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If we believe we are called to be Fruit Inspectors, then might
we also have been watching for imperfection in Jesus, in His
day, too?
By human observation, Jesus did not pass the test. Among other
things, they said He was gluttonous and a winebibber; being that
he befriended both publicans and sinners. Luke 7:34 No doubt,
others have looked to find flaws in your ministry, too.
Maybe you were slain by someone offended by your poundage, who'd
forgotten that bodily exercise only profits a little.
Perhaps the determination of your faithfulness is based upon
100% church attendance, when you work third shift and can't keep
your eyes open through every meeting.
Certainly, when they inspected Jesus, they considered Him to be
flawed, too ... thinking God had caused Jesus' affliction due to
his own sin, without ever having considered that people might
actually be suffering as a result of the sins of others. Isaiah
53:4-5
Apparently, if we look to see error, we will find it; real or
imagined. That being the case, why don't we give others a break
and get off their backs?
Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
Matthew 7:20
It isn't by our inspection that we shall know them.
It is by their fruit that we shall "know" them.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering,
gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such
there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the
flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit,
let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain
glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
Galatians 5:22-26
© 2005 by Joyce C. Lock
http://www.angelslight.org/joycepoem.html
http://our.homewithgod.com/heavenlyinspirations/ This writing
may be used in its entirety, with credits in tact, for
non-profit ministering purposes.
About the author:
Joyce C. Lock is a published author, poet, and columnist. In
addition, she founded and maintains the email ministries
"Heavenly Inspirations"
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HeavenlyInspirations/ and "Share a
Smile" http://groups.yahoo.com/group/smilesharing/ . Joyce's
writings encourage us in our relationship with God and each
other.
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