So, I am a firm believer that when helping other people on the journey to discover their purpose, get free, and begin to live that purpose out, you have to approach them in all three areas: body, soul, and spirit. 1 These. 5:23 says that we are made up of these three parts and they all effect one another and have the potential to work really well together. They also have the potential to work against each other when not held in proper balance or one is neglected. So, in all of my coaching, mentoring, and serving, I seek to inquire about all three at some point in our journey together.
Today, I was at the gym and I noticed a young man giving it all he had at workout. It was one of the hardest workouts I have done in a long time and we were all dragging. But this guy stayed with it, fought through the difficulties we were all facing, and never skipped a rep. But the whole time he fought through that workout, his father sat on a bench and yelled at him to work harder, go faster, and lift better. He constantly criticized his form, and not one time encouraged his son. Can you imagine the impact this had on his life? DO you think he has any respect for his dad?
Let's take that same perspective of those who claim to be Christians but do not act like it. This is so hard to swallow, but statistically, one of the reasons that the younger generations are leaving the church by the droves is because they say that so many claim to be followers of Christ, but do not live lives that exemplify Christ. They preach one thing and even judge someone else for not following the "rules", while they themselves don't follow them either. It is at best a double standard and a major turnoff to them.
We've heard many people quote the Scripture from Matthew 7:1 that says, "Judge not, lest you be judged." as a means to say that Christians have not right to judge others. That is not entirely true. Watch my YouTube video if you want a breakdown of the words for "judge" in the Bible. In actuality, this Scripture is speaking to Pharisees who made judgements of the people while they themselves were practicing the very thing that they condemned. The Scripture is not saying "don't judge" as much as it is saying, "You shouldn't judge unless you want to be judged in the same manner."
Later on, my trainer's wife told me that a young man that has been training at the gym for several weeks, and is getting ready for tryouts for college football, had his dad join him yesterday. She said that the Dad said, "I can't expect my son to give 100% to his health and fitness, and me push him so hard, while I sit over here as unhealthy as I can be." The Dad joined his son at the gym, and she said my coach about hugged him right then and there because of the impact that was going to make on his son...how his son would be so motivated, encouraged, and validated with his Dad by his side in training. The strength in the son's body, soul, and spirit were going to skyrocket!!!
Oh, ya'll! Let's take that perspective into our Christian walk! What would it be like, and what impact would we make if we all not only talked the talk, but walked the walk? The next generation would be so incredibly motivated, encouraged, and validated with us by their side in spiritual growth! And here's the great part: we don't have to walk the walk alone! We have been given the Holy Spirit to empower us to do it!!! So, not only are we walking with God but we are walking alongside another person who is walking with God, who has the Holy Spirit in them too!!! The strength in the Church's body, soul, and spirit will skyrocket!!!
Selah
You are loved, Jena
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