More from Arlene Timber-Henry

The parking lot incident I wrote about in today’s meditation happened roughly 20 years ago, yet it is as fresh in my mind as if it were just last week. I can truly say it made a lasting impact. Additionally, it has not only caused me to become super attentive to how I park but also to other people’s parking skills or lack thereof! I’m the one who will call you out if you’re too far over the white or yellow parking lines or if you’ve taken up more than your fair share of an unmarked parking space.

As I write this, I’m contemplating how that same level of awareness might be applied to our individual Christian walk, as well as when we see a brother or sister in Christ falling into sin. The words of a song from the sixties come readily to mind, which encourage us to stop and say something if we see a brother or sister struggling.

I want to be careful, though, that it’s not in a judgmental or hypocritical manner because who am I to be pointing out a speck in someone’s eye with a log sticking out of mine? (See Matt. 7:3-5.)

Opportunities for gentle, loving correction are all around us, both within and outside the body of Christ. Too often though, our well-meaning interventions can come across as criticism or rejection of the person rather than spotlighting their actions or behavior. One of my favorite TV preachers calls it “separating the who from the do.” This is where we definitely need to let “Jesus take the wheel,” in the words of another song—seeking his guidance, wisdom, and direction in what to say or do as well as how and when.

I am thankful to God and The Upper Room for this medium through which the life experiences of ordinary people like myself can serve as a vehicle to build and strengthen others on their faith journey. I’m grateful to the editorial team for shaping our thoughts and words into the rich messages we get to read and reflect on every day.

I have been immensely blessed by the stories and testimonies of other writers over the years and the daily sharing and prayers in the Upper Room online community. May God’s blessings continue to fuel all our efforts as we serve in whatever capacity God calls and equips us to.

Shalom!