Lost In the Prairies.....Found by God

These last few months I have been witness to some serious stone throwing.   I have seen and read things that make me laugh, get upset, roll my eyes, become defensive and get angry over. It's something that I believe most of us, including me, are guilty of - judging our sisters in Christ.

While reading "Get Out of the Pit" by Beth Moore, she talks about being called out because she purchased flavoured creamer and someone believed that she was "spiking" the coffee.

What is going on?  When did we all go back to Junior High?  Is there a book for the Old Queen Bees and Yesterday's Wannabees?  Is there going to be a Housewives of the Blogosphere?

Now before you all get upset, I'm pulling the "plank" out of my eye right now. I admit it. I'm as guilty as the next person. I judged a fellow blogger who changed her blog's direction to something I disagreed with. I judged a fellow believer for not volunteering in church when we are struggling to get volunteers. I judged ....while I'm sure you're aware of where this going.

God Commands each of us not to judge others:

There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor? (James 4:12 NIV)

Take it from me, when you judge others, it opens up the floodgates.  Not just in regards to you being judged, but all the other sins that come with it - envy, anger, unforgiveness, coveting......  I have to ask myself - WHY?  What do I get out of it?  What are my reasons?  Is it worth it?  It all starts with a lie that Satan tells us.  It's never done in the light, bur always in the dark behind others backs.  Sometimes it even starts with:  "Not that I'm judging, but...."  Really, what else do you call it?

Chew on this for minute:  It's a reflection of our own hearts. 

For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. (Matthew 12:34b NIV)

That's right - What we say is a reflection of our own pain, insecurities and failures. 

God calls us to be united in Christ.  He speaks about us being 1 body in 1 Corinthians 12:  12-27.  We are each a part arranged exactly where we are needed to be.  In fact, each of us needs the other.  If one of us falls, we all fall.  If one of us takes a stand in support of another, we all stand strong and unbreakable.

I urge us all to humble ourselves and support, lift up, encourage, and always speak God's truth and love to each other.  We represent God to a broken and unbelieving world.  We are all His representatives.  I take a stand now to turn from the juvenile and immature ways that give me a false sense of self and to start being the grown up and take responsibility for my actions.  Are you joining me?