“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17 NASB)
When I’m in a hurry, and I don’t button my sweater properly; one side is longer than the other, please tell me. If my shirt is not a not a “no-tuck shirt” and half of it is sticking out of my pants while the other half is in its proper place, please tell me. If one of my pant legs got stuck in my socks and you know I’m not trying to copy the LL Kool J style of years ago, please tell me. If I missed anything, such as early morning bagel cream still adorning my face by lunchtime, please tell me. I’m okay with that because if you tell me in love, tell me in kindness, and not as a critic, I recognize you are really trying to help me.
Now when it comes to me acting contrary to my claim to be a child of God, please tell me. Rather than elevating our interaction by coming right out with it in a blunt way, perhaps you can approach me with a question and involve me in coming up with a righteous solution. Definitely, pull me aside in private and help me get my thinking and my behaving in line with Christian conduct. Don’t be afraid to tell me. Please tell me.
I think we should help each other more, not looking for faults, but yet not overlooking the obvious that cannot be omitted from the category of “Needs Improvement.” As believers, you should be receptive of that help and adopt the same plea that I have made, “Please tell me.” Telling is helping, done properly. One more thing, use this with members in your household or your sphere of influence when you have the opportunity. The opening verse, one of my older brother’s favorite sayings, is true. The closing verses are true too! Well, why did I even have to say that, right? All of God’s word is true and profitable, whether we want to hear it or, not! Look! I’m telling you this to help you and because I am confident that you are a person who looks to God’s ministers of the gospel and you Biblically informed saints for sure, with the disposition, “Please tell me!” Enjoy this Thursday morning and stay God-conscious all through the day! Be blessed!
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29 NIV)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King