Tuesday, February 14, 2012

STOP

Stop.

Here's a test.  See if you can pass it.

Imagine you have a great friend.  He is a Christ-follower.  Also imagine that something comes between the two of you.  He does something that is not Christ-follower-like.  It is something you cannot comprehend that even a lost person would do.  It is so heinous it seems you would be justified with practically any response in return.

For awhile you stew on it.  You're kind.  You're nice.  You're gracious to him.  You do every religious and spiritual in-line thing you can think of.  Then new information arises.

You are lied about.  You find your friend no longer believes in you.  Worse yet, the information being shared is completely made up.  You're called a Judas, a cheat, a loser -- all by a person you once considered a friend.

Stop now.

What voice are you listening to at this point?  Is it that little guy inside you who wants to mete out retribution?  Eye for eye, tooth for tooth?  At the very least, that guy wants to set the record straight.  You deserve that.

Stop again.

Walk up to the mountain and look thru the eyes of Jesus now.  Get the heavenly view - the view men in relational crises rarely see about their opponents.  What is that viewpoint?

Stop a third time.  Look closer.

Jesus is not offended by that brother.  You might be, but He is not.  He has not called down plagues on that man.  He has not damned him to hell.  He has not condemned him or decided to wash His hands and be done with him.  He is still kind.  He is still gracious.  He is still working in that man's life.

If that is what Christ is doing, what are you doing in concert with that?  At that dark moment, what are you doing?  Shall you respond less than Christ?  Remember, Christ is all you need and Christ is all you should get.  Nothing more.  What more is there?

Stop.  And see Jesus.

And be blessed.

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