Minding Your Own Business

                                                     When The Door Slams

My brothers, if any among you strays from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his life from death and cover a multitude of sins.                                                                                             James 5:19-20

            

        One of the Christian's greatest deterrents from sin is life of another Christian. Some Christians maintain that it is none of their business if another chooses to sin. They are convinced that it is none of their business if another chooses to sin. They convinced themselves they would be judgmental if they respond to someone in personal and spiritual bondage. The world persuades them not to get involved, but this prevents them from being an effective intercessor.

        As Christians we are aware that sin brings death (Rom. 6:23). Sin has addictive behavior, sin is addiction, sin kill relationships, dismantles marriages, choke out joy, and destroys peace of mind. When we see someone wander from the truth into error, how should we respond? When Jesus saw sin it broke His heart. He wept over entire cities as He saw them rejecting the truth (Matt. 23:37-39). 

        Lord Jesus prayed fervently for His disciples to be strong when they were tempted (John 17). Jesus warned those who were heading toward spiritual failure (Matt. 26:20-25, 24). Jesus was even willing to die to save people from their sins because He knew the devastation that sin causes. Jesus never stood idle as those around Him were led astray by their sin. Jesus always took an active role in turning them back to God.      

        Think about this: "Minding your own business" will save you some discomfort, but it will not help a brother or sister who needs to return to the Lord. If you are truly aware of the grave consequences for those who continue to live in sin addiction, you will be moved to weep even as Jesus wept. Pray fervently for your family and friends. Pray that Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God to have mercy though the power of the Holy Spirit to safeguard your motives and prepare you to minister to him. Be alert, ask God how to confront your family member or friend. If you do so, be loving and gentle lest you, too, be tempted (Gal. 6:1). 

Lord Jesus, I look to You for my daily bread, to forgive me my debts as I also have forgiven my debtors, and lead me not into temptation, but to deliver me from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. (Matthew 6:11-13) 

Being built up in the most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, may I keep myself in the love of God as I wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. (Jude 20-21 

Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the Lord and thank Him for His forgiveness.  

                                                                        Never Rest Ministries