As I talked about yesterday, when you try to copy someone else or live your life based on the way you saw someone else living, you’re stuck in a trap. God wants us to get down in our hearts, find out what He is saying to us individually, and let that drive our lives instead of following what God is directing other people to do.
Now, there’s something very important we need to remember as we follow our hearts: we must let other people follow their hearts as well. If you are in a strong place of reading the Word, don’t condemn the person going to the gym three nights a week to exercise. If you are in a season of prayer, don’t look down on the person spending time with their neighbors. We don’t know what God is directing other people to do; we should want them to follow their hearts, just as we are striving to do.
I once overheard a person saying to someone, “Well, you know you won’t ever be very strong in the ministry.” Why did that person say that to them? Who are we to judge how strong someone will be in the ministry? We are not the other person’s heart. We can only know what the Holy Ghost is saying to us personally.
Our job isn’t to compare or judge. Our job is to get busy going as hard and fast as we can with all the strength we know how, following our own hearts to the nth degree.
I’ve found in my own life that my small, simple obedience to God as I follow my heart has a triggering effect on other people that causes them to want to be obedient and follow their own hearts. Everyone isn’t doing the same thing at the same time, but every person is following what Jesus told them to do.
And you know what? Sometimes when that happens, the most amazing thing will take place. As everybody gets busy following their own hearts, they may not be doing the same thing, but all of a sudden a corporate effort begins to happen and suddenly, everybody is doing the same thing at the same time! Corporate effort comes into play.
So don’t judge people, tell them what to do, or that they aren’t spiritual enough. It’s enough trouble to take care of our own hearts rather than trying to take care of other people’s hearts. Instead, let’s encourage others to follow their hearts.
Dear Lynne! Thank you so much for your lovely letter!!!
I have been struggled here a lot because I have seen that other christians don’t pray as I do hours after houers, even the 30 minutes would be lovely. And I couldn’t understand why they aren’t finishing prayers. Sorry, it’s maybe not correct english, hopefully you understand me. The very first christian books I have got was from K.E.Hagin, K.Copeland and G.Copeland. And I was so happy to read a book K.E.Hagin “How You Can be led by the Spirit of God” and K.E.Hagin “The Art of Prayer. Is my roots are different what they got? I do love people! Rm.8:26; Rm.12:18; 2Cor.3:17; Gal.5:22
With love,
Katie
Thank you…that was a very timely word that I needed to hear…a reminder to let God do the wooing and directing of others’ lives…as well as any judging of someone’s heart. He is the only One that understands things inside out! He is good and His mercy endures forever!!!
I have been working on this yet have more to do. I love all our teachings whether encouraging or a correction needs to be addressed.
There was a time where I didn’t want to hear or accept necessary correction. It comes much easier now.
Thank you Pastor Lynn.
Amen
This was so good, I read it again today. God’s thoughts are higher than our thoughts and His ways our higher than our ways. We just have to trust Him and those we love and watch the tapestry unfold… It is amazing and beautiful to be able to watch and share as we all grow individually in Him at the same time.
Amen! Thank you.