Judgmentalism

Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.

He will render to each one according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury.
~Romans 2: 1-8

This is the passage we considered in evening fellowship last Sunday evening. As Dave led the discussing, he used some good study materials from Redeemer Presbyterian. One of the topics we discussed has been in my mind all week. The materials commented that these verses act like a little tape recorder around the neck of believers, recording all those things we say and think about others, and on the day of judgement, God will play back those things and ask how we measure up to our own words. Yikes! If I will only remember that horrifying thought, it might help me guard my mind and tongue and thoughts more carefully when I think about others.

The first pastor we had after getting married used to say we should be as hard on ourselves as we can be, and as generous with others as possible. Oh, what troubles this would spare us!

Of course, this passage is written to believers, who are *supposed* to be discerning. What a fine line there is between discernment and judgementalism! May God give us the grace to know the difference, Gentle Reader.

Do what you're gonna do...

This morning as I took my walk along White Rock canyon, I was listening to music. (I've not yet loaded my next book onto my Mp3 player...) I enjoyed some music by Steven Delopoulos One of the songs I listened to had the above title, and the words to chorus say something to this effect...

"Do what you're gonna do
Call me when it's over...
I'll have coffee on..."

This song sent me wandering among the friends and acquaintances of the past that, in my youth, I have tried to fix. After all, why wait for the work of the Holy Spirit, when we can do it ourselves? *Sigh* That was sarcasm, Gentle Reader. At first, these lines can seem rather dismissive or fatalistic. But perhaps they point us to something wiser.

We all have those friends, don't we? Those who seem to make repeatedly foolish decisions, or who are unable to overcome those things that oppress them? And in my youth, I thought a truthful, loving friend would make all the difference. And sometimes, that is what God uses to affect change. At other times, not so much. And we are left frustrated that no change is accomplished.

As I have grown farther and farther distant from that youth of mine, I think I have learned that it is not my responsibility to fix everyone who needs fixing. It's my job to speak the truth when asked, or when not asked if public sin is involved. But it is also my responsibility to let people do what they are going to do, and have the coffee ready afterwards, with a plentiful supply of compassion. That is tough for me to accomplish without a fair dose of judgmentalism thrown in. But I am slowly learning to let God deal with others, even when it is painful for me to watch.

I hope this is born of wisdom, and not just weariness. But, since I am not in the place of the Holy Spirit in your life, Gentle Reader, you will have to be the judge.

(You can hear this song on Steven's release over at Noise Trade.)

Technology update...

This is my new cell phone. We are rather old-fashioned in that we have not yet caved in to the texting/internet connection thing. So it is relatively simple. The bad thing about a new phone is having to reprogram all my phone numbers into it. The good side of that it is that it forces me to learn how to use my new phone. Now I won't be recognizing my new ring tones when you call, Gentle Reader!

Sore hands and muscles...

Whoever passes by what is over his head condemns his head to its present low altitude; for nothing can elevate a mind except what is over its head; and that elevation is not accomplished by capillary attraction, but only by the hard work of climbing up ropes, with sore hands and aching muscles.

~Mortimer Adler, “Invitation to the Pain of Learning”

This quote seems especially apropos as the new school year gets into full swing. The excitement of a new beginning is waning, and the hard work is setting in. We all have our areas where we need to work hard to learn, Gentle Readers. I hope you are making headway with your sore hands and muscles!

A visitor from afar

We just enjoyed a wonderful visit from Chris Johnson, husband to Donna and father to three wonderful girls, including our dil#1, Elsa. He stopped by on a quick trip to New Mexico, and we were able to enjoy time with this dear brother in the Lord. What a blessing God has given us in the whole Johnson family, who really seem like part of our family!

The house on Country Shadows Drive...

Today Tim and Nikki went along during an inspection of the lovely home above. They are now under contract to purchase this home, with a closing date of October 21. Please pray that all will go smoothly for them in this purchase, and that the Lord would make this house their home, a place where His hospitality and love will be felt by all who enter!

The rock that is higher than I...

Hear my cry, O God,
listen to my prayer;
from the end of the earth I call to you
when my heart is faint.
Lead me to the rock
that is higher than I,
for you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the enemy.
~Psalm 61: 1-3

The last 24 hours have been a bit topsy-turvy for me. Yesterday I received a call from my oncologist, telling me that she had received my MRI results, and I needed further tests to clarify some "areas of enhanced activity." Those are dreaded words... and this morning I found myself in Santa Fe having mammograms and ultrasounds done, and speaking with a radiologist. The good news is that this is fairly common "fat necrosis": part of the healing process still on-going from both my surgery and my radiation. The best news is that over the last 24 hours as I contemplated the possibility of dealing with cancer yet again, I found God to be my rock and refuge, a strong tower. Shall I recount his blessings?
~I continue to have no sign of cancer.
~I met a wonderful mamography tech today, who was able to give me mammograms without pain (!!!). If you want her name, contact me privately!
~I have a wonderful, supportive husband who wanted to come along to wait during the tests, and then celebrate with me afterwards.
~I have a mighty God, who has piled blessing upon blessing upon me.

Join me in praising Him, Gentle Reader. He is worthy of our praise!