Matthew 23:4

Matthew 23:4

The Pharisees put themselves in a position which they appointed for themselves, rather than having God appoint them to a place.  They made themselves “teachers of the law” – They talked the talk, but refused to walk the walk. 

“They tie up heavy burdens and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are unwilling to move them with so much as a finger.”

This sounds awful.  I’m sure you thought of someone right off the bat. But stop and really think for a second. Have you ever done this to someone?  Have you ever laid a huge responsibility or multiple “rules” that you refuse to let go? Let’s get specific…

Have you ever held someone in your church, or even at various other public places, at a standard that they were obviously not matching up to and then judged them without even confronting them to help them?  Dressing provocatively (now that’s a big one for most of us), poor attitude, whether or not they are saved, their walk with the Lord, if they dress/look “differently,” someone who is ALWAYS late to church – maybe blocking your view for a few seconds as they find a seat…What about someone new at your church? What’s their story? Are they saved or are they a “danger” to be around?

STOP.

Whatever happened to going up to people and showing God’s UNCONDITIONAL love for each and every person in the room?  There is only one God and He sent ONE and ONLY Son to die for us.  Jesus Christ did not die on a cross JUST for church-goers, “Christians,” followers, whatever you wish to term a believer.  He died for each and everyone one of us – SINNERS.  The same Jesus Christ that died for you and me died for the head of a gang, prostitutes, sex traffickers, criminals, atheists, blasphemers, Satanists, adulterers, people who dress provocatively, your neighbor who abuses their spouse or children, the girl in your school who is giving away her body for drugs, the guy in your school who is looking so hard for approval that he puts everyone down in the process, the mother selling drugs to support her children, your neighbor who gets on your nerves, etc… He even died for the men who tortured Him and hung Him on a tree.  He died for the people who mocked Him as He dragged His cross for their sins.

What an amazing, love, forgiving God. What a beautiful, heavenly Father. How great is Your love!?

Something to think about with criminals, just plain mean people, women who dress provocatively, etc….People who seem to have corrupted minds/hearts… Have you ever really considered what happened to a person to make them that way? What had to happen in their past?  Put yourself in THEIR shoes and imagine living with those thoughts, that mind set, that life style.  The people who are rudest to you, do the worst things imaginable, mean, unloving, unforgiving, do things far from what is right, put you down, etc. – Those are the people who need love and encouragement the most.  Why not create a home for the broken? We are a living ministry of God. Invite others in – Create a home for the broken. <3

I’m not saying you have to go up to everyone and be their best friend, but what if…instead of judging that person or talking behind their back, you went up to them and encouraged them?  Even just an acknowledgement of their presence.  Some people honestly just need to know people care and love them and that would change everything for them.  God uses us for His glory, to show His love. We are living, walking examples of His love and goodness. You don’t need to have money to give generously.  We can all give generously with our love, talents, personalities, actions, words, advice, hugs, kind notes, etc.  There are SO many ways!! How many times have you been encouraged by someone just smiling at you?

A main role in the body of Christ is to encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ. In Hebrews 3:13, it says, “But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called ‘Today,’ so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.”

It is so vitally important to consistently build others up for the glory of God.  There are so many hurting people in this world that are longing for something more and the church has gotten so corrupt that it is difficult for “outsiders” to find a home and place of healing and forgiveness in the church. Jesus walked, talked, sat and ate with sinners.  He loves them unconditionally.  It fills my heart with so much awe and joy at His mercy! How can we, as Christians, live like Him, walk in His ways, love like Him, give like Him? To not focus on our loved ones who are so easy to love, but for our enemies, for criminals whose crimes might make us cringe, for people who have hurt us, for corrupted churches/church members?

I realize that this isn’t for everyone, but it is truly something to think about…How many people could be encouraged if each of us just put ONE sticky note somewhere for people to say with an encouraging note on it?

I suppose I’ve gotten a bit off topic…Not really, but just a bit excited.  =)  Again, I’d like to share the verse:

“They tie up heavy burdens and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are unwilling to move them with so much as a finger.” – Matthew 23:4

We are not the creator of rules nor are we the teachers – But God is the Almighty Creator and Teacher.  So, if you are to share the Gospel with someone and point out God’s commandments and His words, help them, guide them in their path.  It is our responsibility as the body of Christ to encourage one another and help each other in our walks.  Not one of us is perfect.  Words are cheap, actions matter.  As 3D says, “Actions speak louder than words.” I may contradict what I’ve spoken today and I only hope that anyone reading this would know my heart and correct/remind me. 

I’ve come up with some ideas of how to encourage others, whether it be friends/family or strangers…

1.       Send LOVING letters to prisons – show them someone loves them and truly cares.

2.       Write an anonymous card to someone and leave it on their porch, car, seat they always sit in, etc.

3.       Carry post its around with you and write something encouraging on them – bible verse, advice, something God puts on your heart, even just a smiley face! =)

4.       Smile at EVERYONE!! Maybe even give a wave and/or say hi. =) After all…This is Oklahoma – No one will think you’re weird if you wave at a stranger.

5.       Ask people how they are – and actually wait and CARE for their response.

6.       Leave kind notes/messages for them – email, facebook, letters, cards, etc.

7.       Volunteer – There are SO many opportunities in our community to share our love with people of all ages, backgrounds, walks of life, etc. Give generously with your love, talents, and kindness. It means so much to people when they know you are there out of love, not for personal gain.

8.       Find needs and meet them.  You don’t even need money, some of the time!  If someone mentions a need they have, offer your own means of helping them – whether that be giving money, love, encouragement, your own clothes or supplies, offering your home as a place to meet, offering your car for transportation, offering a listening ear for someone who needs to talk, etc.

I’m sure I could think up so many more…but…I’m thankful that you’ve read this much. I love you all so much and hope you have an amazing and blessed day!  <3