journey onWord with us

I am penning these words on a day that has become quite sacred in my life (as you will likely read this on Thursday, consider it your yesterday).  Its calendar date is different every year, but always the same measure of days (46) separate it from the day that it points to.  There are very different observations of the period of Lent.  For some it is a strict period of fasting, with the exception of the six Sundays between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday.  For some it is a period of mild to severe abstinence that draws their heart and orients their life toward repentance.  For me, this sacred calendar date dawns a period of advent to the coming solemn remembrance of Christ’s death and burial, and joyous celebration of His resurrection!

In the middle of the cold and darkness and dormancy of winter, breaks the dawn of anticipation of the warmth and light and life of spring.  In the middle of the death that the darkness of our sin demands, breaks the joyous life that is ours because of the cross and Christ’s victory over the grave!  This is not just a positive prescription for the winter blues, this is the Cure!  It’s the truth that a cold and dark world needs for us to live in front of them.  It is not a hint that resurrection is coming, it’s a reminder that it has already come!

It is not my purpose to invite you, or persuade you to observe Lent.  I desire only to proclaim the advent of His death, burial and resurrection, and echo the words of Paul and the truth that changes our lives …

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,
I Corinthians 15:3-4 (NIV)

“A baby changes everything” is rightly sung during the advent of Christ’s birth.  Let’s sing and shout “He Lives!” as we begin the advent of His death, burial and resurrection.  Let’s proclaim this to others “as of first importance” during this cold, dark period of winter that lies in wait for the bright, brilliant light and life of spring.  He is the Light, He is the Life!

Without a doubt, there is someone in your life that needs to make a commitment to Jesus Christ as his or her personal Savior. There is also no doubt that Jesus is the Way to the Father, only and eternally. But we all struggle with doubt, wondering if that particular person in need of Christ will ever take the ultimate step of faith. We don’t doubt God’s love, or His ability to change a life, we just wonder about that special and specific person …

Ten years ago, one of my work associates was anything but a Christian. It would have been easy to doubt even the hope of that future reality. But in a great way, God changed his life. And I often tell him, one thing you can’t deny is “the testimony of a changed life.” He has been transformed from a worldly and self-centered man, to one who possesses a passionate faith and who is a selfless giver. Was he ever too far gone?! … Not for God!!

On an ugly day of persecution, a great follower of Christ was martyred. His name was Stephen. But there was also a man directly involved in his persecution, that we all have come to admire, and acknowledge as a hero of the faith. Acts 8:1 says, “And Saul was there giving approval to his death.” This is the same Saul who was converted on the Damascus road and became known as the Apostle Paul. Wait a minute! But he was a persecutor of the church of God! Knowing me (and you), if I had lived then and knew Saul, I would have doubted that this man would ever be converted, much less become a voice for Christ – the voice that God specifically chose to carry the gospel beyond the borders of His chosen people. Most would have thought Saul was too far gone … but not God!

Every person reading this post has sung the beloved hymn “Amazing Grace” countless times. But if we had known the author early in his life, there is no doubt that we would have doubted he would become a man of faith. John Newton was a ruthless slave trader, and captained his own ship. It was during a violent storm at sea that he had “a great deliverance.” His life was remarkably changed and generations have benefited from that change. Note the first verse of Amazing Grace.

Amazing Grace! (how sweet the sound)
That sav’d a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now I am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

John Newton knew grace, and knew that God had “sav’d a wretch like me.” Even though we don’t doubt God’s ability, would we have wondered about this man, Newton? I am thankful that God stretched out his arms of grace, and inspired by how this man’s conversion was able to forever touch the world.

So … who do you love that needs the Lord? Have you ever doubted if they would trust the Savior? The personal story of my friend, the biblical account of Paul, and the historical tale of John Newton are evidence of God’s incredible life-changing love. He gave His best, Jesus Christ, as a sacrifice for all of us, and all our sins. The truth is, we are all sinners, wretches if you would, and are only changed by faith in Christ.

So today, if you know Him, give thanks that “you were blind, but now you see.” And don’t doubt that those you love can have their eyes opened too. Pray with faith for that special person, and don’t doubt. I trust and pray that one day, you will smile when that person who was “once lost, is now found.”

But wait … what if you don’t know Him?  What if you have stumbled across this article, or what if you have been a loyal reader and in a moment of complete and pure honesty, you are confronted with the truth that you don’t know Him?  Maybe that special someone you know is actually you!  Praise God … once lost, now found!  We have offered often in the past, and will do it once again … If you have just been found, and want to know more about this Jesus that just found you, contact us.  The full measure of our joy would be in sharing this Jesus with you.  Your yesterday ended at midnight, praise God if your new day has just begun!

