Helping Back Up!

To have someone help us when we have physically fallen down is usually greatly appreciated. The hand extended is most often eagerly grasped as we are pulled back up onto our feet. Unfortunately that is not always the case when the falling is spiritual. Sometimes the attitude is wrong on both sides. The helper can be arrogant while the fallen may wish others would just mind their own business. However, the greatest good of others and our own self is the healthy focus for us to maintain. This actually requires genuine HUMILITY on both sides.

In Paul's letter to the church at Galatia he urged. . .
"(1) Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should RESTORE him IN A SPIRIT OF GENTLENESS. KEEP WATCH ON YOURSELF, lest you too be tempted. (2) Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. (3) For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself." ( Galatians 6:1-3 ESV)

The focus is to be two directional; toward others and self. Jesus also addressed this in the sermon on the mount. (note Matthew 7:3-5) Those who see themselves as "spiritual" must guard against the attitude, "It's too bad this individual is not as spiritual as I am." Some appear to take on the attitude of being God's spiritual "policeman" (or woman) and almost seem to delight in being the one to point out error. [Yes, I will be careful of my judgment here, but I have seen the fruit of such.] They may even view themselves as so spiritual they are above being tempted. That can be a very dangerous position in which to place oneself, which points to the obvious reason for Paul to urge watchfulness with regard to self also becoming tempted.

In his first letter to the church at Corinth Paul also warned. . .
"(12) Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall." ( 1 Corinthians 10:12 ESV)

To benefit others, we must approach them "in a spirit of gentleness" and in the HUMILITY that we still have areas of needed growth in our own life. We must HUMBLY guard against thinking we are really something and thus deceive ourselves into thinking we have spiritually arrived!

Now, when we are on the receiving end of needed spiritual guidance and being lifted back up, we also must be HUMBLE enough to accept the help others are giving without becoming judgmental regarding why they are doing it. Hopefully such will be done gently and we can thank God we have Christian brethren who love us enough to help us grow.

As we find ourselves at either end of the helping hand during our Christian walk, may we recognize the right attitude on both sides for restoration to take place. By maintaining HUMILITY, rather than becoming our brother's keeper we can simply be our brother's (sister's) loving brother (or sister). May we HUMBLY seek to grow up together in the Lord.

Have a great day MAINTAINING A PROPER ATTITUDE REGARDING GODLY CONCERN!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Humility