09/24/14 INNER DRIVE TO HOLINESS

09/24/14 INNER DRIVE TO HOLINESS

If the last time we knowingly accosted or offended someone is more recent than the last time we humbled ourselves and took steps toward reconciliation with that person, we are not walking in the light. If we are not walking in the light, we are not cleansed from all sin (1Jn. 1:7).

For a Christian to ignore or deny his own offensiveness or insensitivity to those he has hurt, whether intentionally or unintentionally, indicates a severe spiritual flaw, at best, or a known rejection of Christ likeness.

Charles Wesley said it this way.
I Want A Principle Within

I want a principle within of watchful, godly fear,
A sensibility of sin, a pain to feel it near.
I want the first approach to feel of pride or wrong desire,
To catch the wandering of my will, and quench the kindling fire.

From Thee that I no more may stray, no more Thy goodness grieve,
Grant me the filial awe, I pray, the tender conscience give.
Quick as the apple of an eye, O God, my conscience make;
Awake my soul when sin is nigh, and keep it still awake.

Almighty God of truth and love, to me Thy power impart;
The mountain from my soul remove, the hardness from my heart.
O may the least omission pain my reawakened soul,
And drive me to that blood again, which makes the wounded whole.

It is good to preach, with righteous indignation, that sin will send people to hell. But it is wrong to proclaim the judgment of God without projecting the mercy, love and grace of God for the sinner. Remember, we were rebels against God, but Christ loved us, He demonstrated His love for us while we were alienated from God by our sin. Sometimes our demeanor is so "loud" people cannot hear or words.

Psalm 19:14
14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

Both/And
Our compassion and servant attitude should be manifested to the sinner, who is alienated from the life that is in Christ Jesus, AND it should be our point of contact with believers who are going through their own upheavals.

Paul said,
Galatians 6:1-10
1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
5 For every man shall bear his own burden.
6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.