When you were young, could you have ever imagined how many twists and turns your life would take?  It seems to me that almost every week can be an adventure.  Many of my (and your) adventures are of my own making, and some may be a test from the Father or a temptation from Satan.  At any rate, I haven’t found life to be just a smooth, easy road.  I do have to tell you about the adventure (of my own making) that happened last Sunday.  Our church was having communion, and the bread stuck to the bottom of the cup.  As a recovering type A personality, I tackled it with gusto and inadvertently spilled the cup of grape juice … onto my pants, the blue chair I was sitting in and the carpet.  A solemn, spiritual event for me became … an adventure.   My reading over the last week has reminded me of the adventuresome journey that the children of Israel experienced upon leaving Egypt.

I must admit that there are times when I look at how the Israelites handled their unusual adventures with a bit of condescending disdain.  How could they see the miraculous way that God delivered them, and still be such complainers?  Reality, however, reminds me of similar attitudes that creep into my mind, and often exit my lips.  They blew it, but so do I (and maybe you do too)!  Along the journey, after miraculously being granted freedom, they responded with a lack of faith.  How quickly they seemed to forget the incredible protection and provision from Almighty God.  Oops — sometimes I forget what God has done in my life and let doubt become my friend.  As you read further, note some statements from The Prayer Experiment, by Jay Dennis that relate to those grumbling Israelites and just maybe, you and I.

Faith measures the size of God; sight is controlled by the size of problems.

What an adventure it was to leave Egypt, and then to quickly be boxed in by the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s army.  How quickly freedom from Egypt lost its allure.  Look at how they responded.  They said to Moses, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die?”  Couldn’t they just trust God?  There I go again! It must be that I never struggle with doubt when encountered by a Red Sea experience. Yeah, right!

Faith is based on what God said; sight is based on how we feel.

Through God’s great power, the sea parted and the children of Israel crossed on dry ground. Wow!  But those rascals did it again. After a trip of three days in the desert with no water, they came to a place with bitter water.  Centuries later, it is easy to see that they should have trusted God, but they grumbled.  God, in His grace, miraculously made the water sweet.  Couldn’t they believe that the One who brought them out of Egypt and took them through the Red Sea would provide?  If I have the audacity to call them rascals, what should I call myself in moments of fear?

Faith focuses on “Who”; sight is limited to “how”.

As they continued to travel, the adventure became difficult because of the lack of food.  They actually compared having all the food they wanted in Egypt to starving in the desert.  It would seem to a spiritually minded, never doubting soul like me that these people needed to wake up and  remember what God had done for them in the past.  If they needed to wake up and remember God’s favor on them … so do I! It is so easy to lose sight of what He has done.

Faith looks to God as the Source; sight trusts in possessions, power and people.

Make no mistake, the children of Israel failed God with their lack of trust. They eventually paid dearly with a long adventure in the wilderness.  And if you and I are honest; we must admit that we too often live by sight and not by faith ourselves.  I wonder what we miss of God’s blessing because of our stubbornness.  I guess I get my point … I need to live with a heart of trust that reflects on God’s power and provision for the Israelites….and for me!  How about you?

We say that expectant mothers have “that glow” about their faces. Some may glow when they are in love. Others buy the manufactured glow of a tanning bed! But one of the most intriguing glowing faces in all of Scripture is that of Moses.

From the time his life was spared as a baby, through the wilderness wandering, to receiving the Ten Commandments on Mt. Sinai, the life of Moses reads like one of the greatest adventures ever written. But it’s the account of Moses and the Glory of God, that gave me the most pause for thought. In Exodus chapter 33, we learn that the relationship Moses has with the Lord is so close, so extraordinary, that God calls him a friend. He knows him by name.

Exodus 33:11 & 17
11  The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend.

17  And the Lord said to Moses, “I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name”

Then, in response to this blessed declaration by God, Moses asks the unthinkable, the    incredible …”Now show me your glory.”

And even more incredibly, God honors his request and protects Moses from the death that would assuredly result from looking directly into His face. The Lord passed by as Moses stood shielded by God’s hand in the cleft of the rock; and he was only allowed to see the back of the Lord. After 40 days and nights on the mountain with God Himself, Moses returned to the Israelites. He returned completely unaware that his face was actually glowing.

