Calling you out

Life is never always smooth.

Nobody has a life that is always easy going and laid back.

Take it some people have this personality, but it doesn't mean that they are not a nervous wreck on the inside.

With life not always being smooth, each of us has weaknesses, some we admit to, others we don't.

Some people we can see their weaknesses, others we can't.

We can look at the headlines of the paper, a tabloid magazine or watch sports and you can tell weaknesses.

Sometimes the only way to improve on these is to call them out.

This is one thing I love about Tom Izzo (MSU basketball coach).

He calls people out and this year is was more public.

Izzo sat some starters and some key role players for things they have done on and off the court.

He called them out.

One of the players was a key role player and he would have made a difference in the Big Ten tourney, but he was on the bench.

Called out.

This was something we saw Jesus do.

He called people out.

When we wasn't happy about something going on, he called people out.

It takes a lot of boldness and love to do this with people.

Jesus did this in Mark 12:38-40…

"Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted in the marketplaces, and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely."

Some of the things that catch my eye of things they do…

• Wore fancy clothes
  
• Like to be greeted by a title such as rabbi (teacher), master, father
  
• Sit in a designed seat in the synagogue
  
• Have special honor at banquets and meals.
  
• They exploited the generosity of people
  
• They made lengthy prayers to show off their knowledge
  

Jesus called them out and said they will be punished most severely.

While this is not an easy thing.

Jesus called out what he didn't like in the leaders of the time.

They didn't respond well to criticism, they were still looking for a way to kill Jesus.

Jesus shows we have to watch out for how we are perceived.

Do we wear expensive clothes?

Do we expect a title?

Do we expect a certain level of respect?

Do we just try to show off our knowledge?

These are some of the questions we have to ask ourselves, spiritual leaders even more.

Jesus was able to call these people out.

If we see this, do we feel right to call these people out?

This is something I struggle with, because I am still a sinner and have my own issues, how can I call out someone for an area they are weak in?

Yet this is necessary, especially in a Church setting when iron sharpens iron.

Jesus was able to call out people in a way that is hard for us.

We still have to make sure we are lifting someone up when calling them out.

We are not trying to beat them out of submission.

We still need to do this out of love and to the person's face like Jesus did, not behind their backs.

We need to model the boldness of Jesus and the love and grace he showed us.

Have a great day.