Shooting Straight
This Week's Theme: Leveling
Gordon MacDonald
Tuesday, February 13, 2001
 1 of 1
Key Bible Verse: Brothers, do not slander one another (James 4:11a).
Bonus Reading:James 4:11-12
I was in Japan with a friend since gone to be with the Lord. We were walking down the street in Yokohama, in conversation. The name of a mutual friend came up, and I said something unkind about that persona sarcastic, nasty put-down. My older friend stopped, turned, and faced me until his face was nearly touching my own. With slow, deliberate words he said, "Gordon, a man who says he loves God wouldn't talk like that about a friend."
He could have put a knife into my ribs; the pain wouldn't have been any less. I hurt because he had me. He'd done what a prophet does. But I bet there've been ten thousand times in the last 20 years I've been saved from making a jerk of myself. Whenever I've been tempted to say something unkind about a brother or sister, I hear my friend's voice once again, saying, "Gordon, a man who says he loves God wouldn't talk like that about a friend."
Prophets do that. They remind us of the truth and where we're falling short. We avoid prophets, but we do so at the peril of our spiritual journey. You and I need prophets.
Gordon MacDonald in Preaching Today Respond:
What would it take for you to be honest with others about shortcomings or failures? Be deliberate with your comments this weekand aim for honesty. Thought to Apply:
To vilify a great man is the readiest way in which a little man can himself attain greatness.
Edgar Allan Poe (author, 19th century)Adapted from Preaching Today (196). 1 of 1
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Jesus, show me the ways I need to grow as a communicator. Give me courage and discernment as I speak.
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