
Read today's scripture here: John 13:31-38
Social Media, especially, is really shaping us. We can now "market" ourselves however we want, and really how would people know any different? Since we can only know what we see, how would we know that we aren't who we say we are? People are also very quick to make sure to cut you down if you "judge". Listen folks, if we don't judge, we are simply sheep going to slaughter. You have to make judgments, every single day. Make sure your judgments are wise, and not against a person, but instead to determine your path.
I love that Jesus knew in the short amount of time he was here on earth walking as man, instead of God, he knew the exact moment that he had made enough of an impact on that generation that it would make God famous. Jesus was never forgotten, and why? Because he didn't come to boast himself up, he came to show us God. (Pause on that a moment and let God listen to your heart on that.)
Peter, who loves Jesus very much, tells him, I will lay my life down for you. (I had a military friend who loved that verse.) Jesus looks at Peter, of course knowing what will transpire, and says would you really? You see Peter, like so many of us, to put it into today's terms was a faithful Sunday church goer. He would stand and defend the church on Sundays, and in the presence of Christ, but when he was on his own, he was not so confident. You will find in upcoming readings that Peter did deny Christ for awhile, but he does come around. So don't be too concerned, as there are lesson's in this.
Take a moment to reflect and "judge" yourself on who you are outside of the church. What do you do, outside of the eyes of those that live for Christ. If you had a "Go Pro" camera on your head (with big brother watching, basically you do) what does your life look like? Really that is what your heart looks like to God. God hears our words, but he matches them up with our hearts. Sometimes you have to convince your heart to respond differently, and that takes a lot of reflection, and words, prayers, and action. You see I'm asking you to "judge" your own heart, to search it, to see if there might be any wicked way in there, and if there is, then I'm using that judgment to create a change for you...because I believe that change is possible for anyone.
God bless you and work on love.
Ang