|
In this world that we're living in, people are quick to judge others based
upon how they look more than what their character consists of. God knows
and keeps in mind how we look at others because the Bible declares in
1 Samuel 16:7, "…The LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the
outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." As children of God
and representatives of Christ, we are to love all who we come into contact
with and never allow pride or arrogance to keep us from showing the love of
Christ. I pray that each of us continues in this life with a humble heart
because the Bible says God resists the proud, but He gives grace to the
humble. (Proverbs 11:2) (Proverbs 29:23) (1 Peter 5:5-6)
I have been thinking about the love that we are to bestow towards others
and I felt the Lord leading me to send a story that is relative to this
subject. I hope this message ministers to your heart to always be kind
and compassionate towards others because the love that you show may be
enough to encourage and bless that one who is feeling low.
THE CHURCH VISITOR
It was a beautiful Sunday morning. People were filling the church to its
fullest capacity! As they entered, each were given a bulletin filled with
announcements, topic of today's sermon, what songs they would sing and who
to pray for.
At the end of the line stood an older man. His clothes were filthy and you
could tell that he had not bathed in days. His face was covered in whiskers
where he had not shaved for a very long time. When he reached the usher, he
removed his tattered old brown hat in respect. His hair was a long, dirty,
tangled mess. He had no shoes on his feet, and wore only soiled, black socks.
The usher put his fingers to his nose and glared at the old man and said,
"Uh, I'm sorry sir, but I'm afraid we can't let you in. You will distract
the congregation and we don't allow anyone to disrupt our service. I'm
afraid you'll have to leave."
The old man looked down at himself and with a puzzled look on his face, he
placed his old brown hat back upon his head and turned to leave. He was
sad as he loved to hear the choir sing praises to the Lord. He loved to
watch the little children get up in front of the church to sing their
little songs. He carried in his pocket a small worn out Bible and loved to
see if the minister preached a passage from the Bible that the old man had
underlined. He was respectful enough and didn't want to cause any
commotion, so he hung down his head and walked back down the steps of the
big brick church.
He sat down on the brick wall near the edge of the church yard and strained
to listen through closed doors and windows to the singing going on in the
church. Oh how he wished he could be inside with all the others.
A few minutes had passed by when all of a sudden a younger man came up
behind him and sat down near him. He asked the old man what he was doing.
He answered, "I was going to go to church today, but they thought I was
filthy and my clothes are old and worn, and they were afraid I would
disrupt their service. Sorry, I didn't introduce myself. My name is George."
The two gentlemen shook hands and George couldn't help but notice that this
man had long hair like his. He wore a piece of cloth draped over his body
tied with a royal purple sash. He had sandals upon his feet, now covered
with dust and dirt. The stranger reached out to touch George's shoulder
and said, "Hello, George, don't feel bad because they won't let you in. My
name is Jesus, and I've been trying to get into this same church for years,
and they won't let me in either."
Author Unknown
Let us never make the mistake of being judgmental. The Bible says that
all have sinned and come short of the glory of God and when we have a
holier than thou attitude, we are placing ourselves in a position that is
higher than God's authority. (Luke 6:37) (Romans 3:23) (James 4:10-12)
I encourage you to be loving towards those that are not as fortunate as
you are. Always have the mind of Christ who welcomed and touched all who
came to Him in need. Never allow the enemy to instill pride in your heart,
but rather be humble towards others and lovingly show that you care and
desire to be helpful. Your reward will be great in this life and the new
life to come in Eternity. (Romans 12:16-21) (Matthew 8:16) (Luke 6:35-36)
Read and meditate on these scriptures:
Matthew 5:5-9 Jesus declares "Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit
the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For
they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain
mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God. Blessed are
the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God."
James 4:10-12 "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will
lift you up. Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil
of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the
law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge.
There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to
judge another?"
Romans 12:15-18 "Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who
weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high
things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.
Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of
all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with
all men."
All scriptures can be found in the New King James Version Bible.
Today's Selected Poem: HE GATHERS EVERY TEAR
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/enpoem98.htm
Today's Selected Testimony: THE SPARROW
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony56.htm
In Christ's Service,
Dwayne Savaya
Gods Work Ministry |
