I was reading today about the importance of unity in the church and it was quite convicting. Romans 14;19 ''Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.''
Four things happen when we criticize another believer....
1. We lose fellowship with God
2. We expose our own pride and insecurity
3. We set ourselves up to be judged by God
4. We harm the fellowship of the church
Are you feeling the sting too? 'We must remember that the church is made up of real sinners, including ourselves.' We all have our own ideas of what's standard but they are all with fault. Christ is our only standard to compare with and strive to be like. 1 Corinthians 1;10 ''I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.''
May we encourage more and criticize less. May we think less of ourselves and more for the body of Christ. UNITY.... You n I together, yes?
I am amazed that every day you can write such good blogs, I don't know where you get the material but you have such a gift. Another great blog today and it gives us a reminder to think before we open our mouths, how do we know that our criticism, our different view point, or our opinion is better than what is being done. Love you -- Dad
ReplyDeleteOuch! Yep, I feel the sting. What a good reminder for us all!
ReplyDeleteIt reminds me of Philippians 2:1-4: "So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."
Encourage more and criticize less...I like that. Applies to all areas of our lives.
ReplyDeleteAngie, this is such a wonderful thought, I don’t know how you do this every day. You must be truly filled with the spirit. I love you and have a blessed weekend. Aunt Robbie
ReplyDeleteGREAT post, Angie. It is so true that men (women) will disappoint, but God never will never fail us if we put our trust and hope in Him, rather than in things of this earth. And, yes, even knowing that, I still sometimes expect way too much of people and "criticize" when they disappoint. Praying I will do as you and Charity said, "Encourage more and criticize less." Love you, T.
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