John 3:17
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
And just so we are clear he didn’t put you on this world to condemn either―but you have a purpose, don’t doubt that for a second! I just want you to ponder that for a bit. You have been put on this earth for a purpose. I can’t tell you what that specific purpose is, but I CAN tell you that it is not to condemn the world OR to save it.
WHEW! Take a load off!
I am fascinated these days with the simplicity of my faith. As Jesus was dying on the cross, the thief next to him acknowledged that Jesus was the son of God―and one day, I will meet that thief! He was assured by Jesus that he would be with him in paradise (Luke 23:43). The thief did no great works and really lived his life against the law, but in his last moments acknowledged the King of Kings. He might be scrubbing heavenly floors for all eternity, with his only reward being that he escaped Hell, but he made it to Heaven nonetheless.
To those who make salvation harder than it is―stop it.
Jesus―fully God, fully man―made it simple. Let’s take our nod from him. I have had a burden lately for Christians judging other Christians and during this Holy week, I am reminded that salvation is simple. Belief is required. The rest is a slow process of purging the sin that holds us captive from our fully redeemed life. I have been a Christian for 20 years and have been pursuing a Godly life for 98% of those 20 years and I am still purging sin and “stinkin’ thinkin’ ” from my life. Maturity takes time and the pace is as individual as you are. Please, stop judging your fellow Christian for their sin! Pray for them, love them and if God asks you to, confront them IN LOVE, but don’t judge them. I know this is hard, I catch myself doing it to―especially with those I care deeply about. I am scared for them, but that is because I lose sight of the fact that they are saved. Their lifestyle doesn’t reflect that truth, but neither did the thief’s. Prayer and love change people. Rarely, if ever, has an angry conversation―complete with yelling and accusations―ever changed the course of a person’s heart for the positive.
So to the judged Christian―I am sorry. I am trying to do better. I am sorry on behalf of the scared hurting Christians in your life that feel the need to throw hurtful words at you in hopes of driving you to Jesus. Most of them mean well…deep deep down…they just don’t know what else to do. They feel powerless and forget that prayer and love are their most powerful weapons.