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LIVE in Jesus Fully - (James 4:11-12)

LIVE IN JESUS FULLY - James 4:11-12

One of the characteristics of a mature follower of Jesus is that he/she is regularly praying for others. Caring for, and looking out for others, loving them as we love ourselves is the second of the "greatest commandments" mentioned by Jesus. And, as we pray, we want our prayers to be a blessing and to make a difference!

Praying for others, however, may not be effective in many cases. What do I mean by that? The Bible is clear that our attitudes and awareness has much to do with our productive prayer life. In other words, how am I viewing the one for whom I am praying? Have I turned to judgment? Am I judging where only God truly has the right to decide?

On Sunday, Pastor Tim Martin turned our attention to James 4:11-12:
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? 

Consider beginning a review of your own heart. Am I criticizing others? Am I judging others?  Have I spoken critically about someone else? If so, it is time to repent and turn from self-righteousness and to embrace the grace God has given us, and to impart that same grace to the one for whom we are praying.

Judging and criticizing others will stand in the way of Living Fully in Jesus. I am often saddened at the end of the day, or in times of silence and meditation, to remember the ways my heart has been critical of others. Too often, moving from internal criticism to speaking words of criticism. It is in these times when I am grateful for God's grace and forgiveness. I am grateful to be able to confess to Him what He has revealed to me, and then to receive His grace to sincerely pray for the "other" with His heart of love for them.

TO CONSIDER:
How is it with you? Are you living fully in Jesus? How is your life of prayer for others? Are they hindered by attitudes that run counter to Jesus' call to love others as ourselves?

FOR FURTHER THOUGHT:
Consider reading this article by Tim Challies titled, Six Ways to Hinder Your Prayers. I hope you will be challenged, and pray that you will continue to grow in your ability to LIVE in Christ Fully.
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