2/17/14

Casting stones

Judging.  We all do it, don't we.  Or maybe it's just me.
But I'm not as obvious about it.  I don't go around pointing out people's flaws.  For me it's more of a, "God, why is that person seeming to thrive when they act like such and such when we struggle so and we've done nothing wrong?"  
Or, "Have you seen how their kids act, Lord?  I may be a slob, but at least my children know how to behave in public."
And since I'm not as obvious about it, it's not as bad . . . right . . .

 


That was basically the conversation I was having with God today, mostly focused on topic number one when I heard Him say, "Are you casting your stones, Tina?"

I rolled my eyes at God 
(I promise; I think we have the relationship of Him the ever patient, long-suffering father and me the obnoxious, smart aleck teenager.  I'm just trusting that since He created me and He knows my inner most being that He also has a sense of humor about these things.  But I digress)

Heavy sigh, I get it.  No one is righteous, no not one. (Romans 3:10), All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)

Let he who is WITHOUT SIN, CAST THE FIRST STONE.  (John 8:7 - rough translation)

I mentally put down my stone.  I'm not better.  My sins are just different.  My life and my calling and my path are just different.  What gives me the right to question any of it?

Then tonight at the drive-thru on the way home from Awana, there was clearly something weird going on between the clerk and the car in front of us.  And the transaction was taking FOREVER!  (or at least 5 minutes)  And my 10 year old daughter started in with, "What is her problem?  Can't she just get out of her car and go inside already?  Doesn't she know that there are people behind her that are hungry?  She obviously doesn't care.  And those clerks, they ought to at least tell her to move.  Good grief!"

I smiled up at God, closed my eyes, leaned back and said, "Sarah, are you casting stones?"

And God, as He so often does, took the stones out of my hands and placed them on the ground to continue the work of building His foundation in my children.  I am merely a go-between.  

20 comments:

  1. What a lovely post! Thank you for the reminder:)

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  2. Oh my. How convicting. The next time I begin to be judgmental I will remember your image of the stones and their significance.

    Blessings,
    Angie
    H.O.P.E. Home School Consulting

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    1. Isn't it helpful to have an image to put with something? Thanks for stopping by, Angie!

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  3. I've been thinking about this lately, too. I've found that I'm growing judgemental, especially regarding how other people parent as my husband and I realise our own feelings on raising children. I've been trying to take a step back, and I certainly don't voice what I think. Thank you for sharing this!

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    1. Yuliya, I think that's one of the biggest areas for me too! Ugh, this is such a hard one, isn't it?
      Thanks for stopping by!

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  4. I have those kind of conversations with God. In fact that is one of my categories on my blog. There is only one story in it right now, since I am new to blogging. But I have an arsenal of them. Check out how this girl 'talks back' to God - and how He responds here: Valentine's Day: A Change in Perspective

    Thanks for sharing your story. It's good to know how others interact with God : )

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    1. I'm glad it's not just me! :-) I'll have to swing over and check it out. Thanks for stopping by!

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  5. Yes, I think we all go around with those types of thoughts. I know I have, and I too catch myself and humbly back off. By the way, my dear hubby is one of those in the drive-thru that when asked, will not pull up. He says that that is the way to make them finish his order faster. No stones here! Have a wonderful weekend.

    #BB100

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    1. Too funny, Julie! That sounds like my husband as well.

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  6. Awesome.

    I think we're all prone to the, "Why doesn't he...She should...' thoughts. The reminder to put our stones down is wonderful.

    Found you via BYB

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  7. it is so easy for us to cast stones, to point fingers and laugh, but if we did a deep study of our heart, we would find out, we have nothing to cast stones for, we have done many things in our life time as we'll

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    1. Exactly!
      Thanks for stopping by. Have a great weekend.

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  8. Beautifully said! So easy to "cast stones," and as you said, our life- our circumstances- our sins- our problems are all different, so who am I to judge??

    Stopping by from BYB
    School Time Snippets

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  9. What a beautiful lesson - thanks for sharing!

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  10. I've been feeling the weight of the fact that I am not a very gracious person. I wrote a bit about it too, and I'm grateful to know I'm not the only one, though praying God does a work in all of our hearts! Who am I?

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    1. It can be so hard, can't it? But we're human. Praying along with you. :-)

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