Exodus 34:29
When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord.

The Glory of God was reflected on the face of Moses! God’s glory! What will it be like for us to see His glory … when we arrive in Glory?! It’s not the sun, moon, or stars that make Heaven so bright; it’s God Glory. It’s not the essence of an angel that makes them brilliant and shining. It’s the fact that they live where God lives, and His Glory is reflected upon them! The name seraph means “burning one” or “shining one.” It is believed that these angels dwell in such close proximity to God that they burn with holy brilliance! Isaiah Chapter 6 describes these angels as using two wings to cover their faces – even the angels must protect themselves from the brilliance of God’s Glory when they are in His presence.

This blog site was designed with the idea of offering encouragement through the daily journey that we all travel in this world. Encouragement in the face of pressures, worries, and upsets. And, if you are having a day today that is anything like the day I had earlier this week, think on this … one day, we will look on the face of God in all His Glory. No need to hide in the cleft of the rock. No need to cover our faces. No need to fear. I wonder if our faces will reflect His Glory? I wonder if our faces will glow?   I think they will.

Yesterday ended at midnight

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We all have stood at a crossroad, looking back at our past and wondering about God’s design for our future.  On the one hand, it is easy to look back and see all of the good that has happened.  On the other hand, we can all gaze into our past and find those wish we could live over moments.  Have you ever reviewed the past, present and future of your spiritual journey and concluded that yesterday was better?

When Moses arrived at the burning bush, he brought with him a rich and storied past — forty years as the prince of Egypt, and another forty years as a shepherd. You may have heard of the shepherd years, called his backside of the desert experience.  Standing there, confronted with his future and God’s plan for him, excuses dominated.  A quick read of Exodus chapter three makes it very clear that Moses was less than confident as God’s appointed deliverer for Israel. However, in the face of low self-confidence, he chose to follow God.

As I rub shoulders with Christ followers, I am struck by the fact that so many have lost their zest for the journey. They can remember spiritual milestones and answers to prayer. But there are also fresh memories of church hurts, and being bruised along the way. Churches are filled with individuals who once served and used their gifts, but are now fading into the background.  We may all need seasons of rest or even healing.  But those seasons should be just that, and should never be prolonged at the expense of missing the Father’s future design for us. Moses had eighty years of experience when God confronted him with the new phase of his journey. I am so glad, and encouraged that even through his excuses, Moses obeyed!

You may not be standing in front of a burning bush, but you are standing at a place with future opportunities. Don’t let anything in your past become a weight that holds you back from the God-designed future you can have. The emotions that say yesterday was better will cause you to look at tomorrow with a clouded view. God didn’t waste adversity in the life of Moses, nor will He for you. He wants all of your past, good and bad, to help prepare you for a Son-filled tomorrow.

Hebrews 12:1-2 (NLT)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.

Your starting place today should be fixing your eyes on Jesus. Gaze on His life, and seek to become more like Him. Seeking Him will give you perspective on your yesterdays, and confidence about your tomorrows. Just as Moses possessed a past and a God-designed future, so do you! I choose to believe that your yesterday was not better, and that your future can be filled with the blessings and peace of our Lord.

Never live looking back!

In the days of our lives, there are a precious few that really stand out. There are countless good days that come to mind with a sense of joy and pride. Remembering our wedding day, the birth of a child and days of significant accomplishments can bring smiles and thankfulness.  We can all recall, as well, those days of our lives that were not so good (with no need for elaboration).  In my own life, there are distant days that are still crystal clear in my mind (whether good or bad).  But what about all of the other not so significant days of our lives, that seemingly get lost in the recesses of our mind?  Do they matter?  My assumption is that for both you and me those not so significant days have played a large role in who we are today.  Every day does matter!

For the past few days, I have been pondering the life of Joseph.  Studying his life has always been a source of encouragement to me.  My wife would tell you that his story is one of her favorites in all of Scripture.  His struggles resonate with all of us, and we love and cheer the outcome. Like you and I, Joseph’s life was littered with very significant days.  However, it is the days of his life that I know very little about that have caught my attention while pondering his life this weekend.  Did those days matter? My pondering has led me to the conclusion that, yes, they mattered, and shaped his life for the significant struggles and triumphs that fill the pages of Scripture and history.

