S)"10 It is definitely because they have misled My people by saying, ‘Peace!’ when there is no peace. And when anyone builds a wall, behold, they plaster it over with whitewash; 11 so tell those who plaster it over with whitewash, that it will fall. A flooding rain will come, and you, O hailstones, will fall; and a violent wind will break out."
Ezekiel 13:10-11 (NASB)
O) First of all, it sounded a little odd to hear God use a term like "It is definitely because..." as it seems somewhat casual, or like common vernacular... anyway, the bigger reason this passage stood out what that it's such a parallel to how we, as Christians, often try to play things off like they're no big deal. Sometimes things are a big deal, and we need to treat them as such! Sometimes, we mislead others regarding our own difficulties because we either A) feel embarrassed or B) don't want to complain for the wrong reasons. Having said that, there are definitely times when "whitewashing" our problems to other Christians is hurting us as much as the problem itself might! The church is a body, and we can't keep playing hurt. If we're not well in some way (financially, emotionally, physically, etc), then we can't try to hide that from our fellow members. We're not doing them any favors by pretending we're okay when we aren't. Otherwise, when the storm that rages comes to a head, it may very well be more than the whitewash that is broken away.
A) Honesty! That's my commitment. "Fine" has become the Christian f-word and it bothers me as much as a sailor's f-word. It really started while being a Youth pastor. I would ask a kid how he's doing and he'd say, "fine." Meanwhile, God will be speaking to me and showing me something that is going on in his life that is definitely not fine. There's only so much I can do to help a guy who won't be honest with me about his real problem. Similarly, I cannot afford to be "fine" when people ask me how I'm doing. I need to be transparent, humble, honest, and open. I need to speak up when I have an issue.
P) Father, give me courage to speak the truth. I need to be completely honest when I have an opportunity for prayer or help from a brother in Christ. At the very least, I see trustworthy and strong men every Sunday who will be happy to pray for me and with me. Lord, help me be bold when they ask how I am doing. If an issue is in my life, regardless of how I might otherwise feel about it, Holy Spirit, prompt me to voice my need. Thank You for placing me in a church body that truly loves me and my family, God. Don't let those helping hands reach out in vain. Whatever it takes, Lord, change my heart to accept their help. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
A) Honesty! That's my commitment. "Fine" has become the Christian f-word and it bothers me as much as a sailor's f-word. It really started while being a Youth pastor. I would ask a kid how he's doing and he'd say, "fine." Meanwhile, God will be speaking to me and showing me something that is going on in his life that is definitely not fine. There's only so much I can do to help a guy who won't be honest with me about his real problem. Similarly, I cannot afford to be "fine" when people ask me how I'm doing. I need to be transparent, humble, honest, and open. I need to speak up when I have an issue.
P) Father, give me courage to speak the truth. I need to be completely honest when I have an opportunity for prayer or help from a brother in Christ. At the very least, I see trustworthy and strong men every Sunday who will be happy to pray for me and with me. Lord, help me be bold when they ask how I am doing. If an issue is in my life, regardless of how I might otherwise feel about it, Holy Spirit, prompt me to voice my need. Thank You for placing me in a church body that truly loves me and my family, God. Don't let those helping hands reach out in vain. Whatever it takes, Lord, change my heart to accept their help. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
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