One part of my e-devotional challenged me this morning:
"Oswald Chambers said in My Utmost for His Highest, 'God never allows us to see another person at fault so we may criticize them, but only that we might intercede.' Intercessors do not ignore or deny fault or sin; they address the needs behind the faults and the sins. We love one another as God loves us when we come to others, not to take swings, but with prayerful, godly solutions." -Purpose Driven Life
It seems like a constant battle within me. I watch people all day long seeing them react to situations, make behavioral choices and communicate with others. Within those moments I'm confronted with a choice. Will I judge or pray?
Will I judge and just see the negative. Furrow my brow and shake my head. Wonder why they don't know any better or get annoyed by their behavior. Sit back and scoff or revel in my pride and self-righteousness, lying to myself that I'm somehow more intelligent or spiritually mature than them.
-Or-
Will I see an opportunity for sincere prayer. See the soul behind the behavior and the words. Realize I need just as much grace and patience as they do. Understand that God is offering me a chance to be a conduit of grace and be used by Him for greater purpose.
How easy it is to judge! Creating a higher standard for others to live by, expecting them to follow what I construe as "good" or "Christian," replacing what God has in mind for them.
I've twisted the gift God's given me. He didn't give me discernment so I can justify judging others or to reduce my compassion, mercy and grace...but to reveal a hurting, broken world in need of prayer and encouragement. He wants me to see others through His eyes and to intercede on their behalf when they don't even realize they need intercession. This is the calling He's given me. This is the responsibility. This is the blessing.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
New Favorite
Last night my roommate and I saw the show The Drowsy Chaperone at the Bob Carr.
What a fantastic musical! The songs, lines and actors were hilarious and quite sarcastic. The narrator, or Man in the Chair, was brilliant and had such amazing comedic timing. Basically the storyline is a guy in his apartment shares with the audience his favorite musical. He puts the record on and begins to unfold the scene for us (which is appearing in his mind, but in reality on stage) and intermittently stops the music and the show to give some history or interesting facts about the actors or plot line. All the while poking fun at musicals, theatre, those who attend musicals, and the musical theatre fanatical fans.
It's genius, really...if you get a chance, definitely go see this one, the music album doesn't do it justice!
I'm so glad my roommate invited me to see it with her! :)
Here's a clip from the Tony Awards...
What a fantastic musical! The songs, lines and actors were hilarious and quite sarcastic. The narrator, or Man in the Chair, was brilliant and had such amazing comedic timing. Basically the storyline is a guy in his apartment shares with the audience his favorite musical. He puts the record on and begins to unfold the scene for us (which is appearing in his mind, but in reality on stage) and intermittently stops the music and the show to give some history or interesting facts about the actors or plot line. All the while poking fun at musicals, theatre, those who attend musicals, and the musical theatre fanatical fans.
It's genius, really...if you get a chance, definitely go see this one, the music album doesn't do it justice!
I'm so glad my roommate invited me to see it with her! :)
Here's a clip from the Tony Awards...