Fault-finding
is a popular pastime, and unfortunately a lot of us find it’s easy to join the
fun. Concentrating on the warts of others is a great way to feel better about
ourselves. And that’s just the problem. Avoiding the faults that need to be
fixed in our own lives not only stunts our spiritual growth but also obstructs
God’s work through us. God’s effectiveness through our lives is enhanced or hindered
by the way we live.
It’s no
wonder, then, that Paul made a concerted effort to “put no obstacle in anyone’s
way” (2 Cor. 6:3
ESV). For him there was nothing more important than his usefulness
for God in the lives of others. Anything that got in the way of that was
dispensable.
If you
want to be authentic and useful for God, take an obstacle inventory. Sometimes
obstacles are things that in and of themselves may be legitimate, yet in certain
contexts may be inappropriate. But sin is clearly obstructive to others.
Gossip, slander, boasting, bitterness, greed, abuse, anger, selfishness, and
revenge all close the hearts of those around us to the message of God through
us.
People
are most effective
when attitudes and actions are aligned with God. (RBC)
when attitudes and actions are aligned with God. (RBC)
