June 26, 2015

“Look at what is before your eyes. If any one is confident that he is Christ’s, let him remind himself that as he is Christ’s, so are we. For even if I boast a little too much of our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I shall not be put to shame. I would not seem to be frightening you with letters. For they say, “His letters are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account.” Let such people understand that what we say by letter when absent, we do when present. Not that we venture to class or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another, and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding.” 2 Corinthians 10:7-12

“The self will acquire a new quality or qualification in the fact that it is the self directly in the sight of G*d. This self is no longer the merely human self but is what I would call, hoping not to be misunderstood, the theological self, the self directly in the sight of G*d. And what an infinite reality this self acquires by being before G*d.” Soren Kierkegaard (1813 – 1855) “For All The Saints”, volume II (p. 143)

By Paul’s own account, he was not a good speaker, nor was he an imposing figure. But, his writing skills were pure genius. He had such a wonderful ability to put words on the paper that spoke eloquently of his relationship with G*d, his encounters with G*d, and his instructions from G*d. His letters were so well written, and so welcomed by the faithful, that when they met him in person, his presence was so unimpressive that there was a disconnect for the people. There was a tendency to judge him negatively on his;  presence, his person — which is hard for all of us to avoid.

I listen to a lot of radio. When I listen to a particular person, I try to get an image in my head of what this person may look like. (Possibly you do the same.) I remember listening to one local AM radio personality, and from his voice I pictured a tall person with broad shoulders and great hair — sort of like President Ronald Regan. When I finally saw a picture of the personality, I was really shocked — he looked nothing like President Regan. And I had to be careful not to make a judgment on his underwhelming appearance. But, it is difficult for all humans not to judge each other on appearances. This was Paul’s point. He was fighting the problem of people judging him on his appearance — rather than judging him on his teachings about Jesus. We too are called not to judge one another — but to love one another and listen to one another.

Here is your challenge for today — try to live today in a “judgment free” zone — not judging anyone on anything except on the realization that everyone you meet today is a child of G*d.

Pastor Dave