C009GARY@UTARLVM1 (Gary Samek) (02/05/90)
Hello fellow wonderful creations (this means you!)
I would like to write this letter to share some thoughts about working
towards peace and unity and compassion.
First of all, I would like to encourage everyone to read John 17. I have
been told that this is called the 'Lord's Prayer' or the 'High Priestly
prayer'. This is the place that Jesus prayed His will. Look at how many times
Jesus prayed for unity. He did not pray that we would all know all things, He
prayed that we would be unified as Christians. For those of you who are a
little like me, it sure is tempting to set right every little wrong that we
perceive. But, I am slowly learning that this approach is not very effective
or appreciated.
Fellow Christians, we have to remember that we have chosen to follow a set of
rules and a life style in our chosing to submit to Jesus as Lord. We must
always remember that others do not share these commitments, therefore they are
not compelled to live by our rules. I am very guilty of trying to see non-
christians by christian standards. We are all still sinners and we all have
fallen short of the glory. Remeber that God would have all people reconciled
to Him. Therefore, when you are speaking harshly to a non-christian, you are
speaking to someone that God wants saved. Just try to keep that in mind the
next time someone raises your hackles and you want to give them a firey (sp?)
well phrased retort to shoot down their feelings. Aren't you glad that God
did not beat you into submission for your past and present wrong ideas?
For all the other wonderful creations out there, please be patient with us
christians. We do not become saved one night and raise the next morning as
an adult, mature christian. We are best compared with a new born baby. We
are going to bang our heads, be insensitive to others, need a lot of attention,
and time to grow. We are like children and that are growing. As we become
older christians, our understanding and experience ripens and grows. Please
understand that it is human nature to apply what one thinks is right to all
people. If a doctor tells me that salt is bad for my health, am I not going
to encourage others that I care for to at least cut down on salt. Please
understand that we christians are growing and learning how to deal with
non-christians too.
I am sorry, I did not mean to make this post that large. All I ask is that
each of us christians please take time and think out your response before you
post. Ask yourself if this letter that you are about to post would please
God, or would it sadden or anger Him.
By the way, whether you are a christian or not, you are still a wondeful
creation, and I think every christian should try to remember that.
In His Love,
**
Gary Samek ****
C009GARY@UTARLVM1 * *
****