Look At Yourself

This is a title to an old Uriah Heep album I used to have. But the thought for us as people of the Jesus community is important. We're to look at ourselves before we look at others. When doing so we ought to be accepting and kinder of others. Or at least be more understanding.

Over at Scot McKnight's Jesus Creed, there are some excellent postings and stimulating conversations -from all sides, on homosexuality and the church. To know the full extent of Scot's take on this issue and the conversation, one would need to take in all of the posts (under "Generous Orthodoxy"), but here is the latest.

The gay issue is one of the hot button issues among many evangelicals. And it is a serious issue for us all. Professing Christians differ in their interpretation of Scripture on this matter. Scot's blogging on it helps us consider the Biblical background and texts on this issue. In the end I do believe that homosexual sex is outside of God's will and design, and is sin.

If we look at ourselves honestly we may find ourselves in the midst of a struggle over a sin issue. Really, don't we all struggle in that area, even if in little matters (which, of course, can become "big" if we don't deal with it)?

The point here is, let's be real about ourselves before we rail on others. If we look and really begin to see ourselves, warts and all, then surely we'll look at others differently. As those who are also deeply loved by God. And who along with us, are ever welcome to come and seek his grace in his forgiving, cleansing, healing, restoring and transforming work.

Since God's grace embraces each of us, we ought in that grace to embrace everyone. Not everyone will receive that embrace. But it's telling to them of another world, our Father's world, that would include them and in the end will transform this world in Jesus.

So "look at yourself". Then after we deal with that in Jesus we'll be able to look at others and help them find the One who helped and helps us. Amen.