So, let's take a soul check. Ask yourself the following questions:
1. Do you find yourself criticizing other people regularly?
2. Do you see other people as a problem that needs to be solved?
3. Do you dismiss whole people groups as too _______ (lazy, stupid, mean, stingy, etc).
4. Are you using your resources just for you and your loved ones?
5. Do you say, "My money?" Have you forgotten it all belongs to God?
6. Are you wondering why church and ministry really matters?
7. Do you find yourself always having an excuse why you skip church?
8. Do you eagerly skip church thinking it is irrelevant?
9. Do you notice the need in other people? Emotional, physical, mental, spiritual?
10. Do you wish other people would just act more like you?
11. Is most of our talk with others slamming politicians?
12. Are you caught up in comparing yourself to others?
If you answered yes to any of those questions, talk to God about it. It is so easy to grow callous toward others because of our own frustrations and problems, but we must not do this. When we recognize any of this in ourselves, it means we need to ask God to give us His perspective on people, ourselves and life (that is the right one). Jesus came to die for all. He wants everyone to accept Him. He wants to be part of everyone's lives. Until that goal is met our ministry isn't done. We are here to shine for him, not to indulge ourselves with comfortable living and the latest fashion or gadget. We need to wake up and see the pain around us.
I am speaking to myself as well. We are God's children -- powerful, anointed, full of grace and mercy for us and others. Share it. Please share it today.