Condemnation - Not!

I'm standing in church looking at the youth pastor and thinking to myself. If there is anyone here that has a reason to tuck his head in shame . . . I'm struck with awe. Here he stands. Free. Arms in the air. Smile across his face. I am so proud.

I've heard stories of what lies in his colorful past from people at work, people around town, the kids at church and even himself. Yet, there he stands and I get to thinking. Looking around...I bet everyone in here has a story. Everyone has a past.

This is what makes this guy so powerful. His past. He came from crap. Got deeper in crap. Now does his best to prevent others from getting into the same crap. He's very effective. Think about Paul. Had he not gone down the road he had, he would not have been as effective as he was.

It's not that the deeds they did were so bad, though they were, it's the fact they turned thier lives over. They did the hard thing and changed the direction they were going in. It was hard. They were ridiculed. They were called liars. Fakes. Hypocrites. Insane. Today, nothing has changed.

I find it ironic that the people that judge Christians for their short-comings the most are those that make no effort on their end to have morals or justice themselves. The ones calling the names, pointing the fingers, ridiculing, belittling, demoralizing, and doing their best to break the good guys down are doing nothing themselves to improve their quality of character.

I truly shouldn't be shocked. This is the way it has been for generations to come. This is nothing new. In fact, these are the people that need prayer the most. If Christians make such an impact on these people that they spit back with bitterness and contempt, aren't we somehow getting through to them? What makes them so malicious towards us? Is it guilt? Conviction? Conscience? Jealousy? I truly don't know.

What I know is this: The man at church is a great man. He has done wonders for children and individuals and should be rewarded for his effort and courage. The Pastor too has a colorful past he has overcome. He gets up there every Sunday on fire and does his utmost for the congregation that he honestly and truly cares about. I know people who have changed their direction in life from horrid to wonderful. Since their enemies can't criticize them for their great shortcomings, they now criticize them for their stumbles.

It is a great difficulty to change not just habits but personal character and train of thought. It takes a great deal of inner strength to become a better person out of choice and not force. People should be commended, encouraged and supported. These are the people that change lives. Give hope to those at the end of their rope. Show those down on their luck there is something better to reach for.

For those with this fortitude, my hats are off to you. Kudos! Hurrah! Keep up the good work and may God bless you richly in everything you put effort to!