Why is it, that in a community of believers, there’s still room for the “put down?”  Maybe because we’re human.  Maybe because the devil is still allowed to roam the earth and tear away at the souls and hearts of men.  Maybe because we think that once we’re Christians, we’re immune to criticism or the arrows will just bounce off us because we wear the armor of Christ.

It seems to me that once we’ve become Christians, that’s just the beginning of our earthly battle.  We’ll be criticized for our beliefs because they don’t conform with the world view.  We’ll be ridiculed for accepting something based simply on faith and not fact.  We’ll be looked upon as fools – indoctrinated individuals – helpless – Jesus freaks.

How do you view yourself as a Christian?  Do you feel better than others because of what you believe?  Do you challenge other believers if they don’t tow the line?  Do you defeat a new Christian with doubt, fear tactics, theology, doctrinal differences?  Do we tend to feel that we’re better somehow than others?

The body of Christ was perfectly constructed by the King of Creation.  Unfortunately, the human factor also makes up that body and so often gets in the way of the truth.  We forget to encourage and build each other up, because of our own selfish needs.  We lose sight of what Christ has done for us and focus too much on our own works.  We trust in our own understanding instead of the truth of the Bible.

When Jesus gave the new commandment to love one another – He was asking us to put others before ourselves – not simply through our good works, but because of the love He first demonstrated to us.

Jesus, you are the perfect example of love and sacrifice.  Help us to constantly be reminded of your love for us and lead us to be encouragers to others. Amen!