Harold J. Ockenga, friend of Billy Graham and first president of Fuller Seminary and the National Association of Evangelicals, was one of the founding fathers of American evangelicalism. But like most great leaders, Ockenga was not perfect. His problem was sarcasm.
The same brilliant mind and quick tongue that enabled Ockenga to shine in the pulpit also wreaked havoc on his friendships. He wrote in his journal that his tendency to denigrate others “follows me wherever I go, which causes people to not like to be with me.” His friends confronted him, and his girlfriend threatened to break up with him, but he never completely conquered his penchant for the put-down.
How different was Jesus! Although He is the perfect person, Jesus never used His excellence as an excuse to be critical of others. He didn’t take cheap shots and exaggerate the weaknesses of others for effect. Jesus didn’t mock James and John as “Mama’s boys” or call Peter “Mr. Motormouth.” He didn’t even think He had to win every argument. When a Gentile woman rebutted His statement that “It isn’t right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs,” Jesus replied, “Good answer!” and healed her daughter (Mark 7:27-30).
Jesus used His perfection and power to inspire others. He released an adulteress to “go and sin no more” (John 8:11), announced to a repentant tax cheat: “Salvation has come to this home today” (Luke 19:9), and invited bumbling disciples to “take My yoke upon you. Let Me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29).
It doesn’t take talent, beauty, or money to be a friend like Jesus. Friends will find you if you listen, care, and provide a safe place to rest.
More:
• Job 6:14
• Proverbs 18:24
• 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Next:
Consider the people you most enjoy. Do you like them for their good looks, skills, wealth, or something else? How can you become what you appreciate in them?
mprez2006 on March 23, 2010 at 7:22 am
very good message!! just had a falling out with my friend because i was talking about him behind his back! thanks for the encouragement!
bethanyF on March 23, 2010 at 8:10 am
This is a very thought provoking devotional. I’m still thinking about it.
Paul G on March 23, 2010 at 8:29 am
Oh to be like Jesus – He has set such a perfect example for us – and His desire is that we continually grow in grace to be more like Him in the everyday simple encounters in life.
Wesley Wyatt on March 23, 2010 at 8:59 am
Excellent devotion! I have that exact same problem. Jesus help me!
Ese on March 23, 2010 at 9:24 am
Thanks for sharing this post
I have been a Christian for 20 years now, and I do from time to time battle this problem. It is not that I do so willingly, but a friend of mine brought it to my attention some years ago. She is not Christian and said that she hated being around me because I always had an “Holier than thou attitude” even without saying anything. I was shocked because I did not realize that I was doing it, but as I kept thinking about it, I saw that it came from my heart: I would be judgmental and thinking “how can she do that?” I forgot that I would not be too different if I did not know Christ. I have known him since i was about 11-12 and have had a close relationship with him; this kept me from doing much of what regular teenagers do, as well as young adults. Because of this I did indeed have a little picture of myself as holier then most.
Now I know that there is such a thing as being so holy that you can push away sinners instead of attracting them! Jesus was the holiest of all, but all who hang around him had some unsavory reputations. It is good to remember that.
mikan on March 23, 2010 at 7:03 pm
This is a very nice devotional.
Truly Jesus is the very best example of a true friend…
Someone who listen to your every word instead of accusing. Forgiving and not condemning. So humble enough that he offered His life to us.
He reminds me that in my weakness I can all the more boast of my weakness.
He deserves to be worship and praise. Glory to Go forever and ever. ?
mikan14 on March 23, 2010 at 9:55 pm
For me, actually, I struggle being a “leader”, because I can see at myself that I don’t have the obvious qualities. I found myself to be like Moses, because all throughout his leadership the people always had bitter and critical words for him. But still, all throughout those years of leading them, he took all the commandments from God. He’s not perfect, but he led with all obedience to the Father.
When talking about being a leader, Jesus is the best example. I love to know how He really led His disciples and other people by not being critical, or bossy though He has all the authority to be but still He used His mercy and grace and that’s why He was loved by His disciples. He invited them to be His friends, but to be one, they need to follow His commandments.
May my focus be only unto Jesus, because in Him there is fullness of joy, there is peace and rest from all the cares of the world.
sheridan voysey on March 23, 2010 at 11:37 pm
Nice word Mike.
Jesus was witty (eye of a needle!) but knew nothing of the sarcastic put down. And he had plenty of opportunity with plenty of people making plenty of mistakes and goof ups.
Beautiful.