Monday, September 10, 2012

Reconciliation

How easy is reconciliation?

Or maybe I should ask; how difficult is reconciliation for you?

I had a ‘falling out’ with a sister in Christ earlier this year. It was a difference of opinion….whatever you want to call it, it is a shame it ever happened.

Now, I am embarrassed to say that neither of us has moved an inch really to resolve the issue, nor to, more importantly, say, ‘I am sorry, will you forgive me? Can we put this behind us?’

Now summer is over and the church is filled with returned vacationers.

She has returned from her summer at Bible camp.

I saw her yesterday at church and asked myself, ‘how can I continue to simply ignore the elephant in the room?’

Truth is, I can’t; and I shouldn’t.

But, why is it so difficult to take that first step?

Pride?
A sense of ‘rightness?’
Fear of rejection?

Like us all, I have experienced failure when trying to reconcile with others. But that does not excuse me from continuing to strive for reconciliation.

So, it is time for me to take that first step. It is time for me to focus on Christ and to grow.
I will begin my attempt at reconciling with prayer and then I will contact my sister in Christ with the hope of a resolution.

Friday, September 7, 2012

How I Am Being a Witness to Christ Online

I like to think my postings on this blog site give occasion for others to reflect and consider their own personal walk with the Lord. The articles I write are from my own observations and/or struggles which are probably common to most people.

My hope is that the Lord working through me, and my ‘putting myself out there’ will help to enable those who read my postings to experience their own frailties, without condemnation, yet with hope and a sincere effort to advancing in their own walk to be more Christlike.

If I have failed at this in any of my blog postings, I would sincerely apologize, and add that I do continue to possess a sin nature and so will sometimes fail to meet such high standards.

Having said that, I have, on more than one occasion, been unsuccessful in being a witness to Christ regarding online discussions elsewhere. And I am truly ashamed.

My recourse has been to first recognize this, sincerely repent, and then fully intend to change (which is what repentance is); to become more Christlike. That is my goal.  

I find as I age, I am becoming more passionate about following the Lord and leaving my own self behind. It is becoming easier, but there is still so much to do.

I have a long road ahead of me.

What I say to others, whether it be online or elsewhere, is vitally important to my witness for Christ and it is equally important to my personal walk with Him. I should never want to mar either; for my sake or others.

My heart needs to be right with the Lord at all times; that is why it is essential that I spend time with Him each day. Without that most important ingredient in my day, I will never be equipped to glorify and honor Him as I should.

Thanks Courtney, for the opportunity to briefly respond to that very significant question.