Literature’s worst nightmare = Writer’s Block. For the past few weeks, I’ve been sitting around, reading, getting outside (even spending an impromptu night in my tent in our backyard,) engaging in Bible study and all-out actively seeking inspiration for my next blogging “masterpiece.” Sure, I’ve had an idea or two, but nothing has come to fruition, and so at 3:30 AM, I am still wide-awake waiting on… a sign? An epiphany? A yawn? A decent rerun…?
(Woke up to a beautiful 6:00 A.M. sunrise after my backyard campout! Gotta love the majesty of God!)
Alas, it occurs to me that maybe I’m just looking too hard. God has certainly been at work in my life in recent days. Fundraising for The World Race continues to amaze me; it’s so humbling to know that so many people believe in what God is doing in my life! I’ve also gotten to take part in my home church’s new young womens' Bible study, which has me SUPER fired up about getting deeper in God’s word and drawing closer to this awesome group of ladies! In other news, if my life has had a recurring theme of late, it’s definitely been FAMILY. Between Memorial Day cookouts, spending ample time playing with my little cousins, and getting incredibly caught up in the History Channel’s recent “Hatfields and McCoys” awesomeness, (confessed history nerd…) I’ve been reminded for the umpteenth time how SWEET my family truly is and how blessed I am to have them.
I was recently afforded the opportunity to speak at my grandparents’ home church (located a whopping mile up the road from my own) where I’m related to about half the membership and feel like I’m kin to most of the rest. Luckily I don’t get too nervous speaking, and this was certainly a friendly audience, comprised majorly of an older generation who are all very deeply grounded in Biblical doctrine. I have so much respect for so many of these ladies and gentlemen who I have grown up knowing and learning from, and I was so moved by their interest and willingness to hear about God’s call on my life. As I told them, I’m so fortunate to have been raised in a home and community where God has always been a priority, and I feel compelled to share that blessing throughout the world.
That said, allow me to reemphasize; nothing about the World Race is or can be for my glory or praise. Simply put, I’m not a Super Saint; I’m just a Saved Sinner.
My faults are numerous.
- I am quick to anger.
- I curse. Too frequently for even my own liking.
- I am personally okay with alcohol in moderation, but I’ve certainly exceeded moderation at times.
- I often fail to read my Bible or even pray everyday.
- I covet things I’ve not yet been blessed with, like a Godly marriage or a booming career.
And TRUST ME, these things barely scratch my surface. Were I judged by this resume, it’s pretty obvious that I wouldn’t deserve to get out of bed tomorrow, much less be chosen by God to go on a mission for His glory. And yet, because of my many imperfections, I know that this calling is only possible because 1.) He’s covered my transgression debt; and 2.) He is paving my way. It’s a God thing!
Lately I’ve found myself struggling with the subjects of: Judging, Hypocrisy and Accountability. So many times are Christians, myself included, accused of defiling Biblical direction by being judgmental and hypocritical. Like most humans, I got tired of hearing how I was wrong, so I went to my Bible for some research, and here’s what I’ve concluded thus far:
- Christians have NO right to pass judgment on UNBELIEVERS. That’s God’s job. We are meant to show them His love and mercy, and to present Christianity. It’s up to those individuals to chose this path for themselves.
- As for fellow believers, if we observe one another engaging in sinful acts that would not edify the Kingdom of God, we are to RESPECTFULLY and IN LOVE point this one one-on-one. NO airing to the whole community. NO public ridicule. NO gossip.
- Hypocrisy becomes an issue when we, as believers, point out the transgressions of other Christians, and yet we are guilty of the same sin. (How can you pluck sawdust from your brother’s eye when there is a plank of wood in yours?)
GUILTY AS CHARGED!
4. We are called to hold on another accountable for maintaining the Christ-like lifestyle for which salvation brings desire. Intense ridicule is meant to come from church leadership. Fellow Christians are called to uplift and encourage one another.
I can go along with accountability. No organization can effectively function without it, so why should we expect Christianity to be different? Where I find myself struggling is in determining to whom I am accountable.
I’m accountable to:
- God. Obviously. He is my ultimate judge, and He keeps me in check quite effectively, considering the almost immediate remorse I feel whenever I know I’ve done wrong.
- Fellow Christians. Okay, but does this mean ALL of them? I suppose I believe that’s both a “yes” and “no.” Effectively, we are all on the same “team.” We seek the same purpose and for accomplishing my part in the Great Commission, yes, I am accountable to all Christians. Then there’s my day-to-day Christian walk – the one where I miss Church on occasion or I go through a difficult time in my faith or I make an human error that impacts my witness.
- I’ve always believed that everything happens for a reason (God’s plan) and I believe that people in our lives are included in this. Whether this is me rationalizing for my own agenda, I’m not sure, but I tend to believe that considering God so perfectly orchestrates all aspects of my life, He very likely has specific criteria for people who are meant to “govern” his children. After much prayer and deliberation, I’ve reached what I believe to be His sanctioned criteria for my “accountability partners.”
I am accountable to:
- ANY CHRISTIAN WHO HAS EVER BEEN RESPONSIBLE FOR PROVIDING MY FOOD, SHELTER, TRANSPORTATION, SAFETY OR COMFORT FOR A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF TIME (especially applicable to anyone who ever diapered me.)
- ANY CHRISTIAN WHO HAS EVER ENSURED MY EDUCATION, BIBLICALLY OR ACADEMICALLY.
- ANY CHRISTIAN WHO HAS PLAYED A MAJOR ROLE IN HELPING DEVELOP MY PERSONAL TESTIMONY.
- ANY OF THE CHRISTIAN INDIVIDUALS WHOM I HAVE EVER CALLED MY BEST FRIEND (applicable to about 10 people in 23 years!)
- ANY CHRISTIAN PREPARING TO EMBARK ON THE WORLD RACE, SEPT. ROUTE 2, WHO IS LIKELY IDENTIFYING WITH THE RADICAL LIFE CHANGES I’VE COME TO KNOW.
- ANY CHRISTIAN WHO’S LAST NAME IS KEELING, CASTLE, LAW OR DOOM. (I guess family pulls rank.)
With few exceptions, I think that covers it. And with obvious role reversals, I think this accurately applies to whom I may adequately hold accountable for their Christian walk.
WOW! Maybe I had more to say than I realized. If you’re still with me, THANKS! I whole-heartedly welcome your feedback and insights, as I am so grateful that this experience is allowing me to gain a deeper understanding of God’s Word and His instructions for my life!
Be Blessed,
Ashlee
