A few weeks ago I posted a blog based on a quote from Jesus, “No one is good – except God alone.” In light of what just happened in my home state of Florida at a club called the Pulse, I want to expound a little on how I believe that statement should shape our view of the world.
All of us sin. God provided the Law to Israel to guide them, but at the same time it defined sin. Paul illustrates this in Romans saying that before he knew the Law, he didn’t know what coveting was. Once the Law taught him what coveting was, he knew he was doing it. Paul was a celibate that went zealously around teaching the Word of God. Many would say he was a pretty good guy. To quote a workmate of mine, “Yeah, but no.” Paul talked about his struggle with sin. He knew he leaned on grace just as much as the next person.
Who is anyone to judge the actions of another? “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” Matthew 7:3
Now I know there are times when you must step up to stop the sin that seriously harms others. I served in the military for over 24 years and helped law enforcement often during the course of my duties. Military and police wish that the world was a place where no one wanted to hurt or take things from others, but, unfortunately, that is not the world we live in.
But can we condemn others for their sins when we all live with our own? Jesus was pretty clear on that. “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:1-2
Today, we live in the aftermath of a crime committed in hate. Whether or not religious belief was involved, I don’t know. But I have learned something about being connected to God during my life. I know that if any kind of hate or violence is incorporated in some way into your belief system you are not on the right path. If you hold hate in your heart towards any race, creed, sexual preference group, or whatever, and believe that to be part of your relationship with God, you are wrong.
Yoda was a wise little green guy and he said something like, “Fear leads to hate. Hate leads to the dark side.”
God bless.
Treasure In Heaven 