As a pastor, I have conditioned myself to see others from the perspective of their spiritual state and need. I rejoice over seeing people growing or show spiritual maturity in their life. There truly isn’t a greater joy than seeing someone grow in Christ. You can see it in the way they interact with others and the conversations you have with them. Their participation in the community of faith increases. Spiritual growth is easily perceived when the individual is in full commitment. Likewise, I am concerned over lack of growth or stagnancy that I can perceive in the life of others. My perception is in the context of ministering to each person as they are. Everyone has the need to make a necessary response to God at all times. Being able to perceive someone’s need can also very difficult, however, if the evidence is saying stagnancy. The behaviors of others can only serve as evidence but cannot be trusted as conclusive all on its own. Maybe perception over time is the best indicator of one’s condition of the heart. Careful consideration of the intention of your perception as a believer is vital. Condemnation is never the goal, but urging others to join you on the journey of spiritual growth is. If Individuals are completely without trust in Christ, then sharing the “good news” of the gospel is the first priority. But in the community of faith, there should always be an atmosphere that urges continued growth in Christ. This pulpit perspective is a blessing in that I am driven to focus on what is truly important to see in others. What is truly important is in rejection of the superficial standards of the world. Rejoicing and concern are the appropriate feelings for all believers to have in relationship with others, depending on the current circumstance. Jealousy and condemnation in evaluating others are of the sinful flesh and influence of the evil one, that still plagues our current state. One must be diligent to make sure the intention is righteous, according to God’s Word, in rejoicing and concern for others. Believers are looking through the lens of God’s Word that one is devoted to consuming daily in prayer to God. This lens is the correct way of existing and interacting in a fallen world. I call it pulpit perspective because of my call to pastoral ministry. Disciple perspective might be a better term, as I see this as important for all who trust in Jesus as Savior. All people saved by the power of God are to engage with other Christians from this perspective. All people saved by the power of God must seek to engage with a lost word from this perspective. Are you perceiving the spiritual need of others? Are you listening to those who perceive your spiritual need today? Let us encourage each other to grow in Christ, with all grace and humility!
“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” -Hebrews 10:19-24
“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” -Romans 12:9-21
“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” -Philippians 2:1-4
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