Years ago, I was taught when I point my finger at someone,
there are three fingers pointing back at me. We tend to forget this. Truth be
told, there is, in my opinion, less accountability being practiced in our world
today. Now, before everyone decides to get all up in arms and start to send
hate emails my way, consider this; I am not perfect and am continually working
on ways to avoid pointing fingers. This message is one of reflection and
self-evaluation and if you want to go on the journey with me let’s continue on.
Watch the news today and you will find all sorts of blame
casting going on. Words like “if you would have” or “you should have” are all
statements that beg for a defensive response from the accused. Fingers pointed,
accusations made and the battle is on. There have been numerous occasions in
the past where the finger has been pointed in my direction and it has taken
everything I have to keep quite, listen and respond in a measured and neutral manner.
Now this is not to say I am successful every time but I do try. Aggressive
words lead to the other person digging in their heals and, once the shields come
up, little listening is done and damage ensues. The tipping point for me was a
wonderful passage from the Gospel of John in chapter 8 verses 5-9.
“Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. Now in
the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” This
they said to test him, that they might have some charge to bring
against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. And
as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who
is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” And
once more he bent down and wrote on the ground. But when they heard it,
they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone
with the woman standing before him.
They pointed their fingers at her to condemn not realizing
that their own past was not as clean as the driven snow. There is not a single
person alive on this planet who is without sin, none are greater than the next
in the eyes of God. There was a picture book long ago that told this story and
I remember seeing the accusers pointing their fingers at the woman and in the
end, there was a picture of Christ, arms open wide, hands open and beckoning
the woman to draw near. There is a message in the posture. Consider all
avenues, be wise and seek peaceful resolution rather than force a hostile
encounter. We are all in this together so why not seek solutions together.
We invite you to join us online at 10:30 AM (Mountain Time)
where Rev Glenn Reeder will bring us a message from Scripture. Click on the
following link:
Facebook Live - https://www.facebook.com/main.ave.31
YouTube Live – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs9LIkN_QTdVM6eVXEgy9QA
See you all Sunday, online.
Blessings
Pastor Todd
Pastor Todd
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