analytical

I was at my home church (having just come back to OZ) and was listening to the sermon ... and I realized that I had an unhealthy habit ... that was, I often find myself analyzing the message or analyzing the speaker giving the message, instead of allowing the Holy Spirit to use the message to analyze ME!

The Scriptures do tell us to guard against false prophets, and to check everything back to the Word of God, so analyzing what is being said to us is in fact wise. However nowhere in Scripture does it tell us to focus on the flaws of another's character or the little problems with their sermon delivery. Really the scriptures cleary warn against thinking of ourselves better than another. And when we do this we block the Holy Spirit from really searching us and working in us.

It goes both ways, we need to be ready to accept God's hand in our lives no matter through who it is, no matter what we may think of them, no matter how many things we see that aren't perfect in their lives. If we can do that then we can also accept that God wants to do the same through us, that even through our imperfections God wants to use us as an instrument in somebodyelse's life.

What's the most important thing about a package ... its whats inside right! Sure the packaging and the wrapping can make it more appealing, but if its only a beautiful box but with nothing inside whats the point. So its time we stopped analyzing the package's God sends the gifts in, and start accepting the precious gifts God wants to give us. Don't let superficial things stop you from receiving all that God has for you.

I know for myself it would be a waste of time to simply go to church to analyze someone, and I'm missing out on all that God has for me.