Judge Not, My Friend...Judge Not
April 9, 2013
(Source: http://silviakusada.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/judging1.jpg)
There have been plenty of times where I had to stop and step back to look at myself, especially when it came to judging others.
I constantly have to remind myself that I am not here to judge, but to love.
Sadly, it's such a human reaction to put labels on others or treat people differently based on their past transgressions or their present downfalls.
It's hard not to!
But if we love God, and we choose a life of righteousness, we must humble ourselves to the cross and get off our high horses.
It's like for a split second, we forget that we are not even close to perfection.
In every Christian's mind, there is an image. No one's image is the same though they might be similar.
It is sort of a template of what one thinks a Christian should be like. I call it a "standard". And yes, the "standard" is a good way of not conforming to the secular world; we must allowing God to transform your mind (Romans 12:2), but when it interferes with friendships and family members, there's a serious problem.
The "standard", in a way, is a figurative way of taking up our cross. While Jesus carried the cross and sacrificed his life so we could have true life, we take up our cross every day in a broken world. We fight off temptation and anticipate any inch of God we see on Earth.
It is not an easy life. It is a long, yet promising journey.
Sometimes we lose ourselves in the world and slip up. We're human! But according to Galatians 6:1, Paul says that if someone sins, it is your responsibility to support them and help encourage them to rise above it.
Paul doesn't say if your sister or brother falls into sin, scold them, judge them and talk about them behind their backs.
We are to "...restore that person gently" (Galatians 6:1 - NIV).
It doesn't matter if you are really close to that person. He or she could be your best friend in the whole universe, past the Milky Way and the Black Hole. Harsh criticism hurts the most when it comes from the ones you love.
You might think you are helping them get back on track, but you're NOT.
You are actually straining the relationship. God is pleased with us when we keep strife OUT of our relationships. Not to mention if your loved one is not a Christian, you are pushing them further and further away. They won't be able to here what God has for them because you are not loving like God - unconditional.
It is God's job to discipline his children, not YOU.
Besides, if you don't pray for the people in need of repentance and show mercy, how do you expect the Lord to show you mercy (James 2:13)?
Allow God's mercy to pour onto you and allow your mercy towards others to pour onto them.
Remember no one has to redeem themselves for anyone, not even God. Jesus took care of that already.
So judge not, my friend...judge not.
Now, that's where the heart is <3
Why Your Life Might Suck?
February 26, 2013
Do you ever ask yourself this question:
Why does my life seem to suck so much?
If you do, then I have some things for you to think about.
One question you should ask yourself: Where does ALL of my true happiness come from?
If your answer has anything to do with clothing, jobs, money, validation, sex, people (in terms of personal gain), then no wonder you feel like your life is just not working.
When you put pressure on people in your life to provide that happiness for you, you are bound to end up disappointed one way or another. And when you focus heavily on material things, you are bound to miss out on more important aspects of your life.
I'm not saying that you should not enjoy those things I've mentioned above. Love your friends, your soul-mate and your family. Be thankful for your financial and material abundance. But don't put so much emphasis on them. In a world good and evil, situations happen.Sometimes will people disappoint you, and material things fade away. Sometimes family hurt you. You might lose some money. You gain weight and you can't fit your clothes anymore. Your supervisor treats you like crap. Your so-called friends turn their backs on you. It happens.
Another question you should ask: Do you have faith?
In this day and age, the secular world uses the word "faith" much more frequently. The "faith" that many refer to doesn't necessarily deal with teaching of a religion or an supernatural entity that people have put their trust in.
This type of faith is much more general. It deals ideas such as trusting in others for support, believing that there is greater good in the world, and having a positive catalyst that pushes you to be a better person. All those things are good and dandy, but as I have said before, solely trusting in world things (including people) will eventually leave you feeling burned out and resentful.
So what now?
The first step in not living a life that seems unfulfilled is looking at your source of happiness and hope.
Reevaluate your priorities in life. Is your life's priority to survive and "stay above water", or it is to fight your narcissistic tendencies and contribute to the goodness of the world?
Living is not about the Darwinism - survival of the fitness or being the strongest crab to climb over the others just to get to the top; living is you being a vehicle and God being the driver.
He knows far more than you will ever know about your purpose. He has a plan for you that will glorify His kingdom and touch the hearts of the world, but He can't do it if you are hung up on worldly possessions.
