One of the neat things about my daily time of “Coffee with the Lord” (and the “Necessary Food” daily Bible reading plan) is that it provides an opportunity for the Lord to speak to me about things that concern Him through His word – often about things in my life that He’d like to see changed.
A few days ago I’d had a conversation with a fellow Christian that left me a little frustrated. He’d taken a position on an issue that I disagreed with – a position that I had some emotional energy invested in. It wasn’t an issue that had to do with a person’s salvation but it was one that I felt was important. We disagreed … we disagreed emotionally! I went away from our conversation still mumbling to myself… tempted to “sound off” to someone else (don’t remember if I did or not… hope not now!) Felt a barrier developing between him and me…
Sound familiar to anyone else? Oh it’s happened to you too?
Well today during “coffee with the Lord” God spoke to me… on two fronts – from His word (which is the most important) – and from an old guy in Church history…
“Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God… Each of us will give an account of himself to God!” (Romans 14.10-12 ESV)
And the advice from the old guy in Church history… “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.” (Augustine)
Ok God… I’m listening. When it isn’t a life or death issue – when it isn’t a core truth or something essential for salvation – when it’s just a difference of opinion or preference… we need to give each other a little space and leave it to the Lord to settle! Got it (I hope)! 😉
Coffee With The Lord 