The Information Channel Felist.Com -*-------------------------------------------------------------------------- UNITY WAY October 13, 2002 ------------------------------------------------------ Beholding the Christ in Others By Andrei Yashurin The basic law of God's kingdom is freedom, and prayers for others aren't meant to violate their God-given freedom of choice. Here lies one of the greatest challenges for loving and caring hearts. The problem is, we love our friends, relatives, neighbors, and we want them to be whole and well in God. Looking at their decisions and lifestyles, we often think that they are wrong, that destroy themselves, and we start praying for them to change their minds, to convert. In certain Christian circles, such course of action is greatly encouraged. However, I do not believe that God appointed us to coerce people to conversion, whether through carefully crafted arguments, or through spiritual means, such as prayers. We are not called to change or "save" others. The only thing we can do is to "be the light of the world" (Matthew 5:14), and allow others to come to our light and to learn from us - when they are ready, and when we are ready. Fruits which are not ripen yet, are sour to taste. If we find that we often have "sour" experiences in praying for others and sharing of our faith with them, it could be because we are acting in intrusive manner. Apostle Peter was a wise man, and, among many other noteworthy things he taught, there is one saying I never heard mentioned in sermons: "Let none of you suffer as... a meddler in the affairs of others" (1 Peter 4:15). Can't we see that people's emotional attempts to change others fall into the category of "meddling into their affairs" and interfering with their freedom of choice? Even more, it is one of the cases of self-inflicted sufferings. And it doesn't really matter in which way we "meddle in the affairs of others" - physically, mentally, or spiritually. Negative reaction will surely follow. In prayer, let us remember these important principles: Though shalt not pray for others intrusively; Though shalt not pray for others aggressively; Though shalt not pray for others in a manipulative way. But what is the "safe" way to pray for others? Give them over to God, allowing Him to lead them to their good, at their appointed time. Do it again and again, even if you are tempted to dictate when and how it should happen. Say, "I place this person into Your care, God. I know that Your love for him/her is greater than my love. I know that Your understanding of his/her life is greater than my understanding. Only You, God, can work in his/her heart, mind, and body. I let go of my attempts to play Your role. I fully trust in You". Our call is not to "change" others, while seeing them in a negative way, but to see them in a positive way. We need to rise up from the level of physical perception, where we see failures and shortcomings of an individual, to a level of spiritual perception, where we will behold and steadfastly affirm his/her true identity in God. Our call is to behold the Christ in others. Here is the poem by Frank B. Whitney which beautifully expresses the same idea. Some time ago I already published it in my mailing list, but I think it is worthy to be repeated. It can be one of the best prayers for others. I behold the Christ in you, Here the life of God I see; I can see a great peace too, I can see you whole and free. I behold the Christ in you, I can see this as you walk; I see this in all you do, I can see this as you talk. I behold God's love expressed, I can see you filled with power; I can see you ever blessed, I see Christ in you hour by hour. I behold the Christ in you, I can see that perfect one; Led by God in all you do, I can see God's work is done. ------------------------------------------------------ Andrei Yashurin: admin@unityway.net http://myweb.pczine.net Positive Christianity E-zine (our current articles) http://www.unityway.net Unity Way If you like our list, please recommend it to others. Our ministry is supported through love offerings from like-minded people over the world. We invite you to join us in our work. To make secure a donation through Amazon Honor Ststem, we invite you to visit the main page of our site. All messages (c) 2002 by Andrei Yashurin This E-zine is being sended through Felist.com list server only to those who subscribed to it, either at Felist.com or at our site. In order to manage your subscription, you need to go to the list page. I cannot subscribe or unsubscribe you. Please, follow this link: http://felist.com/catalog/lit.unityway/ -*-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Unsubscribe: http://felist.com/member/unsub?grp=lit.unityway http://felist.com/ mailto:ask@felist.com