I recently spoke with a friend who attempted to restore an errant
brother, who began using controlled substances and pursuing divorce.
He first went to his brother, with no results.
In light of Matthew 18, he attempted to garner a friend or other member of the brother's church, but they made excuses to keep from getting involved.
It reminded me of the king, in Matthew 22, who had a wedding feast for his son. When servants were sent to gather the guests, they went their way, one to his farm and another to his business.
It is interesting that many young men enjoy movies such as Gladiator and Braveheart. They identify with the hero and visualize or act out fantasies of valor and bouts of manliness.
We've all seen the email "forwards" with imagined stories of terrorists bursting into a church and threatening to shoot those who won't deny Christ. The sender makes it clear that they would proclaim the Savior even in the face of death. But the reality is they shrink in fear at the thought of confronting a brother. They see themselves as the hero in stories of great and noble conquests - - but can't manage to meet the basic requirements of a Godly man.
Confrontation is difficult. It is costly. It is time consuming.
Seldom do THOSE stories of valor get retold. There is hurt and remorse involved.
It most often makes the confronter look bad - - especially in the eyes of those who lack the fortitude to do likewise (or follow the Biblical command).
But, it is the true measure of a man, a man of God.
Brethren, even if a man is caught in any trespass, you who are
spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one
looking to yourself, lest you too be tempted. Gal. 6:1
No comments:
Post a Comment