I had a dream the other night. In the dream, God gave me the title for this blog. And then He proceeded to want to download what I was supposed to say in it. I'm like "God, I'm trying to sleep."
In the dream I felt kind of like John in the book of Revelation,
Revelation 1:19 Living Bible
19 Write down what you have just seen and what will soon be shown to you.
What God showed me in the dream and what I have noticed myself every time that it happens, is that I get judged when I mention what kind of music that I listen to, or books that I read.
I know that I have written about this before. I thought that I was done with this, but the comments, quips and side eye keep happening. I don't get it.
Most of the judgement comes from my Christian circle. They are quick to comment. To pass judgement.
Matthew 7:1-2 Amplified Bible
7 “[a]Do not judge and criticize and condemn [others unfairly with an attitude of self-righteous superiority as though assuming the office of a judge], so that you will not be judged [unfairly]. 2 For just as you [hypocritically] judge others [when you are sinful and unrepentant], so will you be judged; and in accordance with your standard of measure [used to pass out judgment], judgment will be measured to you.
Is that band really Christian?
Why? Because the musicians have long hair and play heavy, hard, fast music?
Is that author really a pastor, or a Christian leader? Should you really be reading a book written by them?
Why? Because they have long hair and their arms are covered with tattoo's?
Last time I checked, having tattoo's, long hair and play heavy music doesn't stop you from proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus!
John 7:24 Amplified Bible
24 Do not judge by appearance [superficially and arrogantly], but judge fairly and righteously.”
I honestly thought that the judgement would come from my unsaved friends. But they are the ones that are the most accepting about what they see me reading or listening to.
When they see the Stryper logos on my Jeep, or t-shirts. They ask what does Isaiah 53:5 mean. I tell them what the Bible says and that is where Stryper get their name. "Oh, that's cool" And they move on. No sly comments. No little quips, or side eye given.
If they see me reading a book by a certain author, or authors. They ask about the author and the subject matter of the book. Again, they accept what I say, and move on. I figure that I am planting the seed. If they are that interested, they can look them up and decide for themselves!
I feel like what Forrest Gump said in the movie "Forrest Gump". I've said my peace, that is all I'm going to say about this. The more this happens, there is a wedge between me and you.
So I urge you to be respectful of what other people listen to or read (in the Christian realm). Just because it isn't your taste, doesn't make it wrong!
God bless.
Rev. Kev.
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