I can’t see!

John 9: ³⁹ Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.”

 ⁴⁰ Some Pharisees who were with him heard him say this and asked, “What? Are we blind too?”

 ⁴¹ Jesus said, “If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains.

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“Please come speak to our group” was the request of one of the business owners. Arrogantly, I accepted the invitation thinking they wanted to hear my greatness. When I stepped to the podium, I was met with questions not pertaining to the agenda, nor had I prepared for. It was a trap! How did I not see this coming?

• When I think more highly of myself, I become blind.
• When I think I am doing better than others, I become blind.
• When I think I have arrived, I become blind.

Blindness is my weakness and arrogance is my blind-guide. When I assume someone is stupid or weak or prejudiced or flirty or dangerous, I am acting in a “blind” fashion. I guess it’s self-preservation.

• JESUS came into the world to lead me to HIS kingdom.
• JESUS opened my eyes to my fallen state and showed me there is no way to save myself.
• JESUS volunteered to die specifically for me and you in order for us to “see” HIS power.

Going through life blind and deaf to GOD’s ways has been a problem of mine since birth. HE yearns for me to learn about HIM, teach about HIM and live with HIM in peace not adversarial. Blindness causes me to run towards things I can touch and “see” which unfortunately are not items of faith.

JESUS says “Have faith in ME” and you will see.

• Are you trying to live by your own power?
• Do you get nervous easily?
• Won’t you trade your worry for faith that GOD has a wonderful plan for you?
• Can you accept your purpose in life telling more and more people about the great news of JESUS’ salvation?
• Does the last question leave you blind?

You're and "idiot," or is it me?

Matthew 5: ²¹ “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ ²² But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.

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“Look at that doofus driving with his turn signal on” I said to my family as I expressed my impatience with driving. When the promotions came out and “that” person was on the list I thought “that idiot?”

When questioning my parents for not letting me go to the party or event I mumbled and grumbled and muttered under my breath “stupid!” Notice I wasn’t “stupid” enough to say it out loud.

When I corrected a person for not hearing what “I” said even when they may have been distracted, or I may have said it the wrong way or at the wrong time or in the wrong tone, I may have thought that person was a little, uh, off “their” game and I wasn’t to blame.

• Calling someone a fool is insulting to GOD who made them.
• Calling someone slow insults GOD and raises me higher than HIM.
• Calling someone dumb slaps GOD’s face because I don’t know the whole plan.

At one time I thought this verse was a little harsh.  I mean doesn’t the Bible point out “foolish” “slothful” people? In my examples there is one thing in common, “I’m not getting my way.”

• When I am not getting my way I pout and call the other person names.
• When I am not getting my way I think the other person is stupid and they need “my” help into “better” thinking.
• When I am not getting my way I believe my plan is better and I discount the other person’s method of doing things.

GOD wants me to appreciate the differences HE made in people. HE wants me to value opinions of others while humbly adding my “two cents.” A weak leader tries to prove their value by downplaying others, a strong one doesn’t have to.

• Do you think “that” person is stupid?
• Are you questioning a person’s intelligence?
• They may be insulting your intelligence, do you have the right to do the same to others?
• Can you pray for “that person” instead of criticizing them?
• Have you ever thought “maybe I’m the idiot” in this situation?