John M. Swails

Good educators impart knowledge. Great educators impart a desire to learn. Good mentors impart subject knowledge and wisdom. Great mentors impart a desire to mentor. Good parents raise a competent, self-reliant, community-focused adult. Great parents raise future parents that are better than they were. Likewise, a good pastor will impart Biblical knowledge and spiritual wisdom in support of his/her flock, but great pastors will impart a desire to serve.

Shepherd's raise sheep but communities improve when shepherds train shepherds.

Selah.

https://audiomack.com/johnswails/album/phoenix-reborn

Feeling funky?

John Swails - Phoenix Reborn Stream Phoenix Reborn, an album by John Swails. Producer: Bedroom Productions. Release Date: August 19, 2019.

https://spotify.link/RxLsWlYhYMb

This is my high school classmate who lives overseas now. He has a Christian playlist he wants me to promote so please like and share. I am sure you will be blessed.

Tarrence H Moore User · Tarrence H Moore

Before you start or spread something about someone else or directly criticize someone else, ask yourself 3 questions:

1) Is what I am about to say true?
2) Is what I am about to say good?
3) Is what I am about to say useful?

Although Socrates is given credit for developing this filter it lines up with several Biblical scriptures. In short those scriptures encourage what we say to be righteous, holy, and virtuous, character building (Phil 4:8).

In short what you say to someone should be instructive and/or corrective towards their improvement (2Tim 3:16). This is the critical difference between condemnation and conviction. While both may include a highlight of something that needs to change, conviction contains valuable instructions on how to act correctly as well as information to correct and reverse any damage that was done by the previous behavior.

Correction

A good example of a corrective template is presented in 2Chr 7:14.

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2Ch 7:14, KJV)

Notice the love and attention to detailed instructions God includes with his Criticiam of His people’s behavior. This is an example of how God wants us to resolve the conflicts we have with each other. There was a behavior God was not pleased with but He includes steps we can take to return to God’s pleased graces.

Instruction:

A good example of God’s instruction that is not meant for correction of bad behavior but encouragement and steps we can take to reach a goal can be found in 1Pet 4:12-19. In this example God is not correcting bad behavior but rather encouraging us to continue our good behavior even within a hostile and resistant environment.

This encouragement is meant to build and strengthen our walk, not tear us down. How about our criticisms of others? Do the edify and build or just serve to remind others of how they are falling short? Where would any of us be if God took that approach towards us?

One last thought Jesus came to build His people and God’s Kingdom (John 3:17). The devil’s agenda is to tear both down (John 10:10). So, pre-screen your comments and ask yourself “Who’s side am I working for with my current approach?”

Selah.

John