Where your treasure is, is where your heart lies. - Luke 12:35
And if your treasures stay on things that deteriorate, fade and flip-flop back and forth, how strong do you think your "faith" will be? How do you expect to weather the storm?
If your heart and treasures are in God, they will never fall short or lose value.
For everything in the world--the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does--comes not from the Father but from the world. - 1 John 2:16
The High Road is a Long One
February 21, 2013
The Scenarios
The Scenarios
A superior at work comes up to you, demanding that you complete three large stacks of paperwork in an hour. You have other tasks that he/she has given you that need to be done ASAP. You remind him/her of this. The person already does not fancy you very much; he/she thinks that you are incompetent. And as he/she walks off, a subtle, yet insulting comment flows from his/her lips.
What is your response?
Is your initial instinct is to curse at them? Roll your eyes?
No, not unless you don't like paying your bills.
Do you mumble a sly comment under your breath after they walk back into their office?
Maybe..
Or perhaps you just say something not-so-nice in your head.
Maybe a comment on how horrible her hair looks today? Or how bad his breath smelled as he leaned in to throw the papers on your desk?
Or worse?
Does that sound a little more your speed?
Sometimes we do find ourselves using the strangest measuring method in our minds. We think that our mental comebacks or mumbling something back somehow ties us up with that other person.
Mean boss - 1 point
Me - 1 point
That mental adrenaline makes you feel like you got even without actually getting even.
You might even tell your closest co-worker or best friend about what happened in hopes that you get kudos for being so "quick on your feet".
Summing up the "Why NOT?"
But what does all of that solve?
Nothing really has changed, and you're still holding a grudge.Grudges damage the heart.So release it and forgive the person that has hurt you or made you feel inadequate in some way.
But you say, Easier said than done. Well, riddle me this: Hasn't God forgiven you of all of your transgressions and shortcomings? Do you know how many mistakes we make on a daily basis? I don't, but I'm pretty sure it's A LOT! We expect God to forgive us so quickly, yet we fail to regard others in the same way. Do yourself a favor and allow God's love to spread to others because if you don't, your grudges will eventually eat you alive.
Remember that your heart is made to love, not to hate. It's easy to love your "loved ones", thus the affectionate title. But loving the person who does you wrong or rubs you the wrong way really exudes strength.Plus, God loves you and his wrath against your enemies are far more powerful than your puny little comeback :)
Let God's love for you reflect onto the ones you encounter.
And that's where the heart is... <3
Change of Heart
February 11, 2013
(Source: http://slowbuddy.com/photography/pictures-of-love/)
The Back-story
I was always the type of girl who laughed and cracked jokes at romantic commercials and chick flicks. I'd even roll her eyes at an inclination of a predictable happy ending. Quite frankly, I was annoyed by the idea of love in all forms - whether romantic or platonic - because I didn't think I deserved it.
It stemmed back to my childhood and how my father first left our family when I was two. A part of me felt unloved. Back then, I allowed my abandonment issues to shape my life and torment my relationships. I would always seek validation from other boys and constantly rely on them for compliments.
I was broken.
But all that changed once I allowed true love to find me. A love that is unchangeable, unshakable, and unstoppable. I could gain 30, lose my good looks, and have pimples on my face. It wouldn't matter. The love would continue to grow, regardless.
In my mess and brokenness, I was still comforted in ways I wish I had the words to describe.God had filled a hole in my heart. A hole that I thought nothing was big enough to fill. Alcohol couldn't fill it, boys couldn't fill it, anger, pain and resentment couldn't fill.
But I called His bluff, and He proved to be absolutely amazing.
He is my superhero, and he never fails to surprise me.
Valentine's Day
It's getting closer and closer to the Big V, and the holiday commercials are back to bombarding our television screens.
It doesn't bother me as much. I no longer have that desire to be loved because I am loved. I hold the greatest love story ever told close to my heart. It doesn't entail roses, chocolates and candle lit dinners.
It's about an amazing man sacrificing His life for a girl whose life she could have cared less about two years ago.
So Happy Valentine's Day to all the lovely couples. Don't just shower them with love and presents on Thursday. Make it an every-day thing. If you're married 24/7, love your partner 24/7.
I will celebrate Valentine's Day, just like any other day: loving God and learning to love others.
Now, that's where the heart is <3
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