Job 1:8a And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job,

From the story of Job we glimpse into the visitation of angels and their curiosity about man. The observers do not know the heart of man. Then I thought of those science fiction movies where the aliens observe earth. What would they think about the way man acts today?

Those fiction stories are almost always written from a view of good and evil. The Day the Earth Stood Still was written from a view that the earth was good and that man was an evil infestation doing it harm and therefore man should be eradicated. From the alien point of view who could blame them, observe the battle between good and evil on earth. Evil has a compelling argument in the eyes of some. Good has to have overwhelming firepower and tactics which in use are destructive without compassion. Even the good voice speaks opposition to those uses.

In fiction the alien sees things from his own needs. It might well be that evil serves the observers needs better than good. Evil might feel more natural to them. There is no such thing as a neutral observer. It is our good luck that the observer of this life we live is not a neutral observer. He has skin in the game, as they say. It is also lucky for us that God does not judge actions but rather the heart of a man.

We say judge not. How’s your heart? We say love the sinner not the sin. How’s your heart? We say forgiveness is the road to healing. How’s your heart? Is it fiction? How’s your heart?

Paul said he would not even judge himself. I haven’t been as faithful in that as Paul. I understand that I am a biased observer. Do I have to trust God keep His promises and conform me, mold me, lay His hand upon me and not stop when I squeal.

Jeremiah 18:4 And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.

Not fiction, friction.

2 Samuel 11:1 (in part) And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle. … But David tarried still at Jerusalem.

When kings go forth…. Where was David? He was on the rooftop looking down on Bathsheba. For me this is more than about David’s coming sins. This was David not being the king in that moment. He had a role, he had responsibilities, and he failed to do what was expected of him. David was king. His identity was well established. His role and responsibilities well defined. What about the rest of us?

Do you know who you are in Christ? I do. My gifts have been identified, my role is clear. No matter how I respond to the needs of the church, those gifts and responsibilities do not change. There are times when I see a church need and I am willing to step up and say “Here I am, what do you need?” While my fellow workers appreciate the help, for the task is too great for the few who organize the effort, some are acting outside their gifts.

I can only suggest that this happens because some do not know who they are in Christ. That does not mean they are not saved. That does not mean they are slothful. It only means they have not yet met their full potential.

Judges 6:36-37 And Gideon said unto God, If thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said, Behold, I will put a fleece of wool in the floor; and if the dew be on the fleece only, and it be dry upon all the earth beside, then shall I know that thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said.

Gideon did not doubt God, he doubted himself and was asking “Prove me!” Will you?

Psalm 26:2 Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.