Matthew 7 gets into the nitty gritty of atmosphere building by looking at how we relate to other people. The Amplified Bible starts out asking if we are living a life that judges, condemns or criticizes. I was at a conference recently and the main speaker shared about being invited to speak in different places where in the back room the conversations were critical of other ministries. He chose not to be associated with that atmosphere and no longer ministers there. It wasn't an atmosphere he desires to live or minister in - it is not who he is. We are called to edification, and it is too easy to be "righteously judging" (usually in our own minds) when really it is simply being critical and condemning. What I sow, I am going to reap. It's a challenge for all of us, but let's keep working and growing in creating life-giving surroundings, even when the gate is narrow (contracted by pressure).
The text continues by warning of false prophets, wolves in sheeps clothing. Perhaps these are ones who are going around doing the judging, condemning and criticizing? They'll be known by their fruit. Is the fruit seen in our lives good/worthy of admiration? That captures my attention - are my words worthy of admiration? Is my attitude? Are my words? How about my facial expression? (That last one was for my husband - the poor recipient of my most challenging facial expressions - love ya babe!). I don't know about you, but I don't want to be a "false" anything! I want what flows out of my life to be good and worthy in every way. We can no longer accept less in our lives. Challenge yourself! Don't allow anything less than "good and worthy" things penetrate your heart, spirit, life. Live your best life now!
The scary ending of the chapter leaves us repenting - that we can put on a facade of Christianity, but if the fruit of our life doesn't match up with what Jesus is teaching, we are deceived in thinking He'll even know our name. Time to get real. Time to let the Word scour our hearts clean. Time to invite the Holy Spirit to touch on the areas that need renovation.
But hear the good news - are you ready? - when we build on the Rock, on the foundation of Christ, we'll stand through the tough times. You''ll make it. I'll make it. God is unshakable. It is a continual journey for me to let go of my pride, my insecurities, my selfishness and build on Him, but it's a journey that never takes me back. It always launches me forward into Him!
Let's be atmosphere changers, atmosphere creators by letting God's life breathe through us. You in?
Yea,new blog up and running.
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