Room for Change

Scripture: When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed what they had done. A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas. Acts 19:17-19

Observation: Phil talked about this exact issue several weeks ago in the Sunday prayer circle. When it comes to individuals believing in Jesus, they do not 1) change their behavior, then 2) believe. It is instead exactly the opposite ... someone believes, and then (very slowly) begins to evaluate their own behavior based on the moving of the Holy Spirit within them.

Application: While I know this fact, it remains way too easy for me to judge the behavior my fellow church members. Sometimes I go so far as to question in my heart if someone truly believes based on their behavior. That is - of course - hypocritical and flat-out wrong.

So I am reminded today that I continue to struggle with judgement in my life. I do it far too often, to no useful ends. In fact, all it does is hurt the other person's feelings (if they know I do it), and destroy my reputation in the eyes of God as he will return that judgement upon my own head (whether or not anyone knows I'm doing it).

Prayer: Lord, please do continue to do good work in me - in my heart and in my mind and I seek to love others and be a peacemaker. May I quit wounding others, and may I fear your judgement. Amen.