I really liked this Purpose Driven Life devotional. I think we've all come across someone in our lives that was hard to get along with. But, one thing is clear. We all need Jesus... Jerk or not.
Jesus And The Jerks
by Jon Walker
“But God demonstrates his own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8 NIV)
Jerk: A person regarded as disagreeable, contemptible, especially as the result of foolish or mean behavior.
One of the biggest jerks I ever knew was a 23-year-old college graduate whose anger and arrogance spilled into many of his relationships. His hypocrisy was astounding – one moment he claimed to be a Christian and the next he acted like a son of hell. If it had been my choice, I would have avoided him all together – but since that jerk was me, I was stuck being around him!
Most of us try to avoid jerks. We pat ourselves on the back for not telling them off. We applaud ourselves for putting up with them. We remind ourselves everybody has a cross to bear, and so we grudgingly accept certain jerks as our divinely ordained burden.
But is that what we’re called to do?
Jesus embraced jerks; he graced them with love – while stilling telling them the truth in love. Now he had no qualms about pointing out a whitewashed tomb when he saw one, but the corporate evil of the Pharisees was a far more serious matter than mere human jerkiness.
The point is this: Jesus didn’t shelter himself from the pain and heartache caused by jerks. In fact, he voluntarily stretched out his arms on the cross and allowed several jerks to slam nails into his hands and feet.
Behind all their stomp and snort, jerks are still spiritual beings, created in God's image and destined for heaven or hell. We’re compelled to be ministers of reconciliation, willing to embrace the pain of a fallen world for the sake of our God. (2 Corinthians 5:16-21)
The heart of the gospel is that God loves the unlovely. Could it be that the jerks God places in our lives are there to teach us to be more like Christ, to teach us the God-like quality of loving the unlovely?
Most of us take for granted the incredible change God initiated in our own lives: We were once jerks to God, yet even while we were still jerks, Christ died for us!
Jerks are never easy to embrace. If it were easy to love everyone, then Christ need not have died; we could love them on our own. But in order to embrace the jerks in our life, we need the Life of Christ within us so that, as new creations, we can overwhelm jerks with God’s grace, showing them the only power that will stop them from stumbling in the darkness, teaching them to cling to the only thing able to move them from being jerks to being Jesus-followers.
So what?
· Jesus loves jerks too – Even the most difficult people are spiritual beings in need of Christ.
· Jesus transforms you – Jesus can use the “jerks” in your life to transform you into a more Christ-like believer. Is it possible that the “jerk” who annoys you is God’s instrument to show you areas where you should grow, areas where you have difficulty loving unconditionally, the way that Christ loves you?
· God’s plan for you – If God allows a difficult person in your life, consider that he may want you to (1) pray for them and (2) show them by your own example how much God loves them, regardless of their behavior.
· Your mission – Who in your life seems disagreeable, contemptible, foolish, or mean? How would God have you approach them from now on? What can you do today to show them the love of Christ?
Showing posts with label purpose driven life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label purpose driven life. Show all posts
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
PDL: Warning Each Other
I love reading the Purpose Driven Life devotionals that come in my email box. I especially liked this one as the points ring true. For instance, sometimes when my attitude is way off base, I appreciate the way that Joel will lovingly rebuke me. I can always see it coming cause he will say... "I mean this in the most loving way, but..."
It is good to have others to "sharpen our iron" by pointing out our blind spots. There is a big difference between criticism and "constructive" criticism. We really need others in our lives-- Sometimes we won't see the full impact that they have had on us until we get to Heaven, but isn't it is good to know that God knows what he is doing even though we cant see the "Big Picture yet" ???
Warning Each Other
by Jon Walker
“Exhort one another every day, as long as it is called ‘today,’ that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.”
(Hebrews 3:13 ESV)
We need people in our lives who will love us enough to warn us when necessary. Just as “iron sharpens iron” (Proverbs 27:17 NIV), we’re to push each other toward Christ-like behavior and protect one another from failing in our faith.
God calls us to “tell each other the truth, because we all belong to each other in the same body” (Ephesians 4:25 NCV). The basis for warning each other in loving truth is that “we all belong to each other.”
Our warnings are not to be mere rebukes; they should be positive and redemptive – calling us to a higher place and reminding each other of our godly purpose. They are exhortations for restoration, and are given as loving corrections with a humble heart and compassionate words.
