I thought I should clarify myself on my last post. I wasn't intending it to be a "To Drink or Not to Drink" post. I appreciate the comments and insight though.
I, personally, feel that drinking is an area of personal conviction. I know several people who's main testimony of Jesus touching their life was setting them free from alcoholism. So, I don't want people to misconstrue my last post into thinking I was saying, "All of you, go out and have a drink on Jesus!" I wasn't.
My intent was to convey what I've been learning on my journey out of legalism into relationship.
Jesus says in Matthew: "I desire compassion, and not ( literal meaning -more than)sacrifice".
The first time, Matt. 9:13 he starts with learn what this means, I desire compassion, and not sacrifice." At that time he was breaking the laws of the religious by dining with sinners and tax-gatherers.
The next time, Matt. 12:7 he starts with had you known what this means, I desire compassion, and not sacrifice." This time, the disciples were breaking another law of the religious, by picking grain on the Sabbath.
Compassion in these verses means - mercy; special and immediate regard to the misery which is the consequence of sins.
Jesus said, "Blessed are the merciful (definition: not merely those who express acts of mercifulness, but who have this attribute as a result of the indwelling of God within them), for they shall receive mercy."
I think Jesus wants us to learn that it's not all about a sacrificial life. It's especially not about making sure others are living according to your standards and/or convictions. It's about having a heart that is so changed, by relationship with Jesus, that it is moved with compassion when it sees others bogged down by the weight of sin. It's not standing back and judging based on our perception of do's and don'ts.
Hopefully that's enough said.
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5 comments:
I totally hear your heart. I understood what you were trying to say. Good job. ; )
I agree that it's a personal issue, we are all so different and that is the amazing thing about having a relationship with God, He takes us each right where we are at with our weaknesses and shortcomings and works helps us to work out our salvation day by day. Some of us will struggle in the area of drinking while others will not, same with food/sweets and so many other areas. As Christian's I think we have to strive to have a gracious heart towards where others may have weaknesses.
Fun post, well said. :)
My comment has nothing to do with this post, but I am getting caught up on your blog and I'm so excited to hear your house plans are in the works!!!!!! I can't wait to hear all the details and I'll be praying once construction begins. You are going to have so much fun picking everything out and making it completely yours!
Andrea - Thanks!
Jenni - I was glad to see your comment. I didn't want you to feel like I was "shushing" you on the wine subject. I just didn't want to have that debate on my blog.
Laura - A much more exciting subject! I'm having fun, but it overwhelms me! I think I need a team of helpers. You and Lisa are so incredibly talented with design and decor. I just want to see a picture and say, "I'll take that!" We went to the Home Show and I felt completely overwhelmed. I can tell you what I don't like. But when you put 50+ color samples in front of me, it freaks me out! And then to put them all together, ugh! Thanks for sharing in our excitement though. Good luck on your painting - I know what 2 boys can do to a house!:)
Oh Holly...you little trouble starter you...always trying to stir things up...hehehe :)
Why don't you jump out there and start a discussion on birth control!?
OK OK...I'm JUST kidding!!!! :)
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