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CONNECT with Others Authentically - James 4:11-12

To truly CONNECT, a disciple of Jesus must live out an authenticity that is counter-cultural. The connection that we refer to includes an openness to the input of others and their discernment, an authenticity based on our willingness to be our “true self” in the relationship and finally a genuine love for one each other that comes from a deep awareness of how loved we are by God himself. 

Reflecting on Sunday's Message:

Referring back to the main text (James 4:11-12) from Pastor Tim Martin's message this weekend, we find keys which are helpful to become "Authentic Connectors":
11 Do not criticize one another, my brothers and sisters. If you criticize fellow-Christians or judge them, you criticize the Law and judge it. If you judge the Law, then you are no longer one who obeys the Law, but one who judges it. 12God is the only lawgiver and judge. He alone can save and destroy. Who do you think you are, to judge someone else? 

Last evening I had a great crew (Bobby McFarland, Corally Wolters, Caleb Strite, and William McFarland) working at removing a few more walls in our church building. During the evening, some drywall dust ended up in Corally's eyes. I overheard Bobby saying something like, "Why do you point out the dust in someone else's eye when you have a wall in yours." (Something like that). We all had a good laugh.

It is true though isn't it. We struggle to see our own faults but are experts at seeing and criticizing another. The bottom line is this. If we are going to be able to connect authentically, it will involve a consistent willingness to look at the logs in our own eyes often so that we resist the urge to be the "speck inspector" for those we are called to connect with.

To Consider:

In your relationships and connections, whether at home, in CONNECT group, or in other social or work settings, how often do you find yourself criticizing the actions, decisions, attitudes of another? How quickly do you move from encouragement and support to finding fault?

FOR FURTHER THOUGHT:

Here is a great article titled, "5 Steps to Help Remove the "Log" in Our Eye". You may want to read it and take time to meditate on the steps. 

https://thankfulhomemaker.com/5-steps-to-remove-the-log-in-our-eye/
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