The apostle Paul said, “So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.” (Acts 20:31 NIV). Can you hear the passion and compassion in his voice? When our warnings are motivated by love and based on committed relationships, they rarely come across as harsh or mean.
In fact, when we warn others, we tell them how much we love them.
And as part of a Christian community, we also should be ready and willing to receive warnings from others. The fact is, we all have blind spots. Just like a driver sometimes needs help to see what’s in a car’s blind spot, we need friends to help us see things in us or near us that we don’t see ourselves. And in the same way we would warn a driver, the point is not to tear down the other person, but to keep him safely on the road.
Paul also says the warning should be immediate – “as long as it is called ‘today.’” We should seize the moment because waiting to warn only leads to disaster.
So what?
· Take a loving risk – You show your love for others by lovingly letting them know of blind spots. It takes a risk to show love in this way, but what will it cost if you don’t warn your friend? Who in your life needs to hear a word of warning?
· Loving restoration – When you point out a blind spot, it should not be done in anger. Your motive should be to restore your friend to a strong Christian walk and witness. Ask, “How can I make this warning tender?”
· Listen, don’t defend – Are you willing and prepared to receive a similar warning? When someone points out a blind spot in your life, listen – and don’t defend yourself. Take it to God and ask if it is true. If it is, ask him what you should do about it.
It is good to have others to "sharpen our iron" by pointing out our blind spots. There is a big difference between criticism and "constructive" criticism. We really need others in our lives-- Sometimes we won't see the full impact that they have had on us until we get to Heaven, but isn't it is good to know that God knows what he is doing even though we cant see the "Big Picture yet" ???
Warning Each Other
by Jon Walker
“Exhort one another every day, as long as it is called ‘today,’ that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.”
(Hebrews 3:13 ESV)
We need people in our lives who will love us enough to warn us when necessary. Just as “iron sharpens iron” (Proverbs 27:17 NIV), we’re to push each other toward Christ-like behavior and protect one another from failing in our faith.
God calls us to “tell each other the truth, because we all belong to each other in the same body” (Ephesians 4:25 NCV). The basis for warning each other in loving truth is that “we all belong to each other.”
Our warnings are not to be mere rebukes; they should be positive and redemptive – calling us to a higher place and reminding each other of our godly purpose. They are exhortations for restoration, and are given as loving corrections with a humble heart and compassionate words.
The apostle Paul said, “So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.” (Acts 20:31 NIV). Can you hear the passion and compassion in his voice? When our warnings are motivated by love and based on committed relationships, they rarely come across as harsh or mean.
In fact, when we warn others, we tell them how much we love them.
And as part of a Christian community, we also should be ready and willing to receive warnings from others. The fact is, we all have blind spots. Just like a driver sometimes needs help to see what’s in a car’s blind spot, we need friends to help us see things in us or near us that we don’t see ourselves. And in the same way we would warn a driver, the point is not to tear down the other person, but to keep him safely on the road.
Paul also says the warning should be immediate – “as long as it is called ‘today.’” We should seize the moment because waiting to warn only leads to disaster.
So what?
· Take a loving risk – You show your love for others by lovingly letting them know of blind spots. It takes a risk to show love in this way, but what will it cost if you don’t warn your friend? Who in your life needs to hear a word of warning?
· Loving restoration – When you point out a blind spot, it should not be done in anger. Your motive should be to restore your friend to a strong Christian walk and witness. Ask, “How can I make this warning tender?”
· Listen, don’t defend – Are you willing and prepared to receive a similar warning? When someone points out a blind spot in your life, listen – and don’t defend yourself. Take it to God and ask if it is true. If it is, ask him what you should do about it.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
What's So Special about "Special Needs"??
Thanks to a fellow Mommy and Yada friend; I got inspired to post this in honor of Autism Awareness Month. I like the way that John Fischer describes the Mom in this devotional as " belonged exactly where she was in her life" I feel that way too regarding the relationship with my son, Noah, who was diagnosed with PDD-NOS, just 3 years ago. I'm discovering through Noah's life, that the Lord is doing a good work in my own as well. Even though that process isnt a easy one, I'm learning to put my trust in our Creator, as he works all things out for Good (Romans 8:28)
I strongly believe that the Lord blesses these special children with special parents and has a divine purpose over our lives. Rest assured, our good Lord knows exactly what he is doing, even though we haven't got a clue sometimes! :) :) :)
Purpose Driven Life Devotional
What’s so special about ‘special needs’?
