It's Then Sings My Soul Saturday when I link up with Amy of Signs, Miracles and Wonders.
I've been studying Ann Spangler's book "Praying the Names of God". This week the focus was on God as Holy One or Qedosh Yisreal.
In Thursday's devotional, Ann wrote a bit about the way we interact with those who don't know Jesus as their personal Savior.
It can be tempting to avoid people who behave in ways that are not pleasing to God. Christians have often been described by unbelievers as unfriendly and 'holier than thou'.
How can you grow in holiness and yet still care about people who are not YET believers? Can you interact without compromising your beliefs and becoming like them?
Ann wrote:
... why on earth would I expect someone to act like Christ when they don't have a relationship with Him?
As we grow in holiness, may we separate ourselves from our own sinful attitudes and behavior. We can still love people to the Lord ...without adopting their lifestyle.
I love this old hymn called "Holy, holy, holy" as it is sung by Michael W. Smith.
I love Michael W. Smith.
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite songs as well!
ReplyDeleteJesus loved us before we loved Him - end of story - right? So what's our problem?
Hugs and blessings!
Jill
I love this hymn! I actually heard it on another blog earlier today, too!
ReplyDeleteI love this song too Debbie... and I love Michael W.Smith... I have liked his music for such a long time that I think he may be nearly as old as me!! :)
ReplyDeleteHappy weekend sister!
Sonja
Hi dear friend, I've missed our emails and hope to get one out to you this weekend. I absolutely love this song by Smitty. I so agree with your post and sometimes I find it easier to be with unbelievers and just love on them rather than wondering where people are spiritually.
ReplyDeleteHave a blessed weekend.
Love, Noreen
Lovely song, Debbie. What a precious reminder that God is holy and we are to grow in holiness and yet still care about people who are not yet believers. May God enables us to share His Good News of salvation and love with others that they too can come to know the blessing of knowing Him. Take care and have a blessed Lord's day!
ReplyDeleteWarm regards,
Nancie
Awesome song.....and perfect timing. I have just talked about the trial we are facing within our family (my blog) and this message was right ON! I know God led me here this morning for a reason.....
ReplyDeletethank you!
Yes and Amen!
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed
Janette
The quote packs a whallop! I'm reminded that Jesus walked among the lost & forsaken with nary an expectation of their godliness. All too often I expect the unbeliever to behave as a believer; then wonder, "What's wrong with this picture?"
ReplyDeleteGreat song!
Hugs,
Kathleen
Oh how I love this song...definitely one of my fav's...Have a wonderful week-end. HUGS, Debbie
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful presentation along with this beautiful song.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
I love your post! And MWS is one of my fave singers. THank you for sharing! I am now following you
ReplyDeletehttp://therempels4.blogspot.com
I never particularly cared for this song as a child, but it's one of my favorites now.
ReplyDeleteOne of my all time favorite hymns! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat post and song! Thanks for stopping by. I love the quote from Ann in the post...it is like our pastor says, "You can't expect spiritually incorrect people to do spiritually correct things." Be blessed!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post. I have been asking that question for a while now! I simply don't understand why a fellow believer would want a person to behave themselves externally when inside their hearts aren't changed!
ReplyDeleteI loved that, Debbie. Thanks so much for sharing it. Love you ~
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