Our actions often tell the world more than we want to reveal. The attitudes behind our behavior will be leaked to the world regardless of our intentions.
“For as he thinks in his heart so is he” (Proverb 23:7, NKJV). A mind or soul that is sick will produce foul fruit (Galatians 5:16-21).
A congregation once met for midweek Bible study. Gathering in the auditorium for a period of devotional time before going to class, the preacher delivered the invitation and two teens came forward to be baptized (Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-4).
Yet, the euphoria of the preacher was short-lived.
Afterwards, two Bible class teachers wanted to express their serious frustration that the baptisms had delayed their classes!
Such moments leave you speechless.
Whatever the reason, their behavior was abominable and they should have repented publicly.
It’s very likely that they spread their anger to their class, friends and family. Criticizing someone who has just put on the Lord in baptism can help doom a soul for eternity.
When we place our own goals, desires and preferences above the Lord’s, we’re in very dangerous waters. Satan will be eager to push us over the edge into apostasy and use us to rattle the faith of others (1 Peter 5:8).
The work of the Lord is difficult enough without such behavior from inside the Church (1 Corinthians 1:10).
We must be very busy glorifying the Lord (Ephesians 3:20-21; 1 Peter 5:11). Nothing matters more than his mission. We don’t want our Lord to say to us, “Get behind me Satan” (Matthew 16:23).
Our personal baggage must be jettisoned so we can exalt Christ in his kingdom. Our biases, prejudices and conflicts have no place. All they do is endanger souls.
We always want to be on the side of the Lord because being against him is a terrifying place to be.