Toughest Lesson I’ve Learned

While enjoying the social media-free life, there has been a lot of bible reading I have been able to do but also the reflection in my own life I would like to discuss.

Within my personality, I tend to be judgmental and critical which can be channeled for good and evil. I can be evil with my criticalness by downgrading people and being judgmental by focusing on their flaws. But we do see that throughout Scripture there is the call to judge righteously and to be discerning. I’ve been struggling in my flesh about these specific things and trying my best to channel the motives behind God’s purpose of judgment and criticalness.

The Lesson I Have To Learn Now Is: I Can Change What I Am Responsible For But I Cannot Change People.

This goes back to my judgment and critical self that tends to either not give enough grace to people or personally believe that I can change people based on what I say. As someone who is considering the pastorate, I believe God is highlighting this lesson now when I am not currently in ministry to take a load that I was not called to carry.

While there is a purpose of correction and guiding people I have to understand that I am called to simply spread seeds or water. I am reminded in 1 Corinthians about the functions of the leaders that played a part in the congregation’s lives. The main issue was focused on division but we can see that each one played a purpose in the growth of individuals.

5 What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. 6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. 7 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 8 The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. 9 For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building. 1 Corinthians 3:5-9

I have to remember the statement “But only God, makes things grow”. So while I deal with people who are not living holy lives or struggle with their sinful nature. I need to channel my criticalness and judgmental attitude to plant seeds based on the Word of God or called to water and be refreshing towards people based on the hope that Jesus is the one that can change a heart. I was never meant to carry the load of changing people. It is the Holy Spirit’s job to convict people of their sinfulness. My job is simply to partner with God on what I am called to do. While God will do His part by having people grow.