should scare us a bit. We have quite a responsibility and we have been given everything we need to be faithful to our calling…
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 2 Peter 1:3 (NIV)
So, the next time you are tempted to criticize someone else’s actions make sure you take a long hard look at yourself first. How is your response to them? Are you being loving to them? Are you acting toward them the way Jesus would want you to?
Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4 “Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and behold, the log is in your own eye? 5 “You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye. Matthew 7:3-5 (NASB)
Remember, only God knows the heart…yours and theirs.
SEEK FIRST THE
