Within the scope of dealing with people that we encounter in our daily lives, as individuals of faith we must also keep in mind the fact that we must be accountable not only to God, but to ourselves as well as to one another. We must also endeavor with the utmost of charity and gentleness of spirit to assist others in their accountability of the same. Like it or not, accountability is a very important aspect of any relationship whether it involves family, work, our faith community, or even friends. After all we live and work in a vast community that consists of both believers and non-believers. Therefore, as Christians we have a great responsibility if we truly believe what we profess that we must learn to live out our lives in the spirit of Christ within the community which we find ourselves. In Galatians we are reminded to watch ourselves or be lured into yielding into temptation. (Galatians 6: 1-5) Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Look to yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each man will have to bear his own load. St Paul reminds us that we are to help others by gently and kindly confronting them rather than allowing their destructive behavior to grow and fester. As Christians we do a great disservice to others when we allow them to become, as St Paul describes as delusional and self-disparaging. Anyone who is overtly boastful about themselves or their situation and thinks they are something better or more deserving than another when they are the same or equal than others is usually guilty of blatant arrogance and hubris behavior and is most likely heading down a very dangerous and destructive path. Too often people try to avoid confrontations and the inevitable fearing discontent, apathy, or uneasiness by overlooking things and situations simply hoping that all will just be better and maybe the problem will just go away. Often people take an attitude of “well it does not really affect me so why bother” mentality, a sort of live and let live attitude. Unfortunately, problems rarely resolve themselves rather they seem to linger and fester when they go unattended to. Just like an untreated wound, after prolonged inattention infection sets in and it becomes much more difficult to or to repair or even to cure. Sadly enough, depending on the circumstances sometimes when we finally decide to do what is right, it is simply too late. As people of faith we must learn to be responsible and be accountable even when it is difficult, but we must do so with charity and kindness recognizing our own weaknesses as well. We must also keep in mind, with God it is never too late for forgiveness, healing, and reconciliation as they are always readily available if we only seek to receive them with sincerity and humility.
Posted on: Wed, 17 Jul 2013 13:47:15 +0000