Is There A Difference
You know, I was thinking. Last night during men's group an interesting scenario was presented. One of the guys was curious about how to deal with a certain person who claims that he knows the Lord but doesn't really act as he does (you know language, actions etc...). Now, this is very over simplified and I am condensing the details to cut to the chase. This group member wanted to know how he should handle this person. Here are the two extremes: If this guy is saved and he keeps asking for forgiveness for his language and actions then everthing is alright isn't it? If this guy isn't saved then nothing that he does as far as asking for forgiveness really matters anyway right?My answer to this is that it really doesn't matter what this person's current state of salvation is in order to know how to proceed. If this person has accepted Jesus as his savior and has been obedient to him, then you need to set an example and help lead him to a better relationship with the Father so that he can live the kind of life God has for him. If this person is not a Christian the you need to set an example and help lead him to salvation. Either way, I believe the response is the same! But, I don't have all of the answers! Does it really matter where a person is at in their walk for us to "deal" with them about the things of God? What are your thoughts on the topic. Be blessed beyond belief today.
posted by Doug E. Pudge @ 7:43 AM
3 Comments:
If a brother is sinning you should restore him gently. If someone outside of the fold is sinning you should gently encourage him to mend his ways, by your example, and tactful words.
Same thing in my view.
Here's my initial take.
If someone doesn't believe in God, Jesus, The Bible, etc., it really doesn't do much good to quote the Bible as they don't believe in it.
Someone that does believe in such things will take those references a little more to heart.
In both situations a good example is a must. The old adage, preach the gospel at all times, and if necessary use words... or... you might be the only Bible someone ever reads...
Here is another take on the whole matter. What if God is trying to speak to this person and this person does not either want to listen or doesn't know how to listen to God's voice.
James 3:2-4 says...
2We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.
3When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go.
If ist happens again I would confront the person and ask if they really are a believer.
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