"1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also "LAY ASIDE EVERY WEIGHT", and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
2 looking to JESUS, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before HIM endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of GOD."
There are several people who "pick and choose" a particular sin to bemoan and criticize others about. Naming a sin would only contribute to the alienation and divisiveness that even I have been guilty of in the past. I could list all of the things I don't do because of my love for the LORD, but I don't want to list all of the things that I STILL fail HIM in!
The writer of Hebrews instructs us to "LAY ASIDE EVERY WEIGHT" and run the race that is set before us! The Bible, to my knowledge, doesn't instruct us to be judgmental with those who choose to live their own lives with no guidance from the Spirit of GOD. Instead, JESUS (our example), drank water with the woman at the well, went to dinner with Zacchaeus, and even mentored faithfully Judas, KNOWING he would betray HIM!
In 1 Corinthians 7:17 scripture says we should "let each person lead the life that the LORD has assigned to him, and to which GOD has called him". GOD will not "assign" to you a life that violates HIS Word. However, JESUS came to earth to be our "High Priest" (Hebrews 4:14-16) and to provide mercy and grace in time of need. GOD is the ONE who convicts of sin. As believers, we should live a examples of GOD's love and forgiveness. We can't demand that others go to heaven anymore than we demand they NOT go to heaven! The choice is theirs!
Reverend Billy Graham says "It is the Holy Spirit's job to convict, GOD's job to judge and my job to love!" I have enough faults to ask forgiveness for in my life that I don't have time to be consumed by what others are doing. Let us "LAY ASIDE EVERY WEIGHT" that we have between us and GOD and leave everyone else's burdens for their judgement!
No comments:
Post a Comment