God is amazing, and I NEVER get tired of exalting Him. He is the quintessential Sovereign and living God who loves all of us wholeheartedly. He loves us all. He may not approve of what we do, or when we “step out of line,” but he loves all of us.

 

God administers life. He never admonishes or points a finger trying to belittle us in the process. He never places guilt or place blame on any of us. He lifts us up, he fills us with His love and peace. That is what God does.

 

When Jesus walked this earth He never had to threaten or scare individuals to follow Him. He merely demonstrated a kind demeanor along with love, acceptance, forgiveness, and understanding. His light, love and tolerance were enough to make everyone want to be in His presence because it felt so good. People liked what they were in His sight for how He viewed them. They saw the love in His eyes and felt the love in His heart. That was why people came by the thousands to be near Him, and hear His words, His teachings. That was enough to bring people from all over the region and beyond. The miracles that He performed were outstanding, naturally. But His mere presence and His teachings were fulfilling and compelling, and people were drawn toward Him as a moth to a flame.

 

So to follow His course of nature, and His teachings. We are to administer life, and to administer love, acceptance and guidance…and to gently plant seeds where we may in the process.

 

 Some people, depending on their profession have greater responsibilities than others. For example, teachers have to mold young minds and are instrumental in the overall structure of their education and future.  Police officers have a responsibility to uphold the law and to serve and protect. Firefighters serve the needs of many, and mainly to rescue and save individuals. And, so it goes. (And, God Bless all these worthy professions.)

 

Pastors have a great responsibility toward God. Their job is to teach, guide, and merely speak the truth from the Word. This should be done without condemnation, or an accusatory tone. In order to bring people into a church, and therefore closer to God…one should administer LIFE, not DEATH.

 

Life is love, acceptance, and guidance. It is speaking from the heart about Jesus, it is promoting God’s word without placing guilt into the hearts of the congregation. The role of a pastor/priest/reverend shouldn’t be accusatory, or admonishing in any shape or form. The voice of the one who has been called to teach God’s word, should resonate love, and truth. The way Jesus did when thousands came running to be in His presence.

 

Jesus gently warned us…He told us over and over to be aware of many imposters that will come before He returns. He told us in His very own words, not to run if someone says “there He is.” He warned us to be aware of false preachers.

 

There are many preachers out there today who are NOT teaching the word the way it is written, or the way Jesus would teach it. They gain an audience by false promises, or by intimidation and scaring people. Jesus DID NOT do that.

 

If someone cannot attend church, for a week, or even months…that is between that individual and God. There is no where in God’s word that states, “If someone doesn’t attend church He will not make it into heaven and His salavation is at hand.” That is not in God’s word anywhere. I’m not saying “don’t attend church” it is a lovely fellowship and experience to do so.  All I’m stating is, no where, in God’s word does it say, that you cannot go to heaven if you do not attend church.

 

 If an individual doesn’t want to attend a function at church, that is their business as well. The important thing is that the individual keeps in the word, has an intimate relationship with the Lord, and maintains a lifestyle that reflects the light of Christ.

  

Anyhow, as I was saying, when someone gets to heaven, they won’t be judged by how many times they attended church. Or how many times they attended a function at church. They will be judged by their fruits. By their righteous acts, the works they performed on earth. If they ministered LIFE to individuals, and comforted others, and listened to someone while they vented. Or, held someone’s hand while they waited for news from their doctor…or, sat with a friend as they cried. Or gave secretly to someone in need. That is what matters.

Love, understanding, and obeying God’s laws and commandments, knowing His word and keeping in the word. Yes, plus having an open heart to hear, and see, what Jesus was and is all about.

 

An open heart lends creedence to a plight, or a situation that affirms the word.  The ability to see beyond the flesh and carnal mind is challenging at times, but driven by the Spirit one will have the wisdom to act accordingly. And all of which is done through love, and understanding…and a non-judgmental attitude.  For there is only one that can judge, and He is sitting on His throne.  

 

Pastors/priests/reverends have a high calling and an abundance of responsibility. God bless them all, and may they have the wisdom, and love, to bring forth truth, and understanding to their sheep.  The sheep hearm and know the voice of their shepherd.

 

Next time someone has their finger pointed in your direction tell them that there are three other fingers pointing right back!   Then, pray that their heart will be open to tolerance and the true teachings of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Amen~

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