J.A. Matteson
Be careful not to impune the motives of another's devotion to the Lord, for in so doing He make rebuke you. "Why do you trouble the woman?" (Matt. 26:10). One persons excess is another's joyful gift of love. With a critical heart we may examine the ministry of another, reasoning thus, "I would have done such and such." Do we see the root of our objection as pride? We may find ourselves with a critical spirit scrutinizing the ministry of another, and when we listen carefully we may also hear the words of Jesus asking us, "What is that to you?" (Jn. 21:22). When we are focused on criticizing others we are unable to gaze upon Christ, for it is impossible to fix our gaze on two separate objects simultaneously. When we are rightly abiding in Christ the ministry of others exalting Him in truth is our joy, regardless of its display, and we do not entertain demonic suggestions of ill intent, but interpret all things through the spiritual filter of love (1 Sam. 16:7). The whole earth is the Lords, all praise and honor and worship are due Him. Worship the Lord in spirit and truth in your own context as moved by the Spirit, affording others the grace to do likewise.
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