This week I was interviewed for an hour by a radio personality. Before we began the interview I was told that the ground rules were simple: 1.We could not talk about politics 2. We could not say anything bad about anyone.
I was thinking that those rules would be good to observe with Words for the Day. Yesterday I got reinforcement for that notion when a lady wrote and was madder than a wet hen because I mentioned a televangelist in WFTD who made some terrible mistakes which in essence eventually brought down his ministry. Turns out his daughter-in-law who was a subscriber read my comments and was appalled that I would write about it and told me: ”To say that I was utterly disappointed today when I read your ‘words for the day’, is an understatement. It was horribly offensive and in very poor taste”. She went on to say that she had unsubscribed.
Ouch!
I was trying to make a point that we can solve problems before they become a problem by thinking ahead about consequences. While my motive was okay I could have just as easily made my point using another example that didn’t open up old wounds. In fairness his folly has been plastered all over media throughout the world, but I did not need to throw another log on the fire. And those who took delight in his fall were secular and anti-God for the most part and I should not have thrown in with that crew. Actually I respect what he has done for the kingdom and even listen to his music CD’s nearly every day.
I wondered what the odds were that some family member of this person would be a subscriber. In thinking about this situation I realized it does not make a difference. God read it and I’m sure was disappointed at my immaturity like He is in me on so many days. Christian love does not leave room for personal judgment and condemnation.
I told this lady that I, of all people, should never discuss the sins of others, because I have committed more than anyone I know.
After 17 years of writing this five times a week, sometimes I just don’t think things through. If I did and would just hold that thought I could take my own advice and solve a problem without it ever becoming a problem. I apologized to my former reader and hope she forgave me.
Jesus always got to the point in a manner that most anyone can understand. (Check out the verse below to see some advice for this situation.) I have a long way to go, and I thank God for His grace, for without it, this is one sinner that would bust hell wide open.
Have a great weekend and go to Honey Lake Church, (or somewhere) this Sunday. We have a guest speaker, Dr. Robert Shelley that is so filled with the Spirit that he will likely overshoot heaven when the Lord calls him home. Bible study is at 9:30 and church begins at 11. It will be a great weekend to visit Honey Lake.
Matt. 7:5
Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.
July 17, 2015 – Click here to listen