Change your point of grace...

​But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
​~ Matthew 6:33

This morning as I looked through a news feed, I was reminded that the world is filled with folks expressing their point of view.  Often being critical of others.  As I read comments made by a friend and colleague of mine, I sent him a note just simply asking that he, "Change his point of grace."

He responded, asking if I had made a typo?  "You mean point of view?"

No, I was trying to be as clear as possible.  We don't always understand what it is that any one person is going through.  Lately it seems that we all are expected to have an opinion, and even more, we are to express it.

I had a dear friend years ago who was an elder at one of the first churches I served.  Often he would attend a meeting, sitting silently, and listened to everything that was said.  At first I didn't understand how he could be so patient, and not interject.  What I realize now is that he was actually providing an example for all of us.  When he did speak, I just remember being drawn in to what he had to say.  Often thought out, and filled with wisdom and wholeness, his words would be filled with grace.  Over the years I have thought about him, and how he allowed for not a "point of view," rather, he allowed for a "point of grace," to enter into the conversation.

A song I love, "Seek ye First," reminds us that we are to seek the Kingdom of God first, and all shall be added unto us.  It's not that our opinion is not important, it is how we react and allow for the Kingdom of God to be present.  The gospel writer, Matthew, who reminded us to seek the Kingdom of God first, also reminds us, "Judge not, lest you be judged."  (Matthew 7:1)

Two very good reminders that we should allow for silence before responding, and when we do, to make sure that we are responding from a "point of grace."

Stay in God's grip!

G. Todd Williams (c) 2020