“The only way to resolutely be yourself is not only to transform the way you think about yourself but also the way you think about those around you.”
Gene Brack
Here’s how we can get really honest with ourselves.
What about judgment calls we make from that place in our thought life that gives a silent but distinct voice to thoughts we would never say out loud? Things Jesus would never say.
How can we grow to a place where we live thinking like Jesus in these areas?
When I was a teenager, I remember not just thinking in judgment against someone but actually giving it audible voice. It was about the mother of a friend of mine. Problem was I forgot her son was sitting in the backseat of my car, until half-way through my comment!
Imagine how many times Jesus, not only turned the other cheek, but silenced his thoughts. Jesus? Surely not Jesus? Jesus was tempted in every way that we are, but He did not yield.
Sometimes there are judgment zingers flying through my mind so fast I can’t catch them.
Here’s the deal. It’s a habit. Judging others can become a habit. Sizing people up, by holding them to standards we’re not living, is more than hypocritical. Here’s the bigger issue. Time spent judging others is time wasted. We are called to give encouragement, not judgment.
I enjoy watching the TV series “The Chosen”. I especially enjoyed the episode when Peter tries to warn Jesus about calling Mathew to join their group. Peter finally lets out his final judgment on Mathew: “He’s different!” Jesus maximized the moment. It was like He sent up a flare in the night sky for all to see: “Get used to different!” (I even have the t-shirt.)
That’s thinking like Jesus! If we choose to Break Rank with the world’s way of thinking, it will change the way we talk. Different words will begin to come out of our mouth because of the abundance of God’s Word we treasure in our hearts. People will say we’re different!
They’ll first notice our words. But we will notice the change in our thinking. The discipline of the Holy Spirit will also be different. Imagine thinking kindly when judgment would seem more natural. Or think about hanging out with those that others avoid. Or what about thinking accurately about yourself as God’s Word says? Here’s a clue:
TO BECOME RESOLUTELY WHO GOD CALLED US TO BE,
WE’LL HAVE TO GET USED TO GOD’S KIND OF DIFFERENT. IT’S SUPPOSE TO HAPPEN!
GET USED TO DIFFERENT!
0 Comments