Haven't we learned anything?

I was recently involved in a sketch at church entitled "OLD TESTAMENT REWIND".  It is a quick dramatic review of the Old Testament [surprise surprise!] in about 25 minutes.  It is a fun, and accurate account of many of the best known stories.  I have been blessed by the many people who have shared their appreciation for the treat.  It was really my pleasure.  But one of the main things that lifts from retelling God's Story is how whiny and disobedient the Israelites [God's chosen people] are over and over again. They take things into their own hands and think their ways are best. Sounds very familiar.

This has got me thinking. Today...

I am saddened by how critical and judgmental many American Christians are of "the world".  Speakign so boldly about how right "we" are and how wrong "they" are.  We really have very little compassion for the lost and unaware.  I mean "we" disobey and choose to do things our way. We sin. Really, those who claim to belong to God, we SIN - knowingly and willingly!  Yet, we really jump at the chance to stick it to the ones whom don't have a clue, or who see how people who call themselves Christians act (and talk) and want nothing to do with it.  Just like Moses interceded for the people of Israel when they were disobedient, reminding God of his deep love and commitment to them; we need to be interceding for our neighbors (leaders, enemies, friends, coworkers) - not criticizing them. Perhaps we need to be reminded of God's deep love and passionate pursuit of them.  Are you really loving your neighbors - not in an effort to "save" them - but because they are worth loving? Because they are.  We all sin, we all make bad choices, we all need grace, we all need love, whether we are believers or not. I wish Christians would quit the business of being right and pick up the habit of loving.