We've Developed A Heart Condition...

A few blogs ago, I referenced James 19-20 which says

"My dear friends, if you know people who have wandered off from God's truth, don't write them off. Go after them. Get them back and you will have rescued precious lives from destruction and prevented an epidemic of wandering away from God."

I have read so much about the Pharisees over the last year, mostly in Mark Chapter 3.

They were guilty of 3 main things:
1. Criticizing the minster of God
2. Protecting their religious traditions instead of obeying the Word of God
3. Worrying about their own welfare rather than that of those around them.

In one way or another, I'm sure we've all been guilty of acting as the Pharisees did. It is such an epidemic that has turned so many people away from 'the church', (and there's no discrimination towards a particular denomination - these people are everywhere!)

Somewhere along the way hearts have been hardened to the needs of people around them. Minds have become judgmental, and in comparing themselves to others, they have somehow placed themselves on a pedestal, gaining self confidence from the mistakes of others. So much time is wasted on criticism. There are so many lost souls out there people! So many people who have never even heard the name Jesus. Why are we not focusing our energy on getting them through the doors of ANY CHURCH!!! No ONE church is doing EVERYTHING the right way! NOT ONE!

We overestimate ourselves. Proverbs 16:18 says 'Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall." Those who think they have everything figured out, that their way is the only way....the next thing you know they are thinking they have to straighten everyone else out....Instead of letting Jesus be the head of the church, they feel like they have to step in and do the job.

1 Peter 5:4-5 says, "When God, who is the best shepherd of all, comes out in the open with his rule, he'll see that you've done it right and commend you lavishly. And you who are younger must follow your leaders. But all of you, leaders and followers alike, are to be down to earth with each other, for—God has had it with the proud, But takes delight in just plain people."

Don't put yourself in a position where God has to resist you. It is time people adopt an attitude of humility! HONESTLY look back on your life and see how many times you could have lost what God had given you. See how many times, when you were floundering around making every mistake imaginable, His tender and precious mercy pulled you through. Remember that every good thing you enjoy and every bit of success you've had, has come by the grace of God by His power. AGAIN....(this makes me tear up every time I read it!) See how many times you could have lost what God had given you. See how many times, when you were floundering around making every mistake imaginable, His tender and precious mercy pulled you through. Remember that every good thing you enjoy and every bit of success you've had, has come by the grace of God by His power.

Our approach is EVERYTHING! Those who are lost or those who were once in church, but now are living a life in the world.....WE DO NOT SHUN THEM....we show them the SAME love God continuously shows us. We do not criticize their choices....we offer sympathy/empathy towards them and PRAY HARD for them! We do not judge them.....We understand that it is not our job to run the lives of others - it is God's job. Let God do the exalting.

1 Peter 4:7-11 says this, "Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless—cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God's words; if help, let it be God's hearty help. That way, God's bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he'll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything—encores to the end of time."

..."LOVE EACH OTHER AS IF YOUR LIFE DEPENDED ON IT"....WOW!

THAT is the approach.....THAT is the attitude that will soften hearts again, and allow God to do wonderful things in the lives of so many people! And only then can we be healed of this 'Heart Condition'.