The Great Cajole!
Sunday’s Monday
The Great Cajole!
I realize that this title may cause a little confusion as it did me when I first received the word cajole. Thus, I looked it up in merriam-webster.com to find the definition of cajole a: to persuade with flattery or gentle urging especially in the face of reluctance; b: to obtain from someone by gentle persuasion; c: to deceive with soothing words or false promises. Once I understood the meaning of this word, I started thinking of how widely it is being used today. We all are being robbed and don’t even realize it! This world, in ways we vaguely see, is slowly telling us what to think, say and do along with a host of other things, such as who we are. Sadly over time we’re changed without a clue of what happened. God warns us of this in Romans 12:2 (ESV), Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
We are all eagerly comparing today with those of when Jesus walked this earth. Steadily searching for loopholes and shortcuts to excuse our actions, feelings, and talk. As a follower of Jesus, we should know what is written in 2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV), But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. It is my belief that Jesus is not looking toward our perfection as much as He is our honesty. To be misled by the world is like that of riding a bike, you’re going to fall (that’s a given), the question is are you going to admit you fell and get back on the bike.
The greatest cajole (con) the world has going for it today is you can do the same thing the same way and get different results. We thrive on tomorrow will be better because today couldn’t get any worse. Being that we believe we’re more educated than our ancestors and have better tools to match those zillions of media adds convincing us we can do and be anything we want using their product. When the truth is and always has been there are limitations in our future as we are not perfect, we make the decisions and most of us suffer because of them. Take notice as to how much emphasis is placed on personal sacrifice, steadfastness, and uncomfortable endurance you hear from media adds which God forbid has also entered into a lot of Christian tv. Few are sharing the negative as it may cause people to rethink their commitment and not buy into what the world is pushing. However, the flip side of this is 2 Corinthians 12:10 (ESV), For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. Nothing worth anything has value without cost! God can take our negatives and turn them into positives.
I said all this to expound on what is written in Romans 14:13 (ESV), Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. This world has enough wrong in it without us becoming a part of its problems. Most of us have spent the biggest part of our lives categorizing, labeling, and judging people for their opinions, ideas, and a host of other trivial reasons. The bible tells us in Romans 2:3 (ESV), Do you suppose, O man - you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself - that you will escape the judgment of God? Satan (ruler of this world) has persuaded far too many from every land to become blind to sin, sin has entered our churches, schools, workplaces and is destroying the holy teachings of fellowship, diversity, and respect. This world has convinced us, we look our best when we are finding fault with everyone else. The mirror of our life can only show a reflection of who we wish we were but God in due time shall reveal our true indemnity. Which is confirmed in Corinthians 13:12 (ESV), For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. Sadly, a multitude of the past, present, and future will never grasp or understand this truth until the big reveal (Jesus’ return)!
The fact of the matter is, I may never understand a person’s past and that’s ok because it is no longer exist. As well I may fail to understand a person’s present and that also is alright as long as I am willing to be available to take part in that person’s future! I passionately believe God has not called me to be a judge, He has however called me to be an agent for change. I can’t imagine how many opportunities I’ve missed because of my stupid judgmental attitude. Thankfully, God gave me this biblical truth, Galatians 3:28 (ESV), There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. No matter what the world is saying to you and I, Jesus said we are one!!
My prayer for this week is from Hebrews and I pray that we each will give it a little thought before we go to bed each night. Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV), 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. And help us to remember what you (Jesus) had Paul to write in 1 Corinthians 13:13 (ESV), So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. You meant this for us all, no exceptions, nor exclusions and especially for those in Romans 14:1 ESV, as for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. Help us to turn to you to overcome the cajoles in and of this world. Amen.
HAVE A BLESSED WEEK BY BEING A BLESSING TO OTHERS!
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