#TuesdayTruth 2 Corinthians 5:16-17
2 Corinthians 5:16-17
“So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
I am SO very thankful that we are instructed to not view anyone “from a worldly point of view.”
What does that mean? Well, I spent some time thinking about it, and when I did, I asked myself, how would the world view me?
My simple mind came up with this. I think the world would:
Judge me by my actions and/or accomplishments,
Consider me only for my status (or lack thereof),
Remember the things I did wrong, the places and times where I failed (or, even, the things I did well and places I succeeded, but those are fleeting successes) and show no mercy,
Only value me for what I have (or might have to) offer,
Look for my weakest points, and where I could be taken advantage of,
Find enjoyment in seeing me fall on my face,
Tear me down.
Oh how I pray to be nothing like that. I pray that we remember:
to not judge, to consider a person’s place as they stand in the Kingdom, to never bring to mind someone’s past wrongs, to remember mercy triumphs over judgment, to value someone for who they are in Christ (sons and daughters!), to see the gifts/strengths of others and how those can be used in the Church, to grieve with those who grieve and celebrate with those who celebrate, and to build others up by encouraging them.
I KNOW that I am still a work in progress when it comes to some (ok, several) of these things. However, I am so THANKFUL that we have the opportunity to be made new! The old is gone! The new is here!
Now let us all move forward with an eternal point of view.
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for making us new. Thank you for helping us to see others the way that you do. Thank you for the promise of eternity. Thank you for the real, true hope that we have because of you.
We love you,
Amen