Set a Different Standard...

Originally posted at my MySpace blog Saturday 10/06/2006

We as Christians need to be in tune with our fellow Christians. Do you realize the impact we can make in the Kingdom just building up those fellow Christians? Over the years I have heard more Christians that have been so hurt by fellow Christians. We can either lift each other up or tear each other down. The Lord is impressing on me the urgency to be the kind of individual that looks for an opportunity to minister or to be in uplifting fellowship with my brothers and sister in Christ.

Uplifting and encouraging others are worthwhile disciplines. This is especially true in a world where negative feedback prevails. I sincerely challenge each of you to set a goal to go through the next week seeking to encourage and uplift people. Set a rule that negative comments are not allowed. Identify specific people you plan to encourage over the next few days. Don’t just let it rest with one note or comment. Follow up with that person a few days later, with a reminder about special they are. Remember this: the people you encourage will have a better week because of God’s grace through your uplifting actions. You will have made a difference to someone.

It really isn’t that hard to be nice and caring. In fact, you have to work much harder at being mean and hateful, and it takes a toll on both the target and the source. Stop making negative comments about other people or the things related to them. Be happy for them in the things they are involved in that are positive in their lives.

Don’t be upset when a friend of yours is friends with someone you don’t like. Be happy and try to get to know the other person and what is special about them to your friend. You may discover something you didn’t know that mean something to you.

Then next time you feel you need to be negative or hurtful of others, remember the following:

What miserable comforters you are! Won't you ever stop your flow of foolish words? I could say the same things if you were in my place. I could spout off my criticisms against you and shake my head at you. But that's not what I would do. I would speak in a way that helps you. - Job 16:2-5 (NLT)

Both of us need help. I can help make your faith strong and you can do the same for me. We need each other. - Romans 1:12 (NLV)

When we speak to each other or of each other in a negative way, we are really committing murder. Jesus said: "You're familiar with the command to the ancients, 'Do not murder.' I'm telling you that anyone who is so much as angry with a brother or sister is guilty of murder. Carelessly call a brother 'idiot!' and you just might find yourself hauled into court. Thoughtlessly yell 'stupid!' at a sister and you are on the brink of hellfire. The simple moral fact is that words kill. Matthew 5:21-22 (MSG)

If you are not a Christian, seek your conscience about this, it will tell you the same thing. Being negative or hurtful to someone is just plain wrong. If you are a Christian and claim to follow Jesus, then do so by following His wonderful example that you know from scriptures. Be willing to truly follow Christ. [Jesus] said to them, If anyone wants to be My follower, he must give up himself and his own desires. He must take up his cross and follow Me. Mark 8:34 (NLV).

TAKE A STAND TO BE POSITIVE AND COMMIT TO IT. SOMETHING GREAT WILL HAPPEN TO YOU IF YOU COMMIT YOURSELF TO ENCOURAGING OTHERS RATHER THAT TEARING THEM DOWN!!!!!

Further bible verses to consider:

Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions. Proverbs 18:2 (TNIV)

Those who talk about others tell secrets. But those who can be trusted keep things to themselves. Proverbs 11:13 (NIRV)

A twisted person stirs up fights. Anyone who talks about others comes between close friends. Proverbs 16:28 (NIRV)

The north wind brings rain, and a tongue that hurts people brings angry looks. Proverbs 25:23 (NLV)

Put out of your life all these things: bad feelings about other people, anger, temper, loud talk, bad talk which hurts other people, and bad feelings which hurt other people. You must be kind to each other. Ephesians 4:31-32 (NLV)

Good people do good things because of the good in their hearts. Bad people do bad things because of the evil in their hearts. Your words show what is in your heart. LUKE 6:45 (CEV)

Dishonest people use gossip to destroy their neighbors; good people are protected by their own good sense. Proverbs 11:9 (CEV)