There...I said it.

The other day as my husband and I were talking, he mentioned a quote he has heard all his life.  He can not remember where he heard it but it goes like this:

"I'd like to buy him for what he's worth and sell him for what he thinks he's worth." 

I get it!  There is such a struggle in my own life for tolerance of individuals that live on that almighty pedestal. 

Unfortunately, I fall prey to the very things I have no tolerance for.  There are so many hurting people and just as many stand in the shadows ready to attack.  In working with children these several months, there is an expectation of learning.  Come to class, pay attention, do your work and learn.  Then you promote to the next class. 

I never take in consideration the situation until I hear the stories. Oh the stories...no dad at home, children taking care of children, no one to guide the household much less help with homework.  Those are the stories.

So turn it towards adulthood.  Divorce, financial break downs, loss of jobs, disfunctional families, abuse, all traveled through time and landed in adulthood.  So many times, we say things without taking consideration the person's situation and there is no censorship.  It is out in the open. 

I often....often.....have to come to Christ and ask for forgiveness of words I can not recant.  I believe everyone has done this to a certain extent and I take no pride in telling you this.  It was really brought to light in my own life when I read a post by Beth Moore.  She wrote:

I’m sick of the bullying. The mud-slinging and the meanness. I’m sick of careless, idle words thrown out there in the public square and professing believers in Christ standing on the necks of their own brothers and sisters to sound smart and superior. As if it’s not enough that we are surrounded in this culture by Christian haters, we’ve got to have our own hater-Christians. It’s insane.

Wow, I had to look at myself and question whether or not I fell into that paragraph.  There it is, she said it and with no reservations.  The moment I read it, I saw myself in that group that surrounded the woman caught in adultery.  How many times had I appeared in that group with rock in hand ready to take my best shot?  How many times had criticized someone for coming in late to church when I had no idea what the situation was at home? How many times had I criticized a woman for what they wore without knowing that she might have nothing else and the clothes she had on was donated?  How many times had I criticized someone for staying in a bad relationship without knowing that the individuals self esteem was damaged and her only hope would be in Christ....the real awaking, I was the one to present that Christ. 

Oh don't get me wrong....I have been on the receiving end of that criticism but this is not about me....this is about ME!

Careless, idle words can not be taken back.  Today's society is surrounded by so much competitiveness and envy that surely it will be the demise.  No one can maintain that level of competitiveness and still remain an effective Christian....there I said it.

As Christians, we have an obligation to adhere to the Word of God.  There are no exceptions.  Not for me, not for you, not for anyone.  You are not exempt and you can not pick and choose what you want to obey.  We are to build up the body of Christ not tear it down....there I said it.

Having been on the receiving end, I make no excuses.  As a Christian woman, I have a responsibility to Christ.  Mean-girls, haters, do-gooders, there will always be around but I need to remember who I represent! 

It's ugly, hurtful, and it breaks the spirit of others.  I do not want to fall into that category.  It is often difficult to bring out our own faults because what others think of us is important.  We want to fit in, we want to be accepted, we want acknowledgement.  The reality for me is that I am not perfect, I have been in that place. I am not proud of that but I am grateful to a God who forgives me and does not hold that against me.  Trust me, this was difficult to say but there...I said it.

Do not let unwholesome words come out of your mouth only those used to build others up according to their needs that it may benefit those who listen.
Ephesians 4:29