Spirit-Filled Accountability
Posted on June 28, 2017 by Graeme Wilson in Freedom Fighters
“From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer.”
(2 Corinthians 5:16)
Part of my job is to evaluate the progress of the residents in various degrees, in various aspects. I can remember early in the process, I would start fretting over the evaluation. Who am I to judge another in the condition that I’m in? And in that very moment, I guess it was written all over my face, a wise counselor caught me and gently encouraged me to separate my issues and essentially allow Spirit to lead me. It wasn’t about me and my own self-centeredness, it was for the good of the resident.
We love 2 Corinthians 5:17 and how the Word illuminates our new life in Christ, our new identity, our redemption and the like…But do we deal with others in their new condition, or do we judge according to the flesh patterns? We are new; so our outlook, insights, fruit inspecting should all be governed from our new selves.
For the love of Christs should constrain us and give us the guidance that comes through the Holy Spirit. Man looks on the outward appearances but God looks on the heart; here is what Mathew Henry declares, “We can tell how men look, but God can tell what they are. He judges of men by the heart. We often form a mistaken judgment of characters; but the Lord values only the faith, fear, and love, which are planted in the heart, beyond human discernment” (1 Samuel 16:7; Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary). As we consider our newness in Christ, we ought to be Spirit-filled in dealing with others.
Written by Juan Mendez: Juan is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and full-time staff member at America’s Keswick.
The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 72-74| You can download our 2017 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here
Daily Quote: “Whenever you do judge, the only basis of judgment is not your own perspective or anything else, it’s the very character and nature of God and that’s why we are to allow Him to exercise His justice, where I personally want to take it upon myself.” – Josh McDowell
This Week’s Verse to Memorize:
“if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
2 Chronicles 7:14
Want to get away & have dedicated time to read & learn God’s Word?
Consider a retreat at America’s Keswick retreat center.
