It's been a while. We're going through some remodeling on our master bathroom and BOY what a mess of dust! Got me thinking, though. How much "dust" is covering our hearts? What about our Bibles? Hm.
My hubby and I went to a FANTASTIC marriage conference put on by Family Life called, "A Weekend to Remember". I can't say enough about the experience. We aren't on any shaky ground, which is a huge praise to God for His provision. We are actually stronger now than we've ever been. Again, all to God's glory and not our own.
I took a few things away from the weekend which I've already shared with others. The main one is so powerful, and yet so simple. I've talked about the armor of God in a previous blog. (Suit Up!) One particular Scripture is what the speaker focused on. Ephesians 6:12 "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places." NASU
He had us reach over and take our spouse's hand. He said, "Squeeze that hand. What's it made of? Flesh and blood. Now, turn to your spouse and say 'You are NOT my enemy'."
Whether you want to admit it or not, according to the Word of God, this is truth. There is NO human being on this earth who is your enemy. I'm not saying people don't do horrible things and deserve to have justice brought on them. I'm a firm believer in justice. I'm talking about those people we are in contact with everyday in our life. Our family members in the same house. Our co-workers. Those who serve us at restaurants. Those we speak to on the phone. Those we see in the same pews each Sunday. Those we are on committees with in church. These people are NOT our enemies and yet we tend to treat them as such at times. WHY???
There is an enemy who longs to destroy us. He longs to destroy relationships which will glorify God. He longs to have anything which is good and right and perfect be messed up so someone will blaim God for it and therefore break fellowship with Him or another believer.
I don't tend to have unbelievers come into my life for counsel. It's mainly Christians who are seeking to find God's leading in their life. And, it's not anyone who's faint of heart. :-) You see, pulling punches isn't my style. I've gotten better in the mercy catagory, but up two from zero isn't saying much. :-) SO, what I'm talking about here is to Christians who are in a relationship with Christ.
How are you treating those around you? Are you a fault finder or are you an encourager? Do you tear them down or build them up? Do those who AREN'T believers see how you treat those people and see Christ or a fallen human being?
I've made a concerted effort to be an encourager. I want those who see me to ask what's different about her? Why is she happy? Why is she treating me so well? Why is she looking out for others and telling me I can do it when I don't think I can? Why isn't she berating me when I've made a mistake?
People will know us by our love or lack thereof.
