Eclipsed by Sin

Some people's relationship with God, and I need to be careful here, because I know people who fit this description, some people's growing and winsome relationship with God that was probably once filled with wonder and amazement at God 's grace and goodness, seems to have been eclipsed, replaced, by all outward indication, by negativity, pointing out other's flaws, and shortcomings, pickiness, having to be right, lack of humility, arrogance parading as concern for the purity of Christ's Church. The joy is gone. And the witness has dried up. They may even be serving in the church. Exerting some kind of power and influence. Like flies in perfume, like leaven, like rust, like cancer, they eat away at the vitality of Christ's body. They might even cover it with seemingly righteous indignation over what they think needs to be happening in the world or the church, or their own household, but nonetheless the joy seems to be gone and they would lead you to believe its someone else's fault. I think maybe they have the wrong clothes on. Maybe it's not permanent, maybe it's just a temporary costume, but for Christ's sake and for the good of the church, let me just say what everyone might be afraid to say...stop it, put something appropriate on. Col. 3 says it biblically. Put off, put on. Imitate Christ. I know these things because I know how low road my heart can go. I know how prone I am to wander. To not give others the benefit of the doubt. To see the cup half empty instead of half full. To focus on what's best for me instead of what best for my brothers and sisters. Lord have mercy on us all. He calls, He chooses. He's really in charge. I'm so glad. All praise to the Lord Jesus Christ. I have been saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, as revealed in Scripture alone, for God's glory alone. Jesus loves you!