AN OBSTACLE INVENTORY
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)
