7-30-2015

 Good Morning All!!

      Luke 6:37-38; “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”

     There is an old story about a pastor and one of his visits with one of his parishioners.  It seemed that there was a lady who made the best apple pie in the area.  She always won at pie competition and it got to where they would ask her to not compete otherwise no one else even tried.  One day, this lady invited the pastor over to her house for some pie.  This was a little strange as she had never invited him over before.  So filled with curiosity and desiring a piece of pie he visited her.

     As she served him a piece of her wonderful pie she began, “There is something I think you should know about…”  “Boy this is great pie!” he interrupted.  Only a little phased, she offered a thank you and waited a minute before she tried again.  “I think you should know about…” she again offered.  “How many contests have you won with this pie recipe?” as he again interrupted her.   Now somewhat perturbed, she cleared her throat and began again, “I really think you should know about…”  He held his hand up to stop her.  He then asked her if she was going to tell him about some great sin that someone else had committed.  She responded with a yes.

    He then told her that before she should tell what someone else had done; she needed to tell him something that she had done.  He added the comment, “you know I’ve lived here for twenty years and you have some very well informed neighbors.”  She sat and stared at him for a moment so he continued while looking into her eye, “so you are ready and willing to confess what someone else has done but not what you have done?”  She looked away and thought for a moment and then replied, “I have won four blue ribbons at the state fair.”

   It is so easy to be that lady.  It is so easy to look out and see what everyone else is doing wrong.  I think it is because we never allow ourself to rationalize or to self-justify the action that occurs.  When I gossip, I have a good reason.  When I commit some other sin, it is just a little one, no one was really hurt, everyone does them and after all, no one is perfect; but that other guy, none of those “self-truths” apply. 

   Our verses for today warn us about judging others.  It is very dangerous and sinful as it does not heal but continues to shred our relationship with each other and with our God.  Judging others often only causes troubles because we never know the complete truth.  So pray for those in pain; pray for forgiveness and for God’s will to go forth but avoid judging; it causes more pain.

Father of all mercy, forgive me when I judge.  Move me by your Spirit to always speak in love.  Make our corrections about love and seeking your will.  Move us to heal and not to destroy.  In the precious name of Jesus we pray, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret