Category: Spiritual Growth

Next week I’ll celebrate my 36th birthday. I must admit, I’m actually excited because I’ve always loved birthdays. The fact that I’ll be closer to 40  is pretty astonishing to me. I still think about  my childhood days often. As I get older, my prayer is that I’m actually maturing and not just getting older. I’m always disheartened when I see adults who hold ought and strife  toward others. My prayer is that each day of my life, I’m actually growing closer and closer to Christ, which should in turn, impact my relationships with other people. Growing up is not about age, its about maturing enough to allow your behaviour and ultimately actions to line up with God’s word.  This year has been a tremendous time of growth because I’ve been faced with a number of unique “opportunities” that have thrust me into uncomfortable and challenging situations. My prayer is that as people see me, they see someone that’s growing up and not just getting older.

It’s interesting how babies are  born “selfish”. I mean no one teaches a newborn to scream for food or cry when they’re tired. Its simply a matter of life. The baby isn’t thinking about the tired parents or the weary older siblings. They want what they want, when they want it. As an adult, its so easy to remain juvenile by being selfish and self-centered. Who doesn’t want the world to revolve around them?  The challenge with living selfishly is that it’s an empty existence.  Giving is all about releasing what “I” want for the sake of others. It always works 100% of the time. When you give your money, your time, your heart or your love to someone, it’s a transaction that defies the universe. You force yourself to deny your own selfish, self centered needs.   Giving is always the best road to travel. It simply works.

Today I’m pretty somber. You see, this week I’ve been struggling with the shame of judging others. It’s been an interesting journey of self discovery and self-conviction. How can I judge someone’s actions or their heart?

Let’s turn the table for a moment. How do I feel when I hear about someone that’s unfairly judged and persecuted me? I feel awful. I feel betrayed and hurt.  I’m guilty today. I’m guilty of allowing my preconceived ideas and critical spirit to judge others. It’s wrong and I’m wrong. At the end of the day, we must  ask ourselves where would we be, if the Ultimate Judge sentenced us based on our actions… or even worse… based on our thoughts… think about it.