The Mountain of God
Posted by Dion Todd September 18th, 2020 4,804 Views 0 Comments
Brothers, even if a man is caught in some fault, you who are spiritual must restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, looking to yourself so that you also aren't tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:1'2 WEB
Picture us all climbing a mountain together, the mountain of God. Each of us is different physically and of various ages. Some will have experience and will move faster than others. Some may slip occasionally and need help along the way. Some parts will be more difficult as the grade grows steeper.
Accidents like slipping, falling down, and sliding back down the mountain are just parts of the climb. The key is to always get back up and keep going. Solomon wrote that a righteous person may fall seven times, but they rise again (Proverbs 24:16). The Holy Spirit will help us get back on our feet every time. We just have to keep focused on getting to the top of the mountain and stop looking down and behind us. As long as we are climbing, it's gonna be OK. If you took the time to read this, then you're still climbing.
There is an immaturity that is totally acceptable to God. For instance, a two-year-old child is immature when compared to an adult, but we accept that. It is to be expected. We understand this and discipline children according to their age. Toddlers may get a spanking, teens may go to juvenile hall, adults may go to prison.
To think that God cannot comprehend that is an error. Yet religion will create a cookie-cutter system of perfection that none can live up to. God does not expect new believers to behave like Moses. His children are varied, mixed up, a multicolored family from all walks of life. What we do have in common is that we have the same understanding Father who loves each and every one of us. He does not expect us to grow up as clones of one another.
In Galatians chapter 6, Paul wrote that if anyone was caught in a transgression, that those who are spiritual should restore him in a "spirit of gentleness." By bearing each other's burdens during these moments of need and showing love and gentleness, we fulfill Christ's law. Jesus had compassion on the multitudes.
In Romans 13:9, Paul wrote that love completely fulfills the requirements of the law. All the commandments are summed up in one word, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." He also knew there would be differences of opinions among us. That we would not agree on everything, all the time.
There is no room in God's word to ever be a religious snob or look down on others. The message is clear, we are to love and help one another. Paul wrote this in Romans 14:1, "One man has faith to eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables. Don't let him who eats despise him who doesn't eat. Don't let him who doesn't eat, judge him who eats, for God has accepted him. Who are you who judge another's servant?" Romans 14:1-4 WEB.
Pay attention to your own path and not your neighbors, unless you intend to help them. If you ever look in disdain at someone else who is currently sliding down the mountain on their face, know that you will probably be next, for you will be tested in the same way they were.
Galatians 6:7 tells us, "Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap." Jesus told us in Luke 6:37: "Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you." That "do unto others as you would have them do to you" thing, well, it's for real. How you treat others will determine how you will be treated by others. So I suggest you start loving them.
We climb to the top of God's mountain by keeping the main thing, love God and love our neighbors, as the main thing that we focus on. When we can offer a helping hand, we do so. Avoid useless arguments that just cause strife and division. Together, we will climb this mountain.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, please let me see others through Your eyes and feel Your compassion for them. Put a guard over my mouth and make me aware of the bad things that I would say before saying them. Help me be a blessing to others, in the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!
Note: "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." (2 Chron 7:14) ~ If you have a prayer need, we are here for you! We and the prayer team are ready to lift you up at our private prayer page: RHM Prayer Network
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