Get Real Before We Get Right

Happy Sunday!

“Get Real before We Get Right!”  Bishop Alexis A. Thomas is winding down his series on “Relationships”.  The message today was more like a rap session or a bible study.  The podium was removed and Bishop sat on a stool and ministered.  The focus today was Homosexuality and Lesbianism.  Maybe that’s why Bishop sat down because it’s a heavy conversation that we don’t have very often, especially in the church.  I encourage you to go to the web site later in the week to listen to the message.  It would be impossible for me to tell it all. (pilgrimway.com)

But a few points I will share.  Bishop talked about how easy it is for us to make fun of issues that we don’t face personally.  He used the example of a preacher preaching.  That imaginary preacher in the old church could have been preaching for 45 minutes and may not have said anything good.  But all he has to do is start preaching about adultery, fornication, and homosexuality and he can get a cheap, “Amen”.  If that same preacher started preaching about gossiping, gluttony, or selfishness the church would be quiet.  People would say he’s meddling.

But the bible says all unrighteousness is sin.  (1 John 5:17)

We have to get it straight in our minds and hearts there are no big sins and little sins!  Sin is sin!  Jesus shed the same blood for the Tiger Woods’, the Chris Browns' and the Boy Georges’.  He’s waiting for us to “Get Real”.  We must grow up.  We must study the WORD so we won’t be ashamed.  We must stop judging and start loving. 

Matthew 7:1-5 - "Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It's easy to see a smudge on your neighbor's face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, 'Let me wash your face for you,' when your own face is distorted by contempt? It's this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor.

No, we are not saying it’s alright to live in disobedience.  But don’t act like the Pharisees.  Do you remember the story about the Pharisee and the Tax Man?  

Luke 18:9-15 (The Message)

He told his next story to some who were complacently pleased with themselves over their moral performance and looked down their noses at the common people: "Two men went up to the Temple to pray, one a Pharisee, the other a tax man. The Pharisee posed and prayed like this: 'Oh, God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, crooks, adulterers, or, heaven forbid, like this tax man. I fast twice a week and tithe on all my income.' "Meanwhile the tax man, slumped in the shadows, his face in his hands, not daring to look up, said, 'God, give mercy. Forgive me, a sinner.'"
Jesus commented, "This tax man, not the other, went home made right with God. If you walk around with your nose in the air, you're going to end up flat on your face, but if you're content to be simply yourself, you will become more than yourself."


Let's "Get Real, so We can Get Right!"  Have an awesome week!  Love Cynthia