I wish I was alone in this. I wish I was the only one who experienced this. I wish it was an isolated case and it died with me. I’ve done it (sadly and ashamedly) and had it done to me. I’ve seen it done to others as well.
What is it? Well, let me give you two Scriptures and see if you can figure it out:
Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. James 3:1-2
And I’m suspecting you know of the ensuing words related to the tongue (a further commentary on verse 2). I also hope you can see my quandary. We are quick to judge and criticize, to put down and to sweep aside someone who stumbles BUT forget to look into our own mirror and to check our tongue.
Nobody’s perfect…making mistakes, or stumbling is a fact of life. We all do it. What we don’t need is someone pinning us down, stepping on us, criticizing us, judging us or body-slamming us, all while forgetting they are sinners, mistake-makers too. The air of superiority some develop is just as sinful as what and who they are pointing their fingers at. Sounds a bit Pharisaical to me.
Instead of shooting someone down-especially with our tongue-maybe we ought to harness our judgment gun and empty our bullets. Maybe an effort to assist and to pick them up would be more in order. If we did that, more people would not need bullet-proof vests that cover their hearts.
“Father, help me to be so careful in my judgment of others. Instead of shooting them down or even pinning them while are down, help me to holster my gun and lend a hand to get up.”
Shooting ones wounded seems to be a common practice in Christian circles … Though I do see that improving, perhaps almost to a fault… Seems the pendulum can swing to the extremes at times… It’s either fire and forget or everything is permissable and no accountability. I personally like Jesus’ approach. Identify the issue and go directly to the individual and do it in love. Not in condemnation, but in love.
You have spoken wisely grasshopper. 🙂 On all counts.
Yes, me too, LORD!
Amen
May we all be Quick Draw McGraw with words of encouragement and kindness, not allowing angry bullets to speed off our tongues. Great advice today, Bill!
Blessings!
i agree Martha. instead of shooting bullets, let’s give love. Thanks