An Old Thought

This thought originated on June 7, 2007

After another " marathon" session of grass cutting these thoughts came to mind

Matthew 22:36-39 (New International Version)
36"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 37Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'

Last night Pastor Bob and I had our usual weekly get together at Panera. This is where we share a cup of coffee, food and an occasional pastry. We talk about the things of the Lord and encourage one another (OK ,mostly I 'm the one receiving the encouragement) We've been doing this for over a year I think. We also wait to see if the Lord opens doors of conversation with others in the restaurant. Several times this has occurred. About 6 months ago we met a man I will call Stan. Stan is a Christian man who's been saved many years, but has not attended church regularly for the last several years. We chatted, invited him to church and to join us again anytime. We didn't see him again until last week when we sat and talked about the things of the Lord. Again we invited Stan to join us at church or Panera anytime. Last night Stan showed up. After a slow start to our conversation things got going. As we have gotten to know Stan a little better I asked him why it seems he cannot connect to a church anymore. His reply was he "scares pastors." Stan is a man who was radically saved over 27 years ago. God did a great transforming work in his life and he is very grateful to God. He is also a man of deep conviction. You could say a bit stubborn in his beliefs. After getting to know him a bit I believe he sees things through a very narrow scope. In our conversation last night we were talking about the change that needs to happen and be seen by others when we turn over our lives to Christ. Without a doubt this is true. This is called "Sanctification" Let me stop and ask a question. Is sanctification instantaneous at conversion, an on going process or both? (Look for the answer at the end of this post) For many like Stan when Jesus comes into their lives the change is evident almost immediately. For some it may take some time to be seen. Stan seems to have a little problem with those whose change is not evident quickly (especially young people) In his view they are compromising and he wants no part of them. In talking to Stan I know he loves the Lord. He is a living testimony to Matthew 22:37 But Stan has a problem with verse 38 In his deep convictions he has forgotten from where he came. He has (by his own admission) a difficult time with the fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)
He loves God but not necessarily all people. Only those that fit his mold.

So what's the lesson for us? Jesus said the two greatest commandments were love God AND love people. ALL PEOPLE. God is the judge, not us. Unfortunately there are a lot of Stans out there in the Christian world. They get saved and forget where they came from. They love God, but now look at people differently. We are to love everyone right where they are at, just as they are. With all their faults, baggage and hang-ups. We should be working on getting our own lives in order. God will clean up everyone who desires to be. We don't have to, nor can we.

Do you love God with all you've got? Are you loving people today unconditionally? If not I challenge you to ask God to help you. It is one of the first steps we must take if we want to see people get saved and God's kingdom grow. We need to understand that we may all be at different levels in our walk with God. God doesn't love one greater than the next. He doesn't look at anything but our heart. He wants to know we are sincere in our love and efforts to change and grow.

The answer to the question above on sanctification is both. God is always working with us to help us become more like Him. And He is very patient. Remember we may see improvement but we have not arrived until He returns or calls us home. If you think you've arrived, friend you really have a long way to go.