Do you enjoy being made an example of for others to learn? I do not, yet this is what the Lord has called me to do, for my good and His glory. How does my being disciplined glorify God? It is when others can glean understanding from it so as not make the same mistake. Sharing testimonies like this is humbling and uncomfortable, but helping others is an act of love. So, it is in love that I share my latest correction from the Lord.
Conversation
This is not the first time the Lord has dealt with me over this same behavior. As I conversed with my client in my chair in the salon in jest, rolling my eyes about an annoying coworker, she rebuffed me. Her exact words were “you know something is not right about her”. I knew her intent was implying “be more compassionate”…and this was coming from an unbeliever…Ouch! I immediately thought: “Oh Nance, there but for the grace of God goes I”.
I told my client that this person was a source of testing for me by God and I keep failing the test, and how I constantly have to repent over it in my prayer journal. She thought I was joking, but when I explained it was the truth, she spoke harshly to me and said “And that’s okay?”. Her tone was critical, implying: “that’s the kind of faith you have Nancy, to roll your eyes about someone and then just repent over and over again”. I felt ashamed of my portrayal of the gospel.
Conviction
I knew the Holy Spirit was working on me right there. I realized this was a poor example of the salvation and the forgiveness offered to us through Jesus. Yet, this is often the way it is for many of us still struggling with sin (probably all of us, if we were honest).
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23 ESV)
“If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.” (1John 8-10 ESV)
Paul says in Romans 7:15, “For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do everything I hate.” Paul is explaining about the sin that lives within him…within us all by contrasting it against the law of Moses. (Read Romans 7:7-25 for full context.)
Correction
So, how does one explain this to an unbeliever? Well for starters, one must be a good witness of Jesus. There’s an old saying: preach the gospel; use words if necessary. Now let me remind you that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1) But, as Christians, we’ve all been there; that moment when the Holy Spirit corrects you.
“Don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline, and don’t give up when He corrects you. For the Lord disciplines those He loves.” (Hebrews 12: 5-6a)
I was being disciplined for my careless words, my lack of humility at that moment and my foolish jesting. As it says in 2 Timothy 2:16, “Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior.” So, dear reader, we must watch our witness, how we are presenting the gospel of Jesus, not just speaking it, but living it. Fortunately for me, this was not the norm. I’m usually a better witness (or so I’ve been told), but on this occasion, the Lord was telling me I could do better. I needed to do better, and I needed to explain the gospel better.
We must think before we speak. The Bible puts it like this: “We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5) Had I thought before jumping on the band wagon to profess my annoyance with this person… had I taken that “retort” to Jesus before the words formed on my lips, He would have gladly put His words in my mouth.
My transparency about this situation is for your benefit. As stated before, I do not make light of the Lord’s discipline. Discipline is not pleasant at the time, but rather the pain or shame of it produces a harvest of righteousness. But, be warned, when we portray Jesus… when we live for Him, the enemy hates it and will do everything in his power to stop us or trip us up.
“The thief comes to kill steal and destroy.” (John 10:10)
Acquittal
Know your enemy! Recognize his temptations, but, know the Savior better! When Jesus rose from the dead, He kept His promise to send His Spirit to dwell within us, to be right there to “help” us overcome evil. There are a few names of God that refer to the Holy Spirit, but two in particular are “Helper” and “Advocate”. As the Helper, Jesus’ seed deposited in us helps us overcome. As the Advocate, He takes up our case before the Father in heaven. He pleads our case, saying “this one is redeemed by the blood of the Lamb”. He took up my case saying “she is forgiven, do not hold this against her. She will do better the next time. And the Judge of the Whole Earth (another name of God) bangs His gavel down and says “Acquitted…case dismissed! Thank you Jesus!
Remember, the next time is always coming. Be prepared and think before you speak, then “speak Jesus”. Thank you for reading my blog. I hope to be back soon with a new Christmas poem. God bless you all throughout this Christmas season. Don’t forget “Jesus is the reason for the season!”
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