We Judge Ourselves First (with recording)
Click here to listen: Living the Character of Judgment
Being responsible for ourselves is not the response to a question of want. Regardless of feeling or circumstance, we own who we are and what we do to move forward to the becoming.
For those who do not assign blame, denial may be their vice. For those who do not deny, maybe passive aggression is the issue. If not passive aggression, then fear. Whatever “it” is, it keeps us stuck in all areas of life…until we own it.
Apostle Paul gives three categories of life situations that prove we are ministers of God. They are measures of personal accountability, and can help us objectively (as much as possible) look at our lives against God’s Word. Read 2 Corinthians 6:1-10 for context, and listen to this lesson for insight.
We prove ourselves IN or within the limits of… patience, afflictions, necessities, distresses, stripes, imprisonments, tumults, labors, watchings, and fastings (vv. 4-5).
We prove ourselves BY or through… pureness, knowledge, longsuffering, kindness, the Holy Ghost, love unfeigned (sincere), the word of truth, the power of God, the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, honor and dishonor, and evil report and good report (vv.6-8).
We prove ourselves AS or equally… deceivers and yet true, unknown and yet well known, dying and behold we live, chastened and not killed, sorrowful yet always rejoicing, poor yet making many rich, and as having nothing but possessing all things (vv. 8-10).
This little list can move back into the Spirit quicker (or hold us there) when situations throw us off a bit or take some wind from us. Getting in the mind of God to consider whether one situation or a set of situations is here to prove us can greatly determine our perspective through the situation to result.
Our Father is so considerate to lay out the measuring line for us. We should constantly monitor ourselves, and be aware of what we think and how we feel. We should be our own checker, and judge ourselves. If we notice a pattern in the situations we face, then we might check 2 Corinthians 6 to see if proving is happening (as is the repetition) for ministry.
Praise God for not wanting His royal ambassadors to bring reproach on or complaint toward the ministry. Praise God for a plain answer — it needs no deep prayer or interpretation…just see, hear, and understand. Thank the Lord for giving us the syllabus!
You know what this means, don’t you? (smile) Now, we’re accountable. No more of the “extra” and the “I don’t know why”. Let’s check the list…and govern ourselves accordingly.
Selah, and love to all.
Blogs I Follow
The Bereans' Commentary with Shaunta D. Scroggins, Ed.D. 