As a number of you know, Pam and I are currently in the throes of COVID-19 and trying our best to fight through things under doctor’s advisement from our home. So far, Pam’s case is much worse than mine. Yesterday was a particularly tough day. Pam’s oxygen levels started slipping into the mid to low 80’s which could have ended up in disaster. Making things even worse, Pam wanted us to leave her alone “so that she could get some rest” not realizing that she was slipping away to the starkness of the hospital if she didn’t get in gear. Man, my inner “drill sergeant” along with our older daughter’s “virtual shouting” at her mom over the phone became relentless knowing that Pam/Mom was in trouble. Pam told us that we were being “rude, condescending, insensitive, needlessly over-the-top emotional, etc.” You know what, we got louder! She had to wake up! Thank God, after several hours, she came to her senses and went to work starting constant movement and practicing a deep breathing exercise that was invaluable. Pam got back to a safe spot. What a day!
What Pam wanted to hear ain’t what she needed to hear!
We are the same way spiritually. It is easy for us to be duped by the devil, our flesh and world falling for their tactics hook, line and sinker. We get deceived! During those moments, what we want to do or hear ain’t what we need to do or hear! I am afraid that too many of us Christians will allow other dear sisters and brothers to slip away without warning them straightforwardly in love. Loving candor may cause some short-term relationship hurts; however, as the dust settles, respect will occur.
2 Timothy 3:16&17 is crystal clear and is not applied nearly enough, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” How will these powerful verses become real in a person’s life unless someone goes to another in a humble, candid spirit of accountability? WE ALL NEED TO BE ACCOUNTABLE TO OTHER BELIEVERS WHO CAN BE TRUSTED EVEN WHEN WE DON’T LIKE WHAT THEY SAY! Ephesians 4:15 commands us to “speak the truth in love.”
Many times, what we want to hear ain’t what we need to hear!
Blessings and gratitude for your prayers and care.
Barnabas Man 