Joseph was taken captive at seventeen and sold into slavery by his brothers.  He landed in Egypt, under the rule of the man who bought him, Potiphar.  God blessed Joseph and also the household of Potiphar because of this young man.  He was then falsely accused of immorality by his owner’s wife, and landed in, of all places, a prison.  Again, success came from the Lord and he was put in charge of all the prisoners.  God chose to use Joseph to interpret the dreams of two significant prisoners, the cupbearer and baker to the king of Egypt.  Joseph simply requested that the cupbearer remember him to the Pharaoh and get him released from prison. The cupbearer forgot!  It was two years later when Pharaoh needed his dreams interpreted that the cupbearer remembered Joseph.  The rest is history.  Joseph interpreted the Pharaoh’s dreams, and rose to second-in-command of Egypt.  Joseph was thirty when he entered the service of Pharaoh. There were lots of other days in those thirteen years of struggle.  Did they matter?

Now parallel our 21^st century life experiences.  We can all remember times when someone in our family treated us poorly.  There have also probably been times when each of us has done a good job, and then been falsely accused.  And every one of us has helped someone, only to be forgotten or under-appreciated.   Along our journey, we have also experienced significant moments of triumph for a job well done.  Our experiences probably can’t compare with the depth or height of Joseph’s, but we all can relate to significant good and bad days.  But what about all of the other days of our lives; do they matter?

In Joseph’s life, as well as in your journey and mine, all of those less than significant days play a huge roll in how we respond in the days that really stand out.  Somehow, behind the scenes, Joseph’s trust, humility and character were forged.  It is no coincidence that Scripture conveys God’s blessing and kindness to this young man.  In God’s preparation for Joseph to help lead Egypt, He let him go through deep trials.  And during those ordinary seemingly insignificant days (that did matter), Joseph responded to God in ways that prepared him for the days that have stood out for all to see. Every day does matter!

Today, tomorrow and every day are opportunities for you and me to practice the trust, humility and character that will prepare us for the days that stand out.  Embrace Him today, because every day matters!

I love reading the Bible!  I love being reminded over and over how even the earliest of stories speak directly into our lives and our “right here, right now, today” sort of circumstances.  Did I mention I love reading the Bible?!  I value the effort and result of reading over hearing.  It can be so easy in our strapped-for-time lifestyles to crowd out time with God, simply reading his Word.  Instead, we often rely on the once a week words of another to translate its truth for us.  How blessed it is to simply read.  There is something that happens to us when we simply read.  Regardless of what level of self-assessed “ability” you have in understanding the words of the sacred text, I firmly believe the truth of Isaiah 55:10-11 always applies when we simply read.

“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;  it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” (ESV)

In light of that, I found myself reading the story of Joseph today with new eyes.  Subtle details literally leapt off the page that had either escaped my notice or had long been forgotten after experiencing the story over and over through someone else’s teaching.  The fact that Israel (Jacob) actually made the ornate coat that he gave to Joseph.  The fact that when Joseph shared his dreams with his father, he “rebuked him” … even, being the favored son.  This made me think of how easy it can be, even when we love someone, to feel threatened or jealous of how they have been blessed, or in seeing what God is doing in their lives. 

There was Israel sending Joseph out to the distant fields to check on his brothers to see if they were alright and report back.  This was just after he had rebuked him, and in front of his brothers.  Did he not sense any of the animosity the other brothers had for him?  And then there was Reuben, and his attempt to manage the circumstances in hopes of rescuing his brother.  I guess I had forgotten about the guilt or compassion that motivated this brother to save Joseph.  So many “little” things that speak directly into our lives and our “right here, right now, today” sort of circumstances.

But perhaps the truth that rang loudest to me was found in the events immediately following Joseph’s brothers selling him to the caravan of Ishmaelites that was passing by on their way to Egypt.  The brothers slaughter a goat, take Joseph’s ornate coat and immerse it in the blood, and then return it to their father.  They ask their father to examine the coat to determine whether it is Joseph’s.  They watch him tear his clothes and mourn for days.  They allow him to sit with the picture of Joseph being mauled and devoured by a wild animal.  Then they have the audacity to join their sisters and attempt to comfort him. Take a moment and stop to consider the absurdity and mockery and pure evil that is at work here.  Go ahead; I’ll wait; it’s important that we do.

No, really … I’ll wait.

