Darren’s God Blog: “Call Them Out? Call Whom Out?”

Who am I to call anyone out on anything? I’m still learning not to plank! This was a new lesson I had to learn. It is one thing to call out people who hire me to call them out on their mistakes as a coach; it is different to call out people on sin. After all, let he who has not sinned cast the first stone, right? When people hire you as a coach, they themselves give us permission.

A few fellow Christians have gently called me out on some actions, and after I thought about it, I’m glad they did. I’m better because of it. I’m still learning to own giving my life to Christ. Growing up Roman Catholic, for which I’m grateful, I had some people in my life who knew The Word but did not necessarily live by it. Certain things were considered acceptable sins. I’m not suggesting all Catholics are like that, just some around me. Whom do you surround yourself with? It affects us whether we like it or not.

Galatians 6:1-2

1 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Not long ago I learned that we are not supposed to call out people who are not Christians. Why? They have not committed to The Word of God. It is not our place. Our responsibility is to love them where they are, even our enemies.

My big lesson was that I was supposed to call out other Christians. I did not know that was my responsibility. Maybe calling out is too harsh a term, but no matter how it is done, that is what it is. Unfortunately most people, even Christians, don’t want to hear it. This can be true even if they are new and learning.

Matthew 18:15-16

15 “If your brother or sister[a] sins,[b] go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. 16 But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.”

Wow. Do you listen when the first person comes to you? Does it depend on who it is? Do you get defensive like I did? Do you realize they’re right but just find ways to avoid the truth, like I did? I’m getting it. I’m still understanding what a deeper commitment really is. I’m making progress. You?

James 5:19-20
19 My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, 20 remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

I guess this means that God gives us permission. In fact He encourages us. It was also helpful to me to understand. I like the previous idea of doing it lightly. I think if the friends who called me out had done so in a judgmental way, it would not have been as persuasive. Thank you to my brothers and sisters. Now I have to learn from their example. I’m being selfish if I don’t, especially since I’m not a fan of conflict.

How about you?

Thank you, God, for Truth, Love, and Laughter,

Darren
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P.S. Thank you especially for grace.
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