For most of my adult life, I’ve wanted to help others come to Christ. Though,
I’ve often been focused on changing what was wrong in others rather than living
my life based on Christ’s teaching and loving others into following my example.
As I write this last column for 2012 and look forward to 2013, I’d like to
discuss how I’ve been able to be more loving and smile and pay attention to
what’s right rather than what’s wrong.
Because the world is so wicked and
most people in it flounder without direction, it’s tempting to justify not being
as good as I can. After all, I’m living a much better life than a majority of
those around me (or so I think).
The Bible says,“Woe unto them that turn
aside the just for a thing of naught.” As I watch the news and listen to the
pundits spinning, spinning, ever spinning, I realize that Satan has successfully
blinded the eyes of so many, including me.
The books of Ephesians and
Philippians talk about being swallowed up in service to God and shunning
materialism. “Whose end is destruction (speaking of the enemies of Christ),
whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly
things.” (Philippians 3:19) All around me, I see those who “mind earthly things”
and whose God is their belly. I can hardly bear to watch TV when the ads that
come on are so far removed from what is good and full of light.
Tobacco
products were banned from advertising decades ago but beer and hard liquor show
seductive, dark images cavorting in hedonistic pleasure or athletic men and
gorgeous girls enjoying beer with good friends. The dangers of smoking pale
against the agony inflicted by alcohol on families and communities. I can’t help
but think about the two wedding receptions that erupted into mob violence from
drunken rages — and weddings are supposed to be happy celebrations!
I’m
self-satisfied too much of the time. Because I don’t use anger to manipulate
others, lie, steal, break my marriage vows or anything that seems to be
associated with such “big” sins, I have a tendency to think I’m OK, that I’m on
the right path and can be content.
I have to remember that Satan
manipulates the truth for his own ends. And “thus he whispereth in their ears,
until he grasps them with his awful chains, from whence there is no
deliverance.”
Sometimes, I’m guilty of seeking to counsel God, rather
than to take counsel from Him. As I’ve learned to swallow my pride and know that
I truly can trust Him, I’ve been strengthened and lifted.
The last two
verses of one of my favorite hymns, “Truth Reflects Upon the Senses,” turned on
a huge light in my heart when I listened to how the author put into words the
power of love and nonjudgmental behavior to change lives. “If I love my brother
dearer / and his mote I would erase, / then the light should shine the clearer,
/ for the eye’s a tender place. / Others I have oft reproved / for an object
like a mote; / now I wish this beam removed; / Oh, that tears would wash it out.
“Charity and love are healing; / these will
give the clearest sight; / when I saw my brother’s failing, I was not exactly
right. / Now I’ll take no further trouble; / Jesus love is all my theme; /
little motes are but a bubble / when I think upon the beam.”
I must cease relying on my own intelligence. I
must “look up and take his hand” and he will lead me to peace.
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