By John Fischer
I often like to include stories that come from our readers as inspiration. Sometimes I retell them in my own words, but this one I’m passing on pretty much as it came to me. Thanks to Kim for sharing some valuable lessons with us.I learned something new about myself this week from a new friend named Thomas who is 12 years old, incredibly handsome, friendly, and autistic. He sat behind me in a restaurant, close enough to touch. He was enamored with my 5-year-old who was not feeling well and not giving him any attention. I felt compelled to do so myself.
Throughout the evening, Thomas and I became buddies – talking about everything from basketball to Nike shoes.The most fascinating part of this new acquaintance was Thomas’ mother – an elegant, well-kept, very dignified, and composed woman. Her name is Debbie and in my eyes she is amazing. She is a single mom, a partner in a business, and manages to raise her son with "special needs." When she and her husband found out about Thomas’ autism at the age of 2, her husband got scared and left them. He has never been back.Earlier in the evening, I was frustrated with my children for being difficult. They didn't want to get dressed to go the restaurant, they weren't happy about the jackets I chose, the baby was feeling bad, they didn't like each other, and were bickering.
I was extremely exhausted and feeling terribly sorry for myself, because my husband was working late and I had no help with the children. I was driving them and my mother-in-law to the restaurant thinking, "How am I ever going to keep up with this? If I could just get enough rest to regain my composure, blah, blah, blah ..."During dinner, the waves of guilt came over me as I began to think about how long and difficult Debbie's days must be, and yet she looked so much like she belonged exactly where she was in her life at that moment.
I don't know how it will change my outlook on things long term, but it was definitely an eye opener for me today. Debbie was truly a motivation.And then, irony of ironies, she came over to me as they got up to leave and hugged me with tears in her eyes – thanking me for being good to her son. Apparently their typical experience in public is to have people shy away from them out of fear of what to say. She has no idea that I owe her and Thomas the thanks. I will always be grateful that he reached out to my son and me that night.
I strongly believe that the Lord blesses these special children with special parents and has a divine purpose over our lives. Rest assured, our good Lord knows exactly what he is doing, even though we haven't got a clue sometimes! :) :) :)
Purpose Driven Life Devotional
What’s so special about ‘special needs’?
By John Fischer
I often like to include stories that come from our readers as inspiration. Sometimes I retell them in my own words, but this one I’m passing on pretty much as it came to me. Thanks to Kim for sharing some valuable lessons with us.I learned something new about myself this week from a new friend named Thomas who is 12 years old, incredibly handsome, friendly, and autistic. He sat behind me in a restaurant, close enough to touch. He was enamored with my 5-year-old who was not feeling well and not giving him any attention. I felt compelled to do so myself.
Throughout the evening, Thomas and I became buddies – talking about everything from basketball to Nike shoes.The most fascinating part of this new acquaintance was Thomas’ mother – an elegant, well-kept, very dignified, and composed woman. Her name is Debbie and in my eyes she is amazing. She is a single mom, a partner in a business, and manages to raise her son with "special needs." When she and her husband found out about Thomas’ autism at the age of 2, her husband got scared and left them. He has never been back.Earlier in the evening, I was frustrated with my children for being difficult. They didn't want to get dressed to go the restaurant, they weren't happy about the jackets I chose, the baby was feeling bad, they didn't like each other, and were bickering.
I was extremely exhausted and feeling terribly sorry for myself, because my husband was working late and I had no help with the children. I was driving them and my mother-in-law to the restaurant thinking, "How am I ever going to keep up with this? If I could just get enough rest to regain my composure, blah, blah, blah ..."During dinner, the waves of guilt came over me as I began to think about how long and difficult Debbie's days must be, and yet she looked so much like she belonged exactly where she was in her life at that moment.
I don't know how it will change my outlook on things long term, but it was definitely an eye opener for me today. Debbie was truly a motivation.And then, irony of ironies, she came over to me as they got up to leave and hugged me with tears in her eyes – thanking me for being good to her son. Apparently their typical experience in public is to have people shy away from them out of fear of what to say. She has no idea that I owe her and Thomas the thanks. I will always be grateful that he reached out to my son and me that night.
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