Honestly
I've come to realize I have trouble being honest. Obviously, it's not like I go around lying to people... but I fear I've been lying to myself.
By not standing my ground when I see others doing wrong, I abdicate my responsibilities as a soldier for God. This is JUST AS WRONG as actively participating in said wrongdoings. For some reason, I've allowed myself to be deceived into thinking, 'Just pray about it and give it time... he/she will come around.' I attribute this attitude to my wanting SO badly to believe the best about others. I really REALLY want to believe that everyone desires to live rightly before God.
This is NOT reality, Jessica. And neither is it biblical.
Yes, of course I am supposed to pray for those who I know are struggling with something. But I further see biblical examples of TAKING ACTION. Of confronting the person one-on-one and bringing the issue to their attention... because, who knows? He/she may actually have drifted so far off course, they don't have any idea they're falling. And maybe they're actually crying out for help! What kind of friend would I be to just sit idly by and not DO or SAY anything? God commands more of me.
I also have come to realize I try my best to avoid conflict/confrontation like the plague - this is solely my own fault. Yes, I could blame it on a myriad of factors, but when it comes down to it - I MUST rise above this character flaw. I MUST - for the sake of those I love... whose souls are definitely worth the saving.
Honestly, it's taken me far too long to come to this realization... but I'm so grateful I did. I'm so grateful God has created certain recent events to bring this to my attention and lead me to an obvious, honest conclusion.
Please pray I will be more honest with myself and with others - it will be the hardest thing I've done in this life.
PS - I will try not to be so serious & deep next time - promise! Just sharing what's on my heart.
By not standing my ground when I see others doing wrong, I abdicate my responsibilities as a soldier for God. This is JUST AS WRONG as actively participating in said wrongdoings. For some reason, I've allowed myself to be deceived into thinking, 'Just pray about it and give it time... he/she will come around.' I attribute this attitude to my wanting SO badly to believe the best about others. I really REALLY want to believe that everyone desires to live rightly before God.
This is NOT reality, Jessica. And neither is it biblical.
Yes, of course I am supposed to pray for those who I know are struggling with something. But I further see biblical examples of TAKING ACTION. Of confronting the person one-on-one and bringing the issue to their attention... because, who knows? He/she may actually have drifted so far off course, they don't have any idea they're falling. And maybe they're actually crying out for help! What kind of friend would I be to just sit idly by and not DO or SAY anything? God commands more of me.
I also have come to realize I try my best to avoid conflict/confrontation like the plague - this is solely my own fault. Yes, I could blame it on a myriad of factors, but when it comes down to it - I MUST rise above this character flaw. I MUST - for the sake of those I love... whose souls are definitely worth the saving.
Honestly, it's taken me far too long to come to this realization... but I'm so grateful I did. I'm so grateful God has created certain recent events to bring this to my attention and lead me to an obvious, honest conclusion.
Please pray I will be more honest with myself and with others - it will be the hardest thing I've done in this life.
PS - I will try not to be so serious & deep next time - promise! Just sharing what's on my heart.
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This is the first time I've checked Pleonast in such a long time, but I'm glad I did. What wonderful thoughts and a sobering reminder of our duties as Christians. As a person who HATES confrontation, I can sympathize. Thanks for the encouragement. -
Well said, dear. I think we all tend to do this. After all, who WANTS to hurt someone. But it's taking our eyes off of Jesus that makes us think this way. We're thinking short-term, not long-term. We're not considering their eternal life. Thanks for the reminder to ME. -
Thanks for your honesty Jess! It's encouraging to me to see a brother or sister searching themselves and realizing that change has to be made. It also reminds me that I need to be doing this same kind of searching.
