By Dale Peterson, Retired evangelist and founder of Gospel Alive, Inc.
Read James 5:9.
Great freedom comes to us when we resolve that no one else is measured by my criteria. However, this is more easily said than done.
Great freedom comes to us when we resolve that no one else is measured by my criteria.
Have you considered how often we can be critical of others when they differ from us? I especially notice this in myself when I am driving. My wife claims I am completely different when behind a steering wheel! I mutter and complain (grumble against) other drivers when the light turns green, and they do not instantly proceed quickly to the speed limit. Or perhaps they fail to use turn signals properly. Or—well, you get the idea!
It seems to have taken me a lifetime to learn that I am not responsible for everyone. When I seriously consider my own effectiveness in being the kind of Christian that I know I am to be—in words, deeds, thoughts, and intents—I quickly realize a sobering truth: Being the Christian that I know I am to be is a full-time responsibility.
One day, each of us will stand before our Creator to give an accounting of one person only—ourselves. God will not ask me why I wasn’t more like Billy Graham, but rather why I was not more like He wanted me to be. The Bible is our instruction book, complete with real-life examples of what we are to be or not to be. It will be the yardstick by which we are measured or judged.
Wouldn’t today be a great time for personal reflection, not on the attitudes or actions of others, but rather on our own behaviors? If it is unwise to compare ourselves amongst ourselves, how much more unwise to set ourselves as judge over others? What life adjustments would you make if your accounting before God was scheduled for 30 seconds from now?
Rather than grumbling or complaining about others, we would be better served by praying for and finding ways to bless them.
While a college student, I memorized a brief poem written by Charles Meigs that has served me well for almost six decades now.
Lord, let me live from day to day in such a self-forgetful way,
That even when I kneel to pray, my prayer shall be for others.
Others, Lord, yes, others. Let this my motto be;
Help me to live for others, that I might live like Thee.
Rather than grumbling or complaining about others, we would be better served by praying for and finding ways to bless them.
Reflective Questions:
- Have you ever caught yourself being critical of others when they differ from you? How did it make you feel? How can comparing ourselves to others hinder our growth and spiritual journey?
- What does it mean to take full responsibility for being the kind of Christian God wants us to be? How can focusing on our own behaviors and attitudes positively impact our relationships with others?
- Why is it important to pray for and bless others rather than grumble or complain about them?
Memory Verse:
Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! James 5:9
Prayer:
Dear God, help me not to be a grumbler. Rather than seeing the worst in others, help me to see the best in others. Help me to live for others.
Related Scriptures:
I Corinthians 4:5; Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 24:33; I Peter 4:9, Genesis 4:7, I Peter 4:5, Galatians 5:26
Amen Brother Dale! Good devo today.