I used to coach high school baseball. I had the opportunity to coach all types of players of various skill levels-good ones, bad ones, and all those in between. As a coach it was my job to put ALL of those players in the best position to succeed. The hard part was having to develop a plan for each player that met them where they were as far as skill level was concerned. Hard as it was, it was my job so I did it. The rewarding part was seeing a player go from not so good to good and another player going from good to great.
As Christian’s how often do we look at others around us and judge where they might be spiritually in relation to where we “think” they should be. For example: I may pat myself on the back for attending church regularly or for doing my Bible reading daily while wondering why Tom and Suzy don’t come to church more often. I mean if they did maybe they wouldn’t be having so many marriage problems.
Instead why aren’t we looking at those around us as an opportunity to take someone alongside us in our spiritual growth journey? How could we encourage Tom and Suzy instead of acting as God’s right hand of judgment. Paul makes it clear in Romans 15:1-2 when he says, “We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.”
Let us work on meeting those around us where they are spiritually, bringing them alongside us for the journey so that we may all grow together!