It's been a while since I shared thoughts with you but these two situations have come up in my life and in the lives of those I love so I thought I's speak with you about them.
Many times we are quick to judge someone's actions and/or addictions based on what we think their life should be. True, many addictions are unhealthy and lead to pain and destruction.
But what about those 'lesser' addictions?
Gossip, or shopping, or exercise, or any number of things we consider to be less devastating, even something a simple as negativity or exploring different aspects of spirituality. Granted some of these seemingly 'lesser' things can lead to, at the very least, worse behavior and at most, danger.
But not always.
Addiction like everything is a heart issue. A mindset.
I'll be the first to admit my addiction is Reading.
Some of you may laugh, many will relate, but in reality, anything that causes a person to forfeit sleep or food or camaraderie with the people with whom we have a relationship is unhealthy for all involved.
I, like many, feed my addiction in binges....I'll go for days or weeks without reading then something will spark in me and I'll read several novels in as many days, sometimes foregoing things like meals or exercise. Even sleep.
Wouldn't it be healthier for me to read daily?
Maybe.
I've always been an avid reader and no matter how long I go between binges, my love affair with the written word is real, sometimes consuming.
Now please don't think I'm making light of other, 'real' addictions.....Drugs, Alcohol, Obsessive Behavior.
And here's where the judgement part comes in. Unless we are REALLY hurting someone, we tend to think in boxes labeled Right, Wrong, Not so Bad, Insane....
We tend to judge on so many levels.... She can't be a Christian if she writes erotica.
She writes edgy...God can't be happy--after all that kind of writing doesn't really glorify Him.
They were friends the whole time each was married to someone else...now they're together...wonder how long that was going on?
He smokes, drinks, gambles....SIN...Judgement...
If you've known me long you know I don't write to condemn but to encourage and edify and that's all I'm trying to do here.
Jesus said to us, "Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you."
In what area(s) are you/we holding up the light of judgement when really we should be loving unconditionally and praying for those whom we judge? After all, the Bible does state, "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
Something to think about!
"Inspirational with an Edge!" ™
Jason Stockwell has been commissioned to interview Kylie Erickson and to review her books. Only problem is, she won’t give the time of day much less an interview to someone whose type of writing she deems not worthy of respect. Can they suspend their judgmental attitudes and find true love? Find out in Review of Love....
Enjoy this short, FREE read from Pelican Book Group/White Rose Publishing then tell me what you think....
I hope you enjoyed today's random ramblings and that you'll return each week for Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts, Saturday Spotlight.
Another great book (which I finished reading this morning...yes during a binge...the 2nd novel I've completed since Monday night) is A Moment of Weakness by Karen Kingsbury and it is a great example of what I'm talking about here AND I haven't read Forgiveness by Marianne Evans yet but from what I understand, this book is a shining example of today's topics. Check 'em out!
Until next time, take care and God bless.
PamT
Heart Crossing
