TWO PATHS

TWO PATHS

Sooner or later, each one of us will arrive at a point in our Christian life where the road forks, and we are forced to make a tough decision. God INTENTIONALLY brings us to that point, for our OWN DEVELOPMENT in Him.

The UNTHINKABLE happens-- with direct permission, if not at the COMMAND of God Himself.

Some other person, USUALLY A BROTHER OR SISTER in the Lord, does a TERRIBLY HURTFUL thing to us. It might be a false accusation of our morals, personal integrity, or our honesty, etc. Our reputation and ministry may be in serious jeopardy as a result of the attack. This is serious.

But of FAR MORE SERIOUS consequence,however, is the danger to the relationship between US and our GOD. We must WALK VERY CAREFULLY right now, for the situation is very delicate at this point.

Our SINGULAR PATH has suddenly DIVIDED, and we are forced to choose ONE PATH OR THE OTHER.

Both of the paths before us are SCRIPTURAL. We can go either of the two ways. But THE WAYS MIGHT NOT END UP AT THE SAME DESTINATION.

One path might cost you FAR MORE than you have already lost. It will probably be much harder to follow than the other path, and is MUCH MORE DANGEROUS.

The name of that path is: DAMAGE CONTROL. You would want to choose that path if your main desire is to regain your lost reputation, ministry, esteem, etc. AND IT IS A SCRIPTURAL PATH.

Matthew 18:15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear [thee, then] take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell [it] unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

There is A REAL DANGER that this path might cost someone their salvation. Either yours or the other party, or BOTH. For, once you put this scriptural process into gear, it can become quite brutal in running its course. IF IT WORKS, if it does-- it rarely does-- you finally, painfully arrive at the point where YOU forgive the brother or sister. It was a painful, stressful route, BUT YOU FINALLY ARRIVED.

You arrived at the point of forgiving the offender. But DON'T KID YOURSELF-- THE RELATIONSHIP WILL NEVER BE THE SAME.

The OTHER PATHWAY, however, will lead you (and after all GOD IS DEALING WITH YOUR DEVELOPMENT IN HIM) much more rapidly to the point of FORGIVING the trespassor for what they have done, either intentionally or inadvertantly.

The path of FORGIVENESS is fully as scriptural as the path of DAMAGE CONTROL. It can be FAR LESS TRAUMATIC also.

Matthew 6:14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Colossians 3:13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also [do] ye.

NEVER FORGET that God HAD YOUR WELFARE in mind when He allowed, or caused, the terrible thing to happen to you. He is dealing PRIMARILY with YOU in the matter.

His concern for your growth in Him is greater than His concern for your reputation or possessions.

To FORGIVE is an ACT OF THE WILL (your will), whereby you absolve the other party of all debt to you.

Personal feelings and emotions CAN be over ruled when a matter of greater importance is at hand. In this case, it is.