Dave’s Monday Blast – June 6, 2016
Last week we explored the idea that the process of pursuing Godliness includes at least these two acts:
1. We must present our bodies to God and renew our minds each day (Romans 12:1 & 2).
2. We must become living sacrifices as He did (1 John 3:16).
Men of Intention understand that if we are to live in this world but not to be of it these two “musts” are non-negotiable. But what if we neglect to do either of these things? What if we stumble and find ourselves living “outside of the line”? Please know that the Lord doesn’t want the members of His body to live in isolation; believers are intended to function as a loving family who actively care for each other. One of our responsibilities as part of God’s household is to come alongside a brother or sister who has stumbled. In Galatians 6:1-5 Paul specifies that those “who are spiritual” are to restore the fallen ones to fellowship with the Father and the family.
Spiritual doesn’t mean some elite group of pious leaders; it refers to any Christians who are living under the Spirit’s control. A key element in this process is the attitude of the one who seeks to restore a fellow Christian. What does this attitude look like?
1. A Spirit of Gentleness: This isn’t a time for harshness, anger, judgment, or condemnation. Our goal is not to heap pain and guilt upon a hurting brother or sister but to show mercy and forgiveness (2 Corinthians 2:5-8).
2. A Spirit of Humility: Those who have a superior attitude look down on a fallen brother and think, “I would never make those mistakes”. But the humble know their own vulnerabilities. Instead of judging others, they examine their own lives in order to recognize and deal with areas of weakness.
3. A Spirit of Love: When we love others, we’ll willingly share their burden (none of us can bear up under the burden of sin). This requires an unselfish investment of our time, energy, and prayer on their behalf.
How do you react when a fellow Christian has stumbled? Charles Stanley says it this way, “One of the ugliest human traits is our tendency to feel better about ourselves when another person “misses the mark”. Instead of sharing the latest gossip about a fallen brother or sister, come alongside to love and help.” Does that convict you like it does me?
