I listen as others’ ways of worship and experiencing God are condemned.
As I share how a social media outlet allows me to keep in touch with a dear friend, I hear the disdain and smugness in the voice as a hand flips dismissing me.
I feel frustration rising and attempt to slow my heart beat. I take deep breaths. You can’t argue with ones whose own opinions blind them.
This experience haunts me for days. My spirit wrestling with it all.
And then I wonder. I wonder, if it is simply fear that drives such harsh and judgmental opinions.
Anything can be made an idol. Anything good can be used for hurt.
But that doesn’t mean we should condemn others for choosing a different way of worship, for choosing to use something we do not.
I’m beginning to think we are quick to condemn others out of fear.
Is it fear that in spite of all our efforts we will never be good enough? Fear that leads us to condemn the choices of others so our own faults will not be seen? Do our insecurities threaten so much that we react out of fear?
I wonder. I don’t have answers. I wish I did. I wish I could understand why the person was so quick to condemn.
Then I see where I have been reacting out of fear. An inner battle fighting insecurities of being replaced. Fear threatening peace. Learning to let go is a part of growth and leadership, but the enemy plants lies. But then a reminder and a glimpse. A glimpse of what He has planned. So I realign my heart and remember, letting go of the fear.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV)
“For I know the plans that I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans for welfare and not for calamity, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11 NASB)
Linking up with Peter Pollock for the One Word at a Time Blog Carnival.
