When we decide to faithfully pursue a right relationship with the Lord, we will begin to see His blessing pour out and help us in many areas of our lives. As we begin to see and feel how our attitude and response towards our siblings change, there is something we should be mindful of.
Our relationship with God affects ourselves only. We cannot always expect the Lord to work in a sibling's life in the same area, at the same time as us. There are two aspects of this we need to be warned in.
Number one, it is our duty to keep our eyes focused on Christ and our relationship with Him, and not look at anyone else. Scripture tells us that "but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise." (2Corinthians 10:12)
Not only is it not wise, it can be dangerous for us and our relationship with Christ to compare ourselves with someone else, especially our siblings. If we feel we are doing better than them, we can easily fall into the category of becoming prideful, and then if we feel we are so much below others, we can become discouraged and despairing of our walk with Christ.
Number two is that many times, especially when we first begin to respond in the way we should to our siblings, they may not understand or take too kindly to the change. I know for myself, when I was angry and struggling, nothing irked me more than to see one of my siblings sweetly following Christ. I unconsciously did my best to tear that person down or to show some fault in them. Just as we saw in the verse about Cain last week, someone who is not necessarily doing all they could to work on their relationship with the Lord, may have a negative response to someone who is.
"And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous." (1 John 3: 12)
There is a very good possibility that our siblings will not respond very graciously to our cheerful or loving responses, but we must be prepared to follow the Lord's leading anyway, no matter what our siblings may do or say.
In conclusion, I'll have to speak with King Solomon.
"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter; Fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man." (Ecclesiastes 12:13)
If all we do is look to God and be totally and constantly pursuing Him and follow His leading in every area of our lives, we are accomplishing His calling. This will not only give us complete peace and fulfillment, but will ensure a godly response in our relationships with our siblings.
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Posts from the Past
Every Wednesday I post something that I have written in the past. It may have been written a long time ago, or a very, very long time ago! :-D So please forgive any mistakes!
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