OK … It’s hard to stomach the thought of this scene, right?!  A group of blood brothers (that term certainly seems to fit well here), who have hatched a plan to deceive their father into thinking his youngest son has been brutally killed.  Perpetrating a fraud based on innocent ignorance of the treasured garment that they tore from the body of their brother before throwing him in a hole.  Crafting a cover-up they intended to be the final punctuation on ever seeing or speaking of their youngest brother again.   How awful and evil and intentional is this scene?!  Another pause, please…

I’m afraid it’s as awful and evil and intentional as every occasion you and I sin and then lie in an attempt to deceive others or God.  See, God is no sliding-scale judge of deception or sin.  He does not judge the hearts and actions of Joseph’s brothers any more harshly than yours or mine in even the most “minor” of untruths or misdeeds.  In the suggestion of, “Go ahead; I’ll wait; it’s important that we do”, there is recognition of the imperative that we allow Scripture to be a mirror or a searchlight; the imperative that we never see the sins of a group of blood brothers or, how about Roman soldiers, as more grievous than our own.  How many times have I sinned and then lied, crafting a cover-up as absurd, or worse, than a bloody coat?

But, oh how Scripture doesn’t stop there!  The story of Joseph doesn’t end with the punctuation the brothers intended.  Oh the grace that restored the brothers, and profited the nation in the impending scarcity of food.  Oh the good that God worked through the sin of jealous and angry hearts.  That grace and that good are for us too!  Oh the promise that we can never be thrown, or throw another, into a hole so deep that God cannot see into or rescue from!  Praise God that he is equally present in our distress and our deliverance!  Simply read … and taste that He is good!

Twenty-one days have now come and gone in the new year.  Resolutions that were ripe with anticipation just three short weeks ago are now wrought with reality; were my commitments based on wishful thinking or deeply held values?  For most of us, the answer is probably somewhere in between those two extremes. But the truth remains that after twenty-one days we all have a decision to make. Will this year be different, or will the diet go from chicken and fish to hamburgers and fries?  Will our exercise program go from rigorous to I’ll do it tomorrow? Will our personal and professional goals be achieved this year?  If so, we must keep going!  As I look at my decisions after twenty-one days, I am convinced that this year can be different, but it won’t be easy.  My goal in this post is simple; from the heart of a fellow struggler, I want you to be encouraged.

During the last week, I have been knee-deep in my reading of Genesis. There is much I could write about while viewing the lives of Abraham, Sarah and Isaac, but I have sensed that maybe a picture from my twenty-one days could resonate with your journey.  One of the commitments that I made at the beginning of January was to slow down, and live life at a different pace. I have actually tried to quantify what slowing down means to me.  In my past, words like being type A, or having a driven personality could be a badge of honor.  In viewing my journey now, I want to live as I perceive Christ would have walked this earth — busy, but always ready to listen and never in a hurry.  But trying to live this way is causing me to reflect on how much I trust Him vs. how much I want to control my life.

Last week, I was in Florida working with a friend.  We were intensely working on some issues, and I had the grand notion to make a point with him about slowing down.  At that moment, I was thinking about him slowing down, not me.  On his property there is a twenty acre pasture, and I suggested that we should take a break and head out to enjoy the wide open spaces.  We started walking and I met a goat named Pedro, ate cane juice (new experience), fed three horses, dodged some cow pies and eventually ended up in the midst of about 20 sheep and a donkey.  My friend slowed down, but so did the mastermind of my plot.  We had worked together many times before while looking at that pasture, but never had taken the time to slow down and enjoy it.  Why?  Because with ill-conceived thinking, we find it easier to drive ourselves, and try to control life.

In meditating on the pasture experience, and trying to slow down personally, professionally and spiritually, my battle has been with trust.  By slowing down, will I hurt my business?  Taking time to work out, walk in a pasture, and listen without being in a hurry all contradict my emotional instincts of building my business.  Do I believe He is in control? Do I believe that if I work at His pace (slower than mine), that He can make up the difference?   So, if I really feel slowing down is a value that my Lord approves, then can I trust Him?  The answer is yes…yes…yes!  My choice is, will I?

My purpose with a personal illustration just twenty-one days into the new year is for your encouragement. You, like me may have some strong valued commitments that are easier recited than completed.   If you believe the Father is pleased with your desires, then trust Him (even when you want to quit), and keep going just one more day, and then one more … I know there will be days that I revert to the fast and furious, and that you struggle with your commitments, but by His grace, this year will be different.

