Blemishes?
Sometimes I get super aggravated with what I feel are people who “do the church thing” but seem to be anywhere but walking with the Lord. Of course, whenever we start looking down at others, the Lord is often quick to help us see our own blemishes! My job is not to change anybody, but to point the way by setting the example personally. The truth be told, none of us are what we should be, or we wouldn’t need a Lord and Savior in the first place! I’m also reminded that Jesus poured Himself into Judas’ life for three years, knowing all the while Judas would betray Him. Jesus healed many who didn’t even stop to say, “thank you,” and even prayed for those who whipped, mocked and crucified Him. To us (His Church), He acknowledges there will be “goats among the sheep” and “tares among the wheat,” meaning He’s well aware that many in the “church crowd” are only faking it for their own gain. The only person we can change is ourselves, and only then by drawing close to our Lord personally. That’s what all of us are commanded to do. To the others, we’re to show unconditional love, as to the Lord Himself. The Judge will sort out the details in His own time.
“These men are blemishes at your love feasts, eating with you without the slightest qualm–shepherds who feed only themselves.” Jude 12a
In Christ,
PastorJimKilby @Kilbin8er Jim@JamesKilby.com