Not What It Seems - People

Last Sunday, we had a Super Bowl. Our local team, the Atlanta Falcons, looked to be taking home the prize. Early on, it seemed to be great, we scored many unanswered points and were completely dominating in the first half. In fact, a friend told me he left the party he was at around half-time to head home, assured of a Falcons victory. By the time he got home, the Falcons had, in fact, NOT emerged victorious. Things were not as they seemed.

As believers, we often look at relationships, situations and circumstances and form opinions based on observation. If we're not careful, we veer into JUDGEMENT! Over the years, I've learned that with God, things are rarely what they seem to be!

PEOPLE

As believers, we are each the sum of our own experiences blended with God's grace. Grace always trumps experience. God always has the power to change lives - we hear testimonies of it again and again.

Last summer I attended a three-day retreat, and over the course of the retreat, there were numerous testimonies of the leaders and spiritual counselors. Time after time after time, we heard stories of childhood abuse, neglect, abandonment, substance abuse.....all kinds of stories. But in EVERY CASE, things were not as they seemed, because God's love, grace and mercy intervened. These are some of the strongest Christians I know - pastors, coaches, worship leaders - and they had to work to overcome circumstances that seemed to be pointing them in one direction, to redeemed lives full of God's power and glory!

MORAL OF THE STORY: God's GRACE changes everything, all the time!

The opposite is also true. People can seem perfect on the outside, together and happy, but we never, ever know what is going on behind the scenes. If there is anything I have learned in years of leading small groups, it's that people come broken, with histories and pasts that can leave scars. As believers, our call is to love and serve the least, the last and the lost. Don't make the mistake of judging people. To see a short video of one such story from my small group, click here.

One of my favorite books is How To Stop the Pain, by Dr. James B. Richards. I love his definition of judging - anytime we assign a motive to another's actions (defining their "why"), we are judging. He doesn't want to date me because I'm not pretty enough. I didn't get a promotion because my work is sub-par. She has an issue with _______ which is why she acts that way. All thoughts are judging.

The truth is, we are not mind readers and cannot say why or why not a person makes a certain decision. If we could learn to focus on our OWN walk with God, and look less at other's actions, I believe we could see our faith grow.

MORAL OF THE STORY: Love unconditionally, despite appearances, flaws and less than perfect traits - YOUR love and acceptance can turn around lives!

So, the Falcons victory was not what it seemed. I challenge you to not take things at face value. Look beyond people's ugly actions to the pain beneath, and love them anyway. When they are lonely and pushing you away, don't give up. Give a hand up instead of a slap. Go for the greater gifts and give hope, love, kindness, and mercy.

Always err on the side of grace.

My next blog will talk about circumstances that are not what they seem.

Until we meet again, Praise Crazy!