THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY – IT’S UNIVERSAL
The condition of the human heart is universal. We have seen the generosity of the desperately poor and the greed of leaders. We have seen the compassion of a housekeeper and the epitome of self-serving behavior in a few pastors. We have seen some pastors travel far distances to sit in a hot, crowded room for 6 hours and repeat it again the next day…..joyously.
Early in my faith I realized when people said they were a Christian, it didn’t mean anything except they were going to heaven when they died. At some point they had asked Jesus for forgiveness as they saw their need of a Savior. It told me nothing about their maturity, honestly, work ethic, sacrificial heart or generosity. All qualities you would expect of a Christian.
The saying goes, “aging is inevitable but maturity is optional.” I’m sure you know of an older person who is still self centered, unyielding and demanding. Life’s difficult circumstances should nudge us towards maturity. Not always. Sometimes people just live through those times and become bitter and more self-seeking. Others graciously embrace the pruning of self-centeredness.
It grieves me to watch the immaturity of Christians, both Indians and Americans. They behave in such a way as to tarnish their testimony for the Lord. No doubt my grief is multiple many times over in the Lord’s heart (Isaiah 65:5). Our offense is a stench to Him all the day long. How does He STAND it! Even in me, a sinner, my righteous indignation rises up like a volcano inside.
Are your life’s hard circumstances making you sweeter, gentler, gracious, yielding and kind? Or are they moving you towards bitterness, resentment and feeling cheated in life? Just something to think about….. Love, Nancy (January 27, 2020 Vijayawada, India)
Colossians 3:12-14 12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.