I will pray for you. I will pray with you.
Hope In Christ
Sandi's Worship Ministry Articles
www.worshipministry.com/sandratodd/articles/ministry
I remember as a youngster, many years ago, when we seemed to accept people more of just how they were instead of how we would like them to be. I had friends that were heavier, thinner, taller, different in hair color and styles, and kids that were just different. We all tried to get along, have fun and not bicker. I don’t really remember playing one friend against another, because the more people we had, the more fun we had. The games we played outside required more people, and the inside games were plentiful and split up. It involved more people to invite over, more possible cake and food available, (in that order), and the more laughter.
As we grew older, there were decisions to make. There were fewer decisions in grade school because I attended a private school with a class of thirteen people. Yes, there were seven girls and six girls. The boys all played basketball, unless they were physically unable and all the girls were cheerleaders. There was little competition and a lot of fair play.
There were well-behaved students and then us less behaved students, but none-the-less, accepted. Jealousy was visible but taken well. I don’t remember being over jealous that someone sang better than I did. I would love to sit near friends and have fun. There were smart people and then there were those of us that took flight a little later.
That's how our parents raised us.
High school brought in the differences of people being a bit more cruel with differences and we called it the parochial vs secondary, never thinking secondary was demeaning. We were just at odds, never thinking “at odds” was bad either.
So what makes us so agitated now, in this time and age, accepting others as they are? We have PATHEOS, which is path and theos meaning God or = a reconciliation of humankind to God. We can consider the less than equal peace on earth to diversity and change. We can remember that strangers sometimes are treated better by organizations because of the law,”says so.” We can also remember our true upbringing that we are to love one another.
Colossians 3:13 Accept others as they are and befriend them. Don’t change them to your liking.
“Be gentle and ready to forgive; never hold grudges. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”
Ephesians 4:2-3 “Be humble, be gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowances for each other's faults because of your love. Try always to be led along together by the Holy Spirit, and so be at peace with one another.”
Were we perfect because we came from a different era? Did we have a magic recipe for patience? Did our parents do us better by sending us to a school affiliated with a religious organization? No, but something has changed and we must instill the fact that the world, our world, needs patience, goodness and kindness, at all times, for every instance, and in all areas. God has accepted us but He desires our belief, our faith in Him, our following Him, prayer, and obedience.
Luke 6:37 “Never criticize or condemn-or it will all come back on you. Go easy on others; then they will do the same for you.” To say it mildly, love, don’t judge. That is the difference. Obeying and following the Law of God. We must be Christian, live by the Word of God, Christ Jesus, and learn to bring others to God by our goodness and faith.
Why don’t we turn to God more often, every moment, every day, and ask Him to guide us in His ways?
To be continued:
Yours, in Christ
Sandra L Todd
