It has become a cultural virtue to shame others, especially online. Total strangers find personal value out of joining an hateful mob with virtual pitchforks in their hands while burning a total stranger at the stake. Jesus, on the other hand, called out sin and hypocrisy to the face, but offered a path of redemption. David cried out: “O Lord, let me not be put to shame, for I call upon you,” Psalm 31:17 (ESV). Jesus straightforwardly called out sin but took our shame upon Himself on the Cross, “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 1 Peter 2:24 (ESV). Haters must remember we “reap what we sow”. Shaming is a loser’s game. LORD, increase my kindness, especially toward those with whom I vehemently disagree. Help me stand firm for truth yet always “speaking the truth in love.”
A serious pursuit of godliness requires an equally serious renunciation of worldliness. Too often, we measure spirituality with false scales. While being wisely selective with our public vices we are less so with our private attitudes and perspectives. In reality, it is the thoughts and intents of the heart where the greatest battles must be waged; our actions will ultimately align with the condition of our hearts. Lord God, You know me inside out, You are not fooled by human facades. Plow my heart with Your Word and Spirit and leave nothing unturned. Refresh my inward man that I may outwardly glorify You in all places at all times.
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