Sticks, stones and planks

The immunization debate is heating up.  With a measles outbreak in our city, accusations are flying back and forth with each side very certain they are right.  At the heart of the debate is the welfare of our children.  I've heard both sides.  Both have valid points, who am I to decide what is right or wrong for a family? I haven't walked the path of a deviating reaction or a serious disease.  

Judgements divide, pitting one side against the other.  They look at someone else and deem them lacking.  In extreme cases, such as the Rwandan genocide, the result is death.  At the very last, there is hurt, division, and an overwhelming sense of inadequacy.  Tragically, the church is not immune to this.  In fact, I have heard it said that the church or Christians can be among the most judgemental people in the world.  Ouch!

At the heart, only God knows our walk with Him, and honestly, isn't that what matters the most?  I have to admit that my view of what a Christian "should" look like has been shaken so much, that I must bow out of offering my opinion.  I am reminded that "The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7 NLT)

If this isn't tragic enough, what about the comparisons where we look at other and continually find ourselves lacking because we don't look like "so and so"? This judging (only in reverse) is just as dangerous.  God does not want us to look to others to determine our value, worth or spirituality, but look to Him first.  True, leadership and mentor ship is key, but seek out God first and enter into a personal relationship with Him, dig into the Word, commune with Him and trust that He will direct your path.  

Like anyone else, we've faced judgments.  We don't expect everyone to agree with this walk we are on as a family.  It hurts, but it's forced us to really go back to God and seek Him even more.  What I've been struggling with more are those who come and say that they wish they could be like us.  Really?  No!  Please don't try to walk in our shoes when God has so much for you! 

 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. (Hebrews 12:1 NLT)

God has a specific race or path set for each one of us.  You are not called to run the race set for the Wilson's, you are called to run the race set for you!  If you look to what others are doing and compare, you are judging, you are comparing yourself to others and coming up short.  This is not God's best for you.  God has plans for you and your family that no one else can walk out.  Trust Him, listen, and take a step in that direction, you will never regret it!