T
I had this consideration VERY recently, at least in word form, regarding actions that are done that areas they seem. Then there are the actions that aren't what others might view it as. Now specifically, I wanted to discuss those aforementioned transparent actions, and the misjudged actions that we know ourselves others will misjudge before we do them. More of a focused discussion of testimony, and consideration of other's thought processes when we are around them.
Now, I do not condone playing to people's likes, just to be on their good side. I do feel however, that with certain people we're ministering to especially, (but with everyone) that we should be mindful of what way we are portraying reflecting Christ. Now that second action I mentioned makes things more complex. Do we commit to an action that we know beforehand that others will not understand, or even take negatively? That's a hard question to answer at times. It's one of those things we better be pretty secure in what we know the Lord's will is before we can commit to it. I do understand the thinking: "It's their own fault for misunderstanding. They shouldn't be so uppity." When we think about it though, how much grace and consideration are in that statement, or thought? Everything should be filtered through the known will of God. Does our personality justify us? Well, I know I can be a butt munch at times, but that's not the will of God. That's me being a butt munch. I know better, so it is to no avail that I make excuses for the crappy things I do or say by using my personality as the conduit. The, "It's just how I am", doesn't work for grown ups. Paul was a persecutor of Christ's followers. Did he say, "It's just who I am" on the road to Damascus? Well, to be fair, it's very hard to argue with God. If we try to justify ourselves with our original nature, against the new nature of Christ, aren't we arguing with God? I've done this many times myself. It's not something any of us haven't done. This seems a bit of a tangent, but our personalities are what people see. They end up being a testimony, whether we mean them to or not. Hence again, just like that second action, we should filter them through God's will. It's difficult at times, but thank God for his grace.
Anyone else have something on the two types?
Now, I do not condone playing to people's likes, just to be on their good side. I do feel however, that with certain people we're ministering to especially, (but with everyone) that we should be mindful of what way we are portraying reflecting Christ. Now that second action I mentioned makes things more complex. Do we commit to an action that we know beforehand that others will not understand, or even take negatively? That's a hard question to answer at times. It's one of those things we better be pretty secure in what we know the Lord's will is before we can commit to it. I do understand the thinking: "It's their own fault for misunderstanding. They shouldn't be so uppity." When we think about it though, how much grace and consideration are in that statement, or thought? Everything should be filtered through the known will of God. Does our personality justify us? Well, I know I can be a butt munch at times, but that's not the will of God. That's me being a butt munch. I know better, so it is to no avail that I make excuses for the crappy things I do or say by using my personality as the conduit. The, "It's just how I am", doesn't work for grown ups. Paul was a persecutor of Christ's followers. Did he say, "It's just who I am" on the road to Damascus? Well, to be fair, it's very hard to argue with God. If we try to justify ourselves with our original nature, against the new nature of Christ, aren't we arguing with God? I've done this many times myself. It's not something any of us haven't done. This seems a bit of a tangent, but our personalities are what people see. They end up being a testimony, whether we mean them to or not. Hence again, just like that second action, we should filter them through God's will. It's difficult at times, but thank God for his grace.
Anyone else have something on the two types?