“Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?” (Matthew 7:3 NASB)
I think as a general rule many of us spend as much time thinking about what others are or are not doing for the Lord. I believe we spend a good deal of time reflecting on the opportunities they have taken advantage of and those they have let slip by unnoticed or avoided.
We can be very exacting in our critiques of how others are living for the Lord in their daily lives. If only we would turn that gaze in and take an honest look at what we are doing to serve the Lord ourselves. Would we see a speck in the eyes of others, or would we have to work really hard to pull the log out of our own?
The work of the Kingdom would be better served if we all just focused on what we do as individuals, and go about doing the Lord’s bidding as the good and faithful servants He calls us to be. Yes, encourage and exhort others, but do so first with your own actions, rather than words. Talk is cheap, especially if talk is all you ever do.
Our relationship with Jesus is a very personal one, between Him and each one of us. No one can form and live a relationship for us; only we as individuals can trust in Jesusand accept Him as Lord and Savior. As our relationship with Him is very near and personal; our focus on serving Him should be as near and personal. Let us worry about our own houses first.
“Jesus said to him, ‘If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!’” (John 21:22 NASB).
Even worse that complaining or criticizing what others are doing in the Lord’s service, is not taking into account the Lord’s will and purposes for that person. You may think you know better than someone what they should be doing for the Lord, but no one knows better than Jesus—the nature and scope of His opinion and plans.
Someone may be walking exactly how and where He wants that person, for His wisdom and knowledge is beyond our comprehension. The last thing you want to do is talk someone out of doing the Lord’s will, when they are exactly in the center of His will with what they are doing.
The work of the Kingdom would be better served if we all sought to discern the Lord’s will in our own lives, and follow it eagerly and joyfully when we do. As for others, pray for them, encourage and exhort them to seek the Lord’s will and rejoice that they are following hard after it. The joy within the Kingdom is multiplied with each well done that can be spoken to servants of Christ when they come face to face with their Lord. Seek your own role, and pray for others to seek their roles as well.
“As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will take His stand on the earth” (Job 19:25 NASB).
That verse has always resonated with me since first I read it. My Redeemer will stand upon the earth, and it will be in power and glory to reign and rule. I will one day stand with Him, I will be transformed, and one day see a new heaven and earth. I know His position and I know my place. I know my relationship with Jesus and it takes about all I have to make sure I am following after Him as He would have me do.
If I am honest with myself, I know my business with the Lord needs my full-time tending. I have no business sticking my nose into other people’s business when it comes to service for the Lord. I know He is coming back, and I wish to walk alongwith Him now and do His work today.
There is no call to wait quietly for His return when He has given me instructions to get busy His work today. I seek to walk along with Him now, for He will give me the privilege to ride along with Him when He returns to rule upon the earth.
The work of the Kingdom would be better served if all of us primarily thought about how best we could each serve the Lord. Yes, we should always seek to encourage others in the Body of Christ, but do as you say first, then look to lead others in the same way.
When we speak the truth, we need do so in love. We need to be about His business today, making His business our business as an individual first, and as the Body of Christ in love, fellowship and support.
This we do today because Jesus is coming soon!
Even So, Come.
Andy Coticchio
Rafter Cross Ministries