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Coping with cabin fever9/21/2023 ![]() The truth is that even the creative and innovative types have some sort of routine. Human beings typically are creatures of habit and routine. Is what I’m about to say necessary and pleasing to God In these close quarters, will others who might overhear find my words gracious and helpful, too? (Ephesians 4:29)Īm I about to say this in a helpful or hurtful way?Ĭan I find a way to say this in a way that encourages or builds up rather than discourages?Īs far as fitting the occasion, how’s my timing (can it wait)? Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. As they say, “look before you leap…” and, therefore, “think before you judge.” And if you must speak into a knotty situation using Ephesians 4:29, ask the following questions: It is a prohibition against hypocritically evaluating others without a little healthy self-critique or evaluation. Jesus is fine with that because in a paragraph later he talks about just that. The counselor examined this list thoroughly before asking, “Are you sure this isn’t a list of your behaviors?” That’s the point of verse 5: “first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” This passage isn’t a prohibition against evaluating behavior. I knew someone who made a list of stuff they didn’t like with their spouse. What’s the gist of all this? Before you get upset with others, ask God and yourself if any of these shortcomings might present in you. ![]() 3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye. 2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Jesus provides us great advice, rather forcefully in Matthew 7:1-5. You may be tempted to offer a little correction to others who are not as perfect as you (think) you are. Nobody’s perfect and it’s oh-so-easy to see those imperfections (especially) in others. In some cases, we may find our patience beginning to wear thin with one another. So, let me offer some spiritual and logistical advice. For some it’s like being snowed in, which can be fun for a while… Notice the emphasis on the wording, “for a while.” Depending on your family size and the size of your home, you might be feeling the pressures associated with sheltering at home-indoors. We all look forward to returning to ‘normal.’ We know that this, too, shall pass.Īnd yet, we are all pretty much stuck in doors. They even teach live online classes on Tuesday Nights. The pastoral team is continually moving, working, and innovating…filming services and classes to post online… and coordinating other ministry. In some ways the church is busier than before but in different ways. Me? I work downstairs in a separate room. She keeps in touch with our son-in-law and daughter, who shelter in place nearby. Anna, my daughter who is a tech worker, has many meetings and presentations to do, even from home. In sunny California we continue to self-shelter. ![]()
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