No one would judge a canvas that has only been given a base coat. Even the non-painter understands that a foundation is being created for what is coming. The final result could be abstract  or finely detailed - unless you know the artist, you can have no idea what kind of art is coming. What you can be sure of is that it will be a unique expression of the creative spirit, breathed into us by the Great Artist himself. Whether to your taste or not is beside the point, really.

How sad then that we so quickly judge one another. It is quite easy to accept that God is at work in my life, changing me from 'glory to glory' to conform to the image of Christ. But too often I give only lip-service to this idea for someone else.

I don't think Jesus was smiling when he said: "Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." This statement is so strong - a command even. 

It is no secret that our world right now is floundering in judgment and outrage. The ever- present spectre of social media opinion has turned us into trend-followers and fashion-conformists  and often we don't even realise that worldly attitudes have seeped into our very spirits.

Today the words of our Lord Jesus rise up in me in flashing neon lights: "By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, that you have love for one another."

Agape love was the rallying call of the "Jesus Revolution."  I long to hear it once again before the Lord calls me home!

‍