We had a great men's midweek last night, where Tim spoke about Phinehas (grandson to Aaron, priest, killed Zimri (israelite) & Cozbi (Midianite woman) with a spear). Tim's message was about accountability with one another. Zimri was out of his mind, bringing a midianite woman into the midst of the Israel congregation. But for Phinehas, there was no "let me think about this" or "let me get advice" - He killed Zimri & Cozbi to protect God's Honor. The Israelites were warned to not intermarry with Midianites, and yet what Zimri thinking?!? And yet, he walked right thru the congregation, with this woman, and no one stopped him or said a thing.

Are we like Phinehas or are we like Israel? Are we afraid to say anything to our brothers (or sisters) because we're afraid of their defensive response? Upsetting them? Even possibly losing their friendship?

Side Note: Tim's approach was that we should be more like Phinehas, but I noticed how, sometimes, we can be like Zimri! Think about it - Do you remember when you were so engrossed in your sin, that we'd blurt out the dumbest of excuses? Bending & warping it so it remotely looked like moral truth? (We are lying to ourselves) I'd like to believe that Zimri honestly thought, "What? We're here... With Israel... to worship God!!! It's NOT like we're worshiping Peor!!!!"

In this day & age of political correctness, are we judging? Sticking our noses into places where it doesn't belong? Or are we holding each other accountable because we may not understand what the other person is doing\thinking\feeling?

One brother said that when it comes to rebuking someone, we're all disciples - We should have the heart, mindset & humility to take it. I love my brother but there is too much that went on in our lives & in our heads that may prevent the "humble acceptance of rebuke" from happening. Yes, we are disciples, but we are also products of all of the interactions & experiences that have happened in our lives, more negative than positive... We are broken, with lots of baggage.

But despite our "baggage", we are to be held accountable to scripture.

The apostle Paul clearly states to not judge outsiders, that we judge our brothers & sisters. Now... I want to believe that he doesn't mean the literal definition of the word "judge", but that we hold each other accountable to God's Word.

But before we start dishing out "loving corrections", we must clearly look upon ourselves and make sure that we are doing everything we are in line with scripture. And since we are imperfect, we must work at gladly accepting correction, because it is helpful for us!

We correct not to lord it over someone, or act superior, but because we love the other person. We correct because we want the other person to do things in a way that Jesus wants them done, regardless of how hard it may be. But are we as open to "incoming correction" when it shows up at our doorstep?

Or could that be one reason why we don't rebuke? Because we may not take correction well ourselves? Although this makes some sense, think about this: We allow others to live out of sync with God because we do as well. Doesn't sound so hot, huh?

Let's face it tho... Correction is one of the most difficult things to accept, beit at work, home or church. It's instinct to react defensively. But we need to being to learn to be thankful that God has put people in our lives to correct us, and hopefully its done with the loving motive of restoring us gently , as scripture prescribes.

So fam... we should never be afraid to correct a fellow christian. On the other hand, we'e doing them a favor. But we must do it gently (yet firmly) with love. And never be offended when someone corrects us, because they're doing us a favor, even if you don't see it that way.