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You know, I have yet to find a place in the Bible where God says we must only eat organic food and that all processed food is evil. I haven’t found a scripture verse yet to confirm that leggings are evil, even when worn modestly with long shirts. If there is scripture to back up that vaccinations are the spawn of Satan and should be outlawed, and the parents who choose to use them thrown in jail, I haven’t found it.
Seriously, what’s the deal lately? I can’t log into Facebook without someone telling me that my GMO grapefruit is going to cause me to sprout an eyeball in the back of my head. I am as worried about the quality of my food as the next person, but lately it seems like grace has flown straight out the window!
What happened to speaking the truth in love to one another, especially within the Body of Christ?
Even about things like grapefruit. Even if we don’t agree with everything someone says or does. Or like what clothes they wear to church. Or support the missions and causes they believe in. Or agree with their stance on vaccinations. Or whether they, heaven forbid, choose to send their kids to public school. Or let their family eat processed foods.
Why do we have to be so condescending to people that hold different viewpoints? Whatever happened to grace? I’m guilty of this too friends, no one is perfect, it’s human nature.
Stop being so judgmental. Let God do His job.
Let’s think about it this way, to all the nonbelievers watching, reading and listening to our every move, it’s no wonder many of them don’t want to follow Christ. When they see us tearing each other apart, even in the little things, are we showing them what it means to follow Jesus?
I’m pretty sure God would like us to eat a piece of fruit over a pound of processed sugar, it’s common sense that one is better than the other. But really, if you choose the less healthy choice on occasion, I don’t think your soul will suffer, even if your waist line does.
It’s not Biblical to rip apart or gossip about whatever group of people, cause or thing of the moment irks you.
Or comment on the clothes someone is wearing to church. Or the type of car someone drives. It’s not okay to air people’s dirty laundry through the guise of a “prayer request.” Seriously, I am guilty of this too, no one is perfect…that’s why we need Jesus. But we still need to take stock in our words, and actions, and how they can impact others in their faith journey.
And while I’m on my soapbox, let me point out that even in the theological realm, it’s not very nice to tell someone who believes in free will that they are ignorant and missing the boat on election. Or on the flip side, because they believe in election, they can’t possibly understand God’s grace.
As grandma would always say, “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” I really think she was on to something.
Even when we speak to others on issues of great theological importance and epic soul consequence, we can still remember to speak Biblical truth in a loving manner.
As we spread God’s word to the most remote corners of the universe and the darkest depths of one’s soul, we must remember to stop putting others down and shaming them for their sins. That’s not our job. There is only one Judge.
Through the Cross there is great redemption, everlasting love, abundant hope, immeasurable mercy & overflowing grace. Without the Cross, there is only God’s wrath and the deepest pits of darkness.
God says that we must love one another as Christ loves the church. (John 13:34-35) And that we must speak the truth in love. (Ephesians 4:15) We are even told that how we judge others, we will one day be judged in the same manner. (Matthew 7:1) OUCH. I’m in big trouble!
How about you? That’s a pretty tall order from the Man In Charge. Are you living up to His standards? Even on the little things? A little food for thought today. All I can say is thank God for His grace, and new mercies that greet us every morning.
{P.S. Explore the area of “spiritual judge” more deeply. Check out some great biblical insight from a dear family friend, Dr. Harry Shields of Moody Theological Seminary on this very matter: “…don’t assume the role of spiritual judge. That vocation is God’s alone!}