Daily Lift: A New Revolution!
Titus 3:2
2 to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.
In a crowd of thousands, it is hard to remember that your thoughts are just as dangerous as your words. As you observe those different from you in dress, attitude, color, and beliefs, it is much easier to judge, assess, and reach a conclusion that is far from accurate. I found myself in that exact scenario last week as I traveled on a cruise ship that held over six thousand people, and visiting ports with other cruise ships, encountering more than fifteen thousand people from all over the world.
For those of us who were led to believe a certain look meant a certain personality, it becomes like making your way through a live minefield.
I was privileged to meet several people I normally would not have met on my trip. Pleasantly surprised by the gentleness of a tattooed and body-pierced father, the soft voice of a heavy metal rocker, and the humility of a beauty queen, I was forced to repent to God for my immediate assessment of what I saw rather than looking at their hearts.
We are instructed not to judge lest we be judged, and as certain as I am that I don’t want to be judged by my appearance, those who were the object of my scrutiny were most likely feeling the same way.
This is what I know: It is far easier to rely on old thoughts and reactions toward those around us who do not look or act like us. Much more difficult is remembering that the person is a child of God, just as we are. As brothers or sisters in Christ, we are to look at the hearts, not the physical expression of who they are.
We have not walked a mile in their shoes, spent time to get to know them, nor listened to their hopes and dreams. Where do we get off making false assumptions from stereotypes handed down from generation to generation?
We need to start a new revolution……..one of acceptance, regardless of appearance or status, and begin to love as Jesus loved. He did not leave the sinners behind……on the contrary, He purposefully sought out those in need of healing, HIS healing. Not once in the Bible have I read that He spoke to them disrespectfully, judged them, or looked down on them. Instead, He embraced their differences and spoke softly to them…..out of His love for them. Instead of looking like the rest of the world, offended, judgmental, and condescending on those less fortunate, how about we look more like the One who came to earth to DIE for us?
If each of us made the effort to do it, we would change those around us to follow suit…..we CAN change the world, one of us at a time…..what do you say? Will you join me?
