by David Brenneman
Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way wll save his lfe from death and cover a mulitude of sins
James 6:20.
One of the Christian's greatest deterrents from sin is the life of another Christian. Some Christians maintain that it is none of their business if another chooses to sin. They are convinced that they are being judgmental if they respond to
someone in sin. The world persuades them not to get involved, but this inaction prevents them from being an effective intercessor.
As Christians we are aware that sin brings death (Romans 6:23). Sin kills relationships, dismantles marriages, stifles joy, and destroys peace. When we see someone wander from the truth into error, how should we respond? When Jesus saw sin, it broke His heart. He wept over entire cities as He saw them rejecting the truth (Matt. 23:37-39). He prayed fervently for His disciples to be strong when they were tempted (John 17). He warned those who were heading toward spiritual failure (Matthew 26:20-25,34). Jesus was even willing to die to save people from their sins because He knew the devastation that sin causes. Jesus never stood idle as those around Him were led astray by their sin. He
always took an active role in turning them back to God.
"Minding your own business" will save you some discomfort but it will not help a brother or sister who needs to return to the Lord. If you are truly aware of the grave consequences even for as those who continue in sin, you will be moved to weep Jesus wept Pray fervently for your friend. That will safeguard your motives and prepare you to minister to him. Be alert, in the event that God asks you to confront be your friend. If you do so, be loving and gentle lest you, too, be tempted. (Galatians 6:1). Experiencing God Day-by-Day Devotional.
We are to walk with Jesus while living this life we have been graciously given to live today. Today wasn't promised and as morbid as it might seem or sound, many are not with the world today. Death comes to everyone. What wr do with this gift called today is on us. Our objective is to be obedient. Our obedience determines how effective the work of God in Christ Jesus will be seen by Him.
That devotional really hit the nail on the head concerning accountability and what some disdain to call Church discipline. Paul exercised various types of Church discipline as you read through the New Testament portions that the Spirit of God lead him to write.
There are consequences to our actions both in the physical world and the spiritual world.
Our obedience or lack thereof in the physical world impacts the spiritual world.
Our taking in carnal things will impact our attitude and disposition of spiritual things.
Church discipline or even the one on one confrontations that are meant to turn a Believer back towards Jesus are not to be shunned.
Read that devotional again. Blackaby is spot on with what he's saying.
What does this say and what does it direct us to?
"All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
We are literally going to be getting trained all our physical lives until either the Rapture of the Church or Jesus calls us home.
We are to set our minds on the things that are above and not on the things that are of this world.
What is important to Jesus should be important to you my Dear Reader.
Walking away from a brother or sister who's struggling in the faith because of sin isn't the right thing to do. You must be prepared through prayer to act. Your prayers will guide you as well as to let you know if it's for you to get involved personally or to pray for someone stronger in the Lord than you to help.
We aren't to say that anyone is too far gone from God. We aren't to say that it's not our problem. The two who failed at this with the story of the Good Samaritan displayed that attitude.
God orchestrated you crossing paths with another human being at His direction, in this moment of time, for His purpose.
We are to prayer for those who persecute us. We are to pray for our leaders. Those in authority over us. We are to pray for Israel. We are to pray for the lost of this world. We are to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ Jesus. We are no feed our spirit with the Word of God. We are to remember the poor. We are to remember the widows and orphans. We are to live a life that is lived in such a way that people see our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven.
We aren't to leave people behind because the effort to help will inconvenience us. We aren't to see how close to the world we can get without being burned.
We aren't to waste an opportunity.
"Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is." Ephesians 5:15-17.
Praying for God's justice and God's mercy sometimes are different things. Praying for someone for salvation is the right thing to do. Praying that God do what must be done in the name of justice at the same time is also right.
Church discipline or whatever God does to turn someone back around to a right relationship with Jesus isn't punishment nor is it Him judging people. It's His correcting people and restoring lives with Jesus. Selfishness has no place in the work of God through us in Christ Jesus. So what that we are inconvenienced. So what if we do without concerning something we have that we've been holding onto.
Isn't a soul restored to a right relationship with Jesus worth it?
Those blessings you sit on that came from God, don't you think He can do that again for you?
Be the Good Samaritan in your world. It's God's plan for you.
All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.
New American Standard Bible
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