Her name meant “My Princess,” and sometimes she could act just like one … a spoiled rotten one!  I am talking about Sarai, Abraham’s wife.  Scripture repeatedly refers to her beauty, even at the age of 65, but she also exhibited temperamental traits of jealousy and unreasonable behavior.  She threw the occasional tantrum.  Some have called her manipulative; she certainly could be a nag.  Sarai, whose name was changed to Sarah at the age of 90, not long before she gave birth to her first child, was many things; one thing is certain – she was the matriarch of the great Hebrew nation.  Sarah had her faults, but Scripture commends her on more than one occasion.  Peter wrote about her as the example of a faithful and excellent wife.  The book of Hebrews names her in the Hall of Faith chapter.  She gave birth to one child and started Hebrew history.

I like Sarah.  She has her faults, but I like her.  And one aspect of her life has been of great encouragement for me – Sarah wanted one thing more than anything in this world … a child.  But Sarah was barren, and time was not on her side.

Genesis 11:30
But Sarai was barren; she had no child.

Sarah was consumed with having a child.  Almost every outburst (tantrum) of hers recorded in Scripture was connected to this very personal struggle.  In ancient times, a woman who could not have children was considered under punishment from God !  Finally Sarah really blew it by talking her husband Abraham into fathering a child with her housemaid.

I know you are confused – what could possibly be of great encouragement for me through this awful situation? Well, it is based on these verses in Genesis 15:

And Abram said, “You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir.”  Then the word of the Lord came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir.”  He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”  (v. 3-5  NIV)

So God had promised Sarah’s husband an heir and innumerable descendants.  Every indication is that Sarah was devoted to her husband … and her God.  Yet she could still not rest in this promise that came directly from God to her husband!  And the promise was reiterated by God to Abraham several more times!

Why couldn’t Sarah just believe?  Why can’t I just believe?  Why can’t you ?

We have the promises directly from God in His Word to us … and like Sarah, we still cannot stop ourselves from taking matters into our own hands.

Sarah really messed up.  I have, too.  But God has never turned His back.  He has never walked away.  Sarah gave birth at the spry age of 89 (Abraham was just short of 100!) … the promised heir finally arrived … after Sarah made a mess of things. We will all mess up again-guaranteed.  But if we can keep our eyes on the promises in our reach from our Bibles, maybe our mess-ups will be fewer, our trust stronger.

Did I mention Sarah made the Book of Hebrews Hall of Faith?  Yesterday ended at midnight.

I wonder how many times in my life the words “with friends like that, who needs enemies” have exited my lips? Over the last week, I have seen a dramatic picture of friends that easily judged a man who had lost his family, wealth and health in direct attacks by Satan himself. My honest opinion of these condescending judges has been less than favorable. But then on Saturday morning as I was reading about a younger man (Elihu) who was weighing in on Job’s situation, my thoughts turned inward. My conclusion: I am also guilty of too easily judging others. How about you?

There were four men that gave strong diatribes at Job. Their words were laced with truth, but in my opinion were often misplaced.  Three of Job’s friends (Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar) felt that his suffering came because of sin. These men are an example to all of us of what not to do when we want to help a struggling friend. When words of care and comfort were needed, these men quickly became condescending and calloused. Their responses are admittedly a strong illustration of judging, but my concern is that I too can be more of a judge and less of a care giver.

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to have strong opinions about a friend’s situation? You and I most certainly wouldn’t go to the limits that Job’s friends took him, but our opinions (even unspoken) can still be pretty ruthless and uncaring.  Have you ever seen someone you love in a dilemma, and before you catch yourself you have sized up the problem, given clear directions about a solution and missed the opportunity to really care. I have!  I must confess that it is easy for me to look at a friend or family member and have all the answers. The problem is I don’t, but I know someone who does. In the suffering of Job, God finally spoke. And believe me, His answers are far better than mine.

I can tell you for sure how I want to be treated when a rough patch comes to my life.  I want friends who listen, care and aren’t interested in judging me, but loving me instead.  I’d be shocked if you didn’t feel the same way. If that is the way we want to be treated, then we should take the counsel found in Matthew 7:1-5 (MSG). The words remind me of Job’s verbal executioners, and they remind me of how I should respond to those I love and care for.

Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, and criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It’s easy to see a smudge on your neighbor’s face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, ‘Let me wash your face for you,’ when your own face is distorted by contempt? It’s this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor.

My goal in life is never to play the judge. I have just been reminded this weekend that I don’t have all the answers. This week you and I will have the opportunity to judge someone we care about. Their faults, weaknesses, misplaced views, etc… may enter our mind, but we can use that very moment instead to intervene in their time of need. We can sit, listen and be an encourager. Isn’t that what we would want?

God still speaks … and we should let Him!