DON'T LOOK DOWN YOUR NOSE AT OTHERS!

I'm troubled by the spirit of condemnation that is so prevalent among churches and Christians all over this country.  

No matter where we go, it seems that there is always someone looking down his or her nose at someone else.   There are always people who in their own minds, at least, are more righteous than the individuals around them. In most cases, however, this turns out to be self-righteousness as opposed to true righteousness

The mentality of these individuals is that if you don't agree with their way of thinking all the way down the line, then you are wrong all the way down the line.  The intolerance level of these self-righteous people is extremely high.  They are quick to be judgmental if you don't look the way they think you ought to look or behave in a manner that is acceptable to them.  It matters not to them, what the Word of God may say about a particular issue or situation.  What matters to them is what they think.

I'm not referring to issues that Scriptures specifically address.  I'm talking about things that the Scriptures do not specifically mention.  In most cases, these are relatively unimportant issues that people become indignant about.  They tend to emphasize the less important things.  How sad the church has come to this!

Oftentimes we become hypocritical about the whole situation.  We tend to see the faults and problems of others, but somehow we manage to never see our own shortcomings.  Jesus makes mention of this in Matthew 7:1-5.  In verse five Jesus said, "Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote in thy brother's eye."  Pretty strong words, huh?

Is seems the problem with the spirit of condemnation is nothing new.  Jesus encountered it when He walked upon this land.  Upon reading the Scriptures I find that the scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees and hypocrites were the self-righteous people of Jesus' day.  Perhaps we have more in common with the religious people of Jesus' day than we care to admit. What "good" company we are in.

If were're not careful, we'll become like the self-righteous Pharisee who proclaimed to God in prayer, "I thank Thee, that I am not as other men are...even as this publican (Luke 18:9-14).  The publican, on the other hand, expressing grief and remorse concerning his condition cried "God be merciful to me a sinner."

If there's one thing I've discovered over the years, it's that the Body of Christ is large enough for many diverse opinions and people.  I believe all those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior fit into the Body and have a vital function.

It's easy for us to peer down our nose at people who look or behave a bit differently than we do.  You know, just because they are a bit different in appearance or behavior than we are doesn't' make them right or wrong.  If they're covered by the blood of Jesus that makes them our brothers and sisters in the Lord.  After all, isn't that what really matters?

Until next time...enjoy the journey!

Ray

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