“So then each of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.” Romans 14:12-13
“Why don’t they do…?” I asked the Lord, frustrated for the umpteenth time. I don’t remember my exact words to Him, but I most assuredly remembered the message behind it. I was thinking about all the years I had had my ministry and how exceedingly few people had ever helped me. How few had offered to help, how few had said yes when I asked for help, and how few who had committed to help actually followed through, for more than a few times anyway. And I was thinking of one church in particular that had no programs to speak of to do outreach into the community, and how one of the ladies in charge of a group of women when I asked for help making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for homeless people made it abundantly clear they would not help me. I knew where I was headed next. Down the road of the other churches in my area that had refused to help in any way. I had been down this road so many times. Frustrated. Hurt sometimes. Sad over the state of so many churches and so many professing Christians. Discouraged by what I have so often seen in the Body of Christ. Etc. A big etcetera. But the Spirit of God caught me in the act – before I proceeded any further.
“Is this your concern? Or is your concern what I’ve called you to do?” the Spirit of God spoke to my heart.
Ouch. Convicted. Almost as soon as the conversation got underway, the Holy Spirit brought to my remembrance this.
- The sisters Mary and Martha. Martha complained to Jesus about Mary not helping her with all the serving. Jesus responded Mary was doing the best thing of all. Sitting at Jesus’ feet. (Luke 10:42)
- When our lives on earth are over, as a brother in the Lord once told me, we will not give an account of anyone else’s life. Just our own.
God’s Spirit was reminding me my responsibility is to spend time with the Lord Jesus Christ by sitting at His feet to pray, praise, worship, study the Word, listen, learn, grow, and obey, and to enjoy fellowship with Him. And my job is to serve the Lord with a glad heart. NONE of this is contingent on what anyone does or does not do. Loving and serving God is to be my highest priority in life, and for this I will have to give an account when I stand one day before the Lord Jesus Christ. Regarding others, my job is not to judge and condemn them, but to lovingly, encouragingly, albeit firmly, help them to do the same. To find and follow the Lord Jesus Christ forever!