On television and in movies and even on the radio, entertainment often takes the form of human beings speaking unkindly about or to each other. It is not uncommon to hear people make comments or remarks about other people in the home, in the workplace and even in the church. Much of this happens because many of us don't understand the powerful effect of words upon our own lives. Even if the words spoken about someone are a true description of that person, unless the purpose is for the good of the speaker and the one spoken about, it can result in positive harm. Speaking about the personality issues or character flaws of others is not healthy for the mind and not in any way uplifting to the listener. As we continue reviewing the principles that assist in obtaining the victory over sin and selfishness, let's look at how we should relate to the flaws that we see in others and our own character weaknesses.PRINCIPLES THAT ASSIST IN OBTAINING THE VICTORY
TURNING AWAY FROM HUMAN IMPERFECTION TO GOD
a) When a person turns away from human imperfections and beholds Jesus, a divine transformation takes place in his or her character.
b) Everything that causes us to see the weakness of humanity is in the Lord's purpose to help us to look to him, and in no case put our trust in man, or make flesh our arm. It is not intended that these weaknesses should be the theme of conversations.
c) The soul does not become more and more like Christ by beholding evil, but like the evil which it beholds. When we allow our minds to dwell upon the imperfections of others, our own souls become filled with the leaven of evil. By dwelling upon the faults of others, we are changed into the same image. Love cannot exist where the conversation is largely upon the errors and mistakes of others.
d) If we allow the mind to dwell upon the imperfections and moral deformities of others, we ourselves shall become depraved in character, and mentally one-sided and unbalanced. But if the mind dwells upon the perfect life of Christ, and the thoughts and conversation are centered upon him, we shall be changed to the same image.
e) We darken our lives by talking of our own imperfections or of the imperfections of others. The victory over sin and self is not gained by focusing on our imperfections and sin. It is obtained by focusing on and reflecting the beauty of Christ's character as God supplies the grace.
f) The more we dwell upon our own imperfections, the less strength we shall have to overcome them.
g) It is not praiseworthy to talk of our weakness and discouragement. Let each one say, "I am grieved that I yield to temptation, that my prayers are so feeble, my faith so weak. I have no excuse to plead for being dwarfed in my religious life. But I am seeking to obtain completeness of character in Christ. I have sinned, and yet I love Jesus. I have fallen many times, and yet He has reached out His hand to save me. I have told Him all about my mistakes. I have confessed with shame and sorrow that I have dishonored Him. I have looked to the cross and have said, All this He suffered for me. The Holy Spirit has shown me my ingratitude, my sin in putting Christ to open shame. He who knows no sin has forgiven my sin. He calls me to a higher, nobler life, and I press on to the things that are before."
h) God reveals to us our guilt that we may flee to Christ, and through Him be set free from the bondage of sin, and rejoice in the liberty of the sons of God.
The principles given to Christians in the Bible are often very different from the principles at the foundation of conduct in this world. And why shouldn't they be ? The Christian life is to be a preparation for eternity in the world to come; a world completely different from this world. Hence, the relationships which we have with other human beings must be governed by principles which more fully reveal the love of God in the character of Christ. Needlessly exposing or conversing upon the flaws and faults of others just gets in the way.
Jeremiah 17:5/Hebrews 12:2/Isaiah 45:22/Psalms 34:4,5, 1:1-3, 118:8, 19:14/Micah 7:7/Philippians 4:8/1 John 2:1, 1:8,9/2 Corinthians 3:8, 4:18/Galatians 6:1/Proverbs 17:9
© 2011 Tyrone Keels
www.issues-of-life.com
You have just been reading from page 10 of a booklet entitled, "Principles of Victory in the Christian Life" Look for more pages from this booklet in future blog posts...
If the fault or flaw causes others to stumble, then why not expose the person?
ReplyDeleteHi Anonymous. I appreciate your question. The answer depends upon whether you believe in God or have accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior.
ReplyDeleteThis is important because the way a Christian relates to human beings is different from the way an unbeliever relates to them. Christians and those who sincerely believe in God seek to reflect the character of Christ. Exposing a person because of any of their flaws of faults is not the way of God nor His representative Jesus Christ.
If a person has a flaw or fault that causes others to stumble, we should go to that individual and talk to him or her about it in humbleness of mind and explain in plain language how they are hurting themselves, others and Christ. Appeal to them to change course and pray with them.
Every one of us have sinned and even the most spiritual among us are still striving to overcome something. Aren't we all stumblingblocks to some degree because we fail to consistently give others a clear picture of the character of God ?
I don't know about you but I don't think I would be very encouraged by someone exposing me because my fault or flaw causes someone else to stumble. Perhaps, it's worth noting that Jesus did not expose Judas and sound the trumpet regarding his backstabbing, traitorous character even though Judas influence was certainly not the most positive.
Here's what God recommends in His word -
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. (Galatians 6:1)
I hope this answers your question and maybe gives some guidance for dealing with similar situations.
May God bless and keep you.
Tyrone Keels
Thank you Brother Keels for your response, but perhaps I need to shed light on the situation I am speaking of. When a minister or pastor behaves inappropriately, as a member of the congregation should you not call him or her out. To much of the world is in today's churches and some of the problem lies with the leadership. So I ask you again, would this not be a situation that needs exposing?
ReplyDeleteHi Anonymous. A minister or pastor behaving inappropriately is to be dealt with similarly but with the principles even more clearly defined for those in the church. Notice what Jesus says -
ReplyDeleteMoreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as a heathen man and a publican. (Matthew 18:15-17)
We are to go to individuals in private. That includes church members. Bring a witness or two if it becomes necessary to address the sister or brother again about the same matter.
If that does not work, then bring it before the church. Notice that this "exposing" comes after two other personal appeals to the person have been made. If that does not work, he needs to be separated from the church in order to arrest the demoralizing influence of his un-Christlike conduct and help him see, perhaps in this state, his danger of having separated from the love of Christ.
The last step must be prayerfully considered only after all other measures of Christlike appeal and entreaties have failed. The nature of the offending behavior must be taken into account as well.
I hope this information helps and that the Holy Spirit guides in whatever decision is ultimately made.
Thank you Brother Keels for repeating what thus sayith the Lord. You state the nature of the offending behavior must be taken in account. It's homosexuality. So I will look for two or more straight men. Thanks for taking the time out to answer my questions.
ReplyDelete