Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Am I my brothers keeper?

Few people remember that this was the question Cain presented to God when questioned about the murder of his brother Able. A tragic story but even more tragic is the fact that these murders are being carried out today as well. Sure it may not be with a bludgeon to the head but it is by a laugh, fake words, a taunt. We forget that if we claim to be someones friend that we are then challenged to watch out over that person and we take almost an unspoken vow to help that person become something better. God stresses community so that we can learn and build upon each other. God has given each and everyone of us something special to do for his kingdom. Through community that gift is expressed and tied into the other gifts the Lord has given. With everything working together, the kingdom of God can move forward and progress however with obstinacy their can be nothing.
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I have this "friend" he his different. Joseph has some kind of problem I am not quite sure what it is, terets or something of the sort. I befriended him because he made me laugh a lot at his own expenses. He didnt seem to mind, I think he felt some kind of purpose in that. Now I look back on what he is becoming and I am left with this dilema. What have I done to help Joseph? God put him into my life knowing that I could deal with him and not be bothered however I have squandered my relationship with him. I have set it on the backburner and there I have let it deep fry until it has disentergrated into a pool of black decay. That is not christian, thats bearly anything humane at all. We can not be people who use others, that is something hell does. The devil uses and exploits until a person is completely and totally void of the gifts of the Lord. Joseph needs help. He needs men and women there to tell him when he needs to calm down and stop. He has no control; and though I may be coming off as incredibly self righteous, I find myslef extremely frustrated over this. I am tired of just dealing and ignoring its time to be constructive. As friends we are not always called to be liked, sometimes we have to do things that will set us at odds with those we love. It is not a matter of if but rather when. My closes friends are those who are honest and true that refuse to let me live in lies. Can I be that true friend for Joseph? Can I be that friend he curses and slanders and fights but in the end needs? It's a question that is extremely tough for me right now, yet it has never been more real.
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I challenge everyone to pray over there relationships and analyze what kind of people that are. Are you someone who just laughs and shares in shallow relationship with others or are you someone who constructs and molds others? Do not take my words out of context. There is a time to laugh and have a good time, nothing beats leading by example. However, there are moments when you need to step up and say this isn't right and as your friend I am stepping out in love to confront you. It's not a pretty job to do but if you claim to love someone even as a friend you must submit yourself to those conditions. I will have to deal with Joseph on these terms and if he chooses to leave and walk away than I must stay there and wait till he comes back. If I do not where do I have a right to say I desire to be like Christ? Will I stand before the Lord and say "Am I my brothers keeper."

1 comment:

Betsey said...

jay, you are that friend to me. i just want you to know that. and reading this has really convicted me about some people in my own life. so again i say thank you. i'm so thankful for your words of wisdom.