OBSTACLES

I Was Just Thinking About – OBSTACLES.

It should be incumbent for every professing Cristian person to set a good example before all others. When Peter was writing his final instructions to the Elders of the persecuted Church in his day, part of his concern was expressed in First Peter 5:2-3, “Be shepherds of God’s flock; Watch over them; Being an example to the flock.” The emphasis on being an example indicated one must be certain he/she is a positive influence even in the midst of uncertainty and/or chaos. Paul wrote (First Timothy 4:12) that regardless of age or station in life, one is to “Set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” Similarly, he wrote (Titus 2:7-8), “In everything, show yourself to be an example by doing good works. In your teaching show integrity, dignity, and wholesome speech that is above reproach, so that anyone who opposes us will be ashamed to have nothing bad to say about us.”

It is always good to see that which is on the heart of God in such matters, such as, Isaiah 57:14 (NIV): “Build up, build up, prepare the road! Remove the obstacles out of the way of my people.” Romans 14:13 gives a definitive word about obstacles: “Let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.” Obviously, the “passing of judgment on one another” is a major issue within the body of believers, the Church. Rather than Judge, one should have the desire to build up and encourage. Rather than condemn, one should be quick to commend and instruct. Rather than indifference toward another, one should see the value of others and their positive attributes. By means of one’s attitude toward others; the propensity to gossip, criticize and harshness, another person can be marginalized and shunned by others who have listened to the negative opinions and words from others without getting to know the person who is being criticized or harshly judged. This is an example of the obstacle of the tongue (See: James 3) and how devastating it can and will be.

Some Biblical guidelines for what is expected of the Biblical Christian and Church are: First Thessalonians 5:11, “Encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” Hebrews 10:24-25, “Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another…” Ephesians 4:29, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Romans 15:1-11 contains this word of guidance: “We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.” 

Based upon Matthew 7:1, “Judge not, that you be not judged.”, Oswald Chambers wrote in My Utmost for His Highest:” Jesus’ instructions with regard to judging others is very simply put; He says, “DON’T.” The average Christian is the most piercingly critical individual known. Criticism is one of the ordinary activities of people, but in the spiritual realm nothing is accomplished by it. The effect of criticism is the dividing up of the strengths of the one being criticized. The Holy Spirit is the only one in the proper position to criticize, and He alone is able to show what is wrong without hurting and wounding. It is impossible to enter into fellowship with God when you are in a critical mood. Criticism serves to make you harsh, vindictive, and cruel, and leaves you with the soothing and flattering idea that you are somehow superior to others. Jesus says that as His disciple you should cultivate a temperament that is never critical. This will not happen quickly but must be developed over a span of time. You must constantly beware of anything that causes you to think of yourself as a superior person.”

Prayerfully – consider these things with me.