What is the difference between judgment and correction? It's a matter of direction and purpose:
1. Who are my words directed to?
2. What are my words spoke for?
Before you can correct anyone, there must be a relationship. If you are in a store with your children and they're acting up, how would you feel if a stranger took it upon themselves to correct them? They don't know you or your kids or your situation. You wouldn't be happy. The same principle applies to those who want to correct another person without any relationship.
I believe it was John Maxwell who said, "People don't care how much you know until people know you care." We have three types of people in our lives:
1. Those, like Paul, who minister to us.
2. Our peers.
3. Those under us in terms of position or maturity in Christ.
Regarding those under me, we must direct our words to that person.
1. Those who depend on us.
2. Those who have asked for help.
3. If we're are not praying for them, we're not the ones to be correcting them.
To direct our correction to anyone else is to engage in gossip and judgment. The results will be damaging to us, the one needing correction, and those we involve. The goal is always restoration not condemnation.
Paul told those under his ministry in I Corinthians 11:1 to imitate him as he imitates Christ. Other Scripture references include:
1. Philippians 4:9
2. 2 Thessalonians 3:7
3. 2 Timothy 2:23-26
4. Galatians 6:1
5. Matthew 18:15-17
To hear the rest of this message, please visit our website and click on the Listen Tab. You can listen online or download it to your MP3 player.
If you're visiting in the area or looking for a church home, we invite you to Zoe Christian Fellowship. We're located at 1111 Easton Rd. (Route 611), in Warrington, PA. Culturally diverse, preaching the uncompromised Word of God, and a loving, family atmosphere await you. :)
No comments:
Post a Comment