Oftentimes, as Christians, we elect to mind our own business, not get involved, or say anything about behaviors we see in our friends, family, or colleagues that are detrimental to their lives or well-being. We don't want to cause conflict or "stir the pot." We don't want fights or arguments so a lot of times we steer clear of difficult conversations. We don't want to hurt feelings so we avoid potential conflict. This is a severe disservice to those we love and care about as we live out our everyday lives. For the longest time, I have had this view with family members, friends, and colleagues.
God, by the Holy Spirit, has completely changed my thinking on this issue tonight as I continued my study of Proverbs. Here is the passage:
Proverbs 24:11-12 NIV
[11] Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. [12] If you say, “But we knew nothing about this,” does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay everyone according to what they have done?
He is saying that we, as Christians, have a responsibility to keep people from destroying themselves. We are charged to rescue them if we can. For friends and family, those closest to us, this is a clear way that we show how much we really love them. We cannot avoid conversations or situations. We cannot ignore behaviors that are consuming or destroying them no matter how difficult. We cannot enable them by our passivity. We have to get involved. This is part of loving someone. I. Cor. 13:7 says that love always protects!! If we don't do whatever we have to do to protect them, then our real love for them comes into question. However, that's not just limited to friends and family, but anyone we interact with, which is a tall difficult order to fill. However, if we really love them we'll do whatever we can to protect them.
For example, if I'm standing at a bus stop and a man standing with me is about to step into oncoming traffic, I'm not going to let him do it. I'll abruptly grab his arm and pull him back instantly with little thought or reaction. I just save him because I love people. I'm not going to sit and think it through. I'm not going to consider future ramifications of my actions. I'm not going to consider his feelings about it. I'm not going to worry about his reaction. I'm going to save him from imminent danger.
If you're close to the edge of a cliff, I'm not going to just let you step off the side of the cliff. If you get too close, I'll guide you back into safety. Why? Because I love you. Love always protects.
So, whatever we face with the people in our area of influence, be it friends, family, colleagues, acquaintances, or strangers, God is saying that if we love them like He does, then we'll protect them, no matter how difficult the situation. Also, in the passage, at the end, God is saying not only do we have a responsibility to people, but that we will be held accountable to Him for it. We will have to answer to Him for what we did or did not do. Also, He will repay us according to what we have or have not done. So this is a very serious subject to Him.
We rescue those around us from whatever. We protect them. We don't avoid. We don't enable. We face things head on, no matter what. This shows how much we love them in any given situation.
Wow!! What a revelation tonight!!
If I love you, I'll do whatever it takes to protect you.
If you're reading this and you're into something that is not good for you, is harming you, or can ultimately destroy you, then just stop it now. Don't wait. Don't rationalize, make excuses, or whatever. Just stop it now please!! If you need help then get help. Do whatever you need to do to stop!! God loves you and wants only the best for you!!Come out of it now. I love you and love always protects.
1 Corinthians 10:23 NIV
[23] “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive.
Remember that. Again, I love you!!!
Please share with others.
Love you all,
Jeffrey Post
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