dianarasmussen

I’m Putting Down My Rock

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When I read today’s Daily Prompt, my heart sunk.  With the Word that I read this morning and the prompt I knew right away which poem I would share.  When you read this, keep in mind I wrote it to myself first.  There was a time when I was very judgmental – of myself and others.  Ms. D  is a bit off an extremist sometimes.  Let me explain.

I used to go to a church that emphasized holiness – but a holiness that you could accomplish on your own, by what you wore.  So, I took that thought, blew it out of proportion, and went with it. Ms. D thought she was all holy and righteous just because she wore a skirt, and those who didn’t, well – they we’re of the world.  I was wearing a dress of my own self-righteousness.  I could not see the forest because of the trees.  I missed the big picture of God and His righteousness because I was so focused on me, and my so-called righteousness. I missed the relationship because I was too focused on the rules.  I confess, I was wrong.  I was throwing rocks. I have thrown rocks at people both in and out of the church. One morning in prayer, God called me a Pharisee.  He was right,  I was judging others.  I was playing God.

Self-Righteous People

Copyright 2013 Diana Rasmussen
from cartoonchurch.com
from cartoonchurch.com
Why do you judge the wounded?
With no clue what I’ve lived through.
Looking only at what’s wrong
In order to be right?
*
Do you point your finger
At everything I’ve done?
All the while forgetting
To pull the plank from your own eye.
*
Are you so high up on your podium,
You’ve forgotten how to fall?
Have you never known abuse?
Or do you like to point, accuse?
*
Don’t lecture to me about your “religion”,
Your self-righteous attitude tells it all.
I don’t want what you’re peddling,
Making  yourself big, calling me small.
*
If you have nothing nice to say,
Please keep your mouth shut.
Until you’ve walked a mile in my shoes,
You don’t know what you’re talking about.
*
I know there is a God,
My life is living proof,
He is greater than the Darkness.
And loves me, despite myself.
*
One question that I have,
from my point of view;
What made you think
To talk to God,
I had to go through you?
This is the verse I read this morning, and it cut me to the heart.  Forgive me Lord, today I lay down my rocks.  I don’t know it all, and I am not God.

“Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don’t see things the way you do. And don’t jump all over them every time they do or say something you don’t agree with—even when it seems that they are strong on opinions but weak in the faith department. Remember, they have their own history to deal with. Treat them gently.

For instance, a person who has been around for a while might well be convinced that he can eat anything on the table, while another, with a different background, might assume he should only be a vegetarian and eat accordingly. But since both are guests at Christ’s table, wouldn’t it be terribly rude if they fell to criticizing what the other ate or didn’t eat? God, after all, invited them both to the table. Do you have any business crossing people off the guest list or interfering with God’s welcome? If there are corrections to be made or manners to be learned, God can handle that without your help.” (Romans 14:1-4 MSG)

16 comments

  2. Hi, Diana. I stopped by due to the daily prompt link. I’m so glad I came by. I enjoyed your post and the honesty of your heart. I, too, was raised in church that referred to itself as ‘holiness’ and judged others unmercifully. God is so good that He somehow got us through all that foolishness still in love with Him. I will follow your blog and continue to rejoice together with you in true freedom in Jesus Christ. It is so true that “if the Son therfore shall make you free, you shall be free indeed!” (John 8:36) Enjoy your freedom in Him, I have and do. Happy living…

    Reply

    • Thank you Don, I appreciate your kindness and honesty. And I am guilty as well, of “judging others unmercifully”. Thank you Lord for delivering me from my own bad attitude! And yet, I would not have known or received the Holy Ghost without the teaching I received there. I pray for ALL of the captives to be set free, in Jesus Name!

      Reply

  4. I so often fling mud at the beautiful dress of the bride (Rev 19:8) by judging the works and acts of my fellow believers … recently the Lord spoke to me about that and reminded me that “flinging mud” at others’ deeds only makes the whole bride look bad, including myself … thanks so much for always thought provoking posts and your deep deep love for Jesus … It shows 🙂

    Reply

    • Oh Heidi, I am guilty as well, forgive me Lord. Thank you, for your faithfulness, your friendship, and your comments. You are beautiful. 🙂

      Reply

  7. I don;t read the bible … I mean I have … throughout the years – actually I one of those weird people that liked to read Isaiah and other random Old Testament books – but I’ve never read Romans … the verse/quote you put out here has made me curious and I’m going to look it up later … I love what you said – God can handle it w/o your help … Anyway, just stopping in to see what others wrote about for the prompt – Cheers!

    Reply

    • I love Isaiah, it my favorite OT book too! I appreciate you stopping in, and I agree, God can handle it. Blessings and peace, Diana

      Reply

  10. Excellent points. I really liked the bit about everyone being invited to the table to dine by God Himself. Who are we to judge by what dainties they choose to partake. The more I think about this, the more I say, “Ouch!” Okay…I have to go have a chat with Abba. This really sneaked up on me. Oh dear!

    Thanks!
    \o/

    Reply

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