While I was walking around the yard this afternoon I noticed that Fall is just around the corner and some of our trees are already starting to show the coming change in seasons. Not all of the leaves in these trees have changed, they seem to each be on their own schedule, and some are still green while others are varying shades of yellow and red. It had me thinking about us as Christ followers and how we don’t all change at the same time…
Each of us follows a pattern that God has designed for us, our choices and God’s nudges move us from point to point, but at different speeds from each other. Too often we see people get frustrated with others around them and their lack of growth, or we question the depth of their growth because of the speed with which they are moving. And guess what? It’s not our job to determine someone else’s speed; God through the Holy Spirit determines how much and how quickly we change. It’s really easy to see someone else’s flaws and where they need to move to next, but I know that when I am faced with this, it’s usually because I have a flaw or two that I am trying to remain in denial about. Billy Graham said it best when he said, “It’s the HOLY SPIRIT’S job to convict, GOD’S Job to judge, and it’s MY job to love.
When we focus on our own relationship with God and learn to love others where they are, I believe that He smiles the widest smile a Father can possibly smile. That’s all I want to see!!! How about you?
Psalm 15
A psalm of David.
Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart; whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others; who despises a vile person but honors those who fear the Lord; who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind; who lends money to the poor without interest; who does not accept a bribe against the innocent. Whoever does these things will never be shaken.
