Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Humbled

I was humbled recently by something I heard in a sermon. I am always listening and trying to learn new things and ways to allow Him to shape and mold my character which is difficult- but then there are things that really "hit home".  The part that this Pastor was talking about was regarding ministry and how so many folks want to "be great" and "do big things for God" and so on but-- how many of us would be willing to be involved in a silent ministry? Really behind the scenes,etc. One idea in particular that he mentioned was "the ministry of protecting the reputation of others"...
Including gossip, slander, malice, repaying evil for evil and not allowing anyone to say anything negative TO you about anyone else. If they tried, you would suggest that they go to that person and tell them directly. He went on to say how important this was- whether it was friends, family or pastors, etc. I agreed but I was challenged. Yes, absolutely! Protect the innocent, protect the reputation of those who have been wronged, hurt or wounded. Protect those who are very young and who are very old and need our assistance.  But....... I wanted to raise my hand in church! Pastor, what about protecting the reputation of those who have hurt me? What about protecting those who have hurt not only me
but my family?  What about when unfair things happen or when people try to use you to get what they want? Or what about the rude and insensitive folks who love to judge and criticize and put people down because they feel that they are so much better than others? I don't have to protect their reputation, right?  I didn't raise my hand in church. I didn't have to. The following scripture came back to my remembrance.
"But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those
who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you
may be sons of your Father in Heaven;"  -Matt: 5:43-45

5 comments:

Lauren @ Adventures of a Southern Newlywed said...

Thanks for sharing! I try so hard to stay positive and not gossip or judge others. I have to say, it is a conscious choice and is hard sometimes!

I had a situation come up this weekend where a friend was going on and on and on about another friend. I was so uncomfortable and didn't know what to do. This was such a timely post. Thanks for sharing!

lizziefitz said...

Hi, I found your blog today by way of Lori(JTOD). Your message is so elequintly written. I ,just this morning, had this important talk with my daughter. She is going to a sleepover after school(perfect timing ..right?) Protect your heart and the heart of others:)Please email @ justuschickens@hotmail.com so that I may invite you to my new blog?

Jake and Taryn said...

I stumbled upon your blog from Lori's blog and I just love it. I have enjoyed reading about you and your family! I love this post and how true the scripture is about loving our enemies and praying for blessings upon them. It is not always easy, but I love reading that scripture to help keep me on track!

Katy said...

Oh wow...i really loved this post!!! How true it is!! Thank you for this! :)

Katy said...

Hello again...I loved your post that I wrote a lil snippet and linked your blog and post to my post!!! :) Thanks again for challenging me and posting this! :)

http://countryblossom.blogspot.com/2008/03/doing-big-things-for-god.html