Tami’s Meandering Thoughts

June 19th, 2008

I am Sad

“Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged.”
James 5:7-9a

I will admit, I am sad, frustrated and even a bit angry. Why can’t we, as Christians, love each other, strive to help each other and build each other up? Why do we allow our mouths to say and our hearts to dwell on things that hurt others or condemn fellow believers? Yes, you will notice a bit of correlation between last week’s blog and this week’s. I am still struggling with this idea!

I have become aware of another organization that we are involved in (NOT the church, so don’t start pointing fingers around the church) where discontent, complaining etc. are becoming rampant. It is frustrating to see so many people becoming bitter, pointing fingers, and back-biting. All because they each think they know best.

As I read James 5 last night, I contemplated how the rich people in the passage were oppressing, robbing and stealing from the poor. James’ advice for the poor and those whose life is not going like they wanted? To be patient and to not grumble against anyone. Why? God will handle it. Earlier in James he said that the primary reason for fights and quarrels among people is because no one gets what they themselves want (4:1). We are selfish, prideful people who are willing to say anything or think anything about someone else so we can look good.

I have thought more about this topic this week, and I have a few pieces of advice that I wish we would all live by. We are embarrassing God to an unchristian community and causing strife in each other’s lives.

Here are my (very unprofessional) suggestions that we should try to use when dealing with items where we think we are being treated unfairly or where we don’t agree with a rule or way something was handled.

1.Don’t let bitterness take root. If something upsets you. Go to the source or the person who can actually do something about the rule. Probably that is not your group of friends. Beware of creating a posse of people who “are on your side.”

2.Spend time asking God to show why you are upset. Is it a moral issue spelled out plainly in the Bible or is it a matter where there can be multiple interpretations on how to handle something? Is your pride involved? Why do you think you know the best way and why are you willing to talk against another person who was also created by God?

3. Be cognizant of the example you are setting to your children, husband, and others around you. They will pick up on your lack of respect for authority, your arrogance, your need to always get the last word in and your demand that everyone needs to do things your way or else you will throw a verbal fit.

4. Don’t react/act immediately. Spend time praying and asking God to bring to your mind the people you should talk to. Ask him to help you close your mouth so you do not spread bitterness, anger, or discontent. We should strive for building everyone up, not tearing down anyone.

Well, I have vented. I have heard of churches falling apart (and ours has had its share of trouble in the past) and of ministries crumbling because we each feel we should act on our own opinion no matter who that hurts. Obviously I am willing to hear comments, other suggestions or even critiques if you don’t think I am right. Let’s be a people of God who will band together to serve our God against the enemy – not against each other.

Posted in Devotional | By Tami

You can skip to the end and leave a comments. Trackback is currently closed.
Trackback URI: http://wobconline.com/journal/2008/06/19/i-am-sad/trackback/
Comments RSS 2.0

June 19th, 2008

I am Sad

Leave a Reply

Pages

Archives

Categories