Family of God: [Church_of_Christ] Doulos Meditation for April 21

Scripture: Luke 7:33-35—For John the Baptist has come eating no bread and drinking no wine, and you say, "He has a demon;" the Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, "Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners."

Reflection: Have you noticed that some people are not satisfied with your behavior regardless of what you do? These are the fault finders, malcontents, and those who think true religion is climbing some kind of moral ladder to God. Their lives produce no positive fruit—but a constant (and wearisome) flow of commentary pointing out the flaws in your argument, attitude, doctrine, denomination, and family.

Here are my three suggestions for dealing with this set: (a) Don't argue with them—in their minds it raises their belly aching to the level of rational debate which it doesn't deserve. (b) Don't let them influence you to become one of them. Wow—I find myself falling into this so easily—just listening shifts so easily into participating. (c) Don't change your behavior because of their criticism. The criticism of a habitual complainer has no validity. You'll be happier if you ignore him. Jesus refers to these types as whiney complaining children—notice verse 32—"They are like children…calling to one another...We played the flute for you, and you did not dance…" Be mature yourself, let the spoiled brats play their childish games, and get on with the important stuff of life.

Prayer Starter: Father, impress on our minds the good that originates with you and realize deep in our hearts that we are not judges, critics, manipulators, or remodelers of other's behavior. Remind us that our message is you—not our own opinions. Amen. Doulos Blog is http://didialog.wordpress.com/

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