Transformational Thought
There was a time in my life when I was so quick to judge others. If anyone was outspoken, had a controversial point of view, or an opinion that was somewhat different from mine…I thought or said under my breath, “Idiot”.
I’m not proud of this terrible behavior and have been working hard on taking that word out of my vocabulary. I read something about Jesus’ disciples, James and John, that was very helpful in changing this behavior.
These were the guys who tried to talk Jesus into giving them the esteemed seats to the immediate right and left of His throne in Heaven. They were the same two guys who wanted Jesus to call down fire from heaven and destroy a village that wouldn’t give them a place to sleep. Their buddies called them Idiots…Jesus called them “Sons of Thunder.”
Jesus saw who they really were. They looked like crazy fisherman out of work…they were actually “Sons of Thunder.” God has uniquely and incredibly created all of us with gifts, passions, and personalities that are different on purpose. Others don’t always wisely utilize how God designs them…but neither do you.
Maybe part of your design and purpose is to help others grow, and by judging them…calling them an idiot and blowing them off…you are the one being the idiot.
Today, as you encounter people that annoy you…see them as they really are. Look beyond the behavior and see the person God has created. God must have you in their life for a reason. Think and pray about how you can be God’s instrument and serve them as a positive influence for their lenses and spiritual growth.
Prayer
O Father God, I come to You, my Lord, with a humble and thankful heart. I confess, Father, that I am too judgmental of others…too intolerant of opinions that differ from mine. I thank You, Lord, for Your Word that once again provides wisdom and guidance to improve my thinking and behavior, and ultimately, transform my heart. Help me see all people as You have made them. Help me see the potential “thunder” in those with an outspoken point of view. I pray in the name of the one whose ultimate humility empowers me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said – AMEN!
The Truth
James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James, to whom He (Jesus) gave the name Boanerges, that is, “Sons of Thunder”
Mark 3:17
And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Mark 10:35a,37,41-45