Healthy Rhythms Life Coaching

I write this message with two specific audiences in mind. You fit into one of these two audiences, so I encourage you to invest the 3-5 minutes required to read this and consider the topic from both perspectives. I believe it will be worth your time.

In this series, I am encouraging each of us to look in the mirror and take on the personal responsibility you have to yourself, your family, and to society in general. Too often, I believe, we dedicate too much effort and mindshare to our stance on an issue and therefore miss out on a great opportunity to Do Better. Doing better requires us to look at the heart of a matter and selflessly make a difference in the life of another individual or group.

Here are the two audiences I would like to address: 1) those who identify themselves as followers of Jesus Christ, and 2) those who do not. And the topic? Judgment and the resulting discrimination.

The most well-known verse from the Scriptures on this topic is from Matthew 7:1, “Do not judge, or you will be judged.” In my observation there are two primary errors that followers of Jesus Christ employ when interpreting this statement of truth. First, many hold tightly to the standard to not judge anyone, even when they are in a position to hold a friend accountable and help them avoid costly mistakes. Second, many choose to ignore the warning completely and spend most of their relational equity spewing judgment to anyone who is different from them.

The results of both are tragic, with friends left on their own to make mistakes that can often ruin lives, or all forms of discrimination that sever relationships before they can even form. As it is popularly defined, discrimination (unjust or prejudicial treatment of differences) adds zero value to our society.

But there is always a reverse side to every issue, which gives us the opportunity to Do Better. Consider:

1. The same Bible that contains Matthew 7:1 has this added clarity: “I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people, not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world. . . since then you would need to go out of the world. But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of. . . Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge?” – I Corinthians 5:9-12. Here is a clear call for those who identify as followers of Jesus Christ to withhold judgment from anyone except those within that same group (i.e., bears the name of brother). This requires relationship.
2. Discrimination can also be defined as “the recognition and understanding of the difference between one thing and another”. Here is the positive outcome we are all searching for! We recognize and understand those who are different. This requires relationship.

Here is my viewpoint: if you do not believe what I believe, I do not expect you to do what I do. Regardless which audience mentioned above you fit into; you are worthy of my time. Healthy Rhythms Life Coaching was founded based on the vast diversity of experience I have been gifted in this life, coupled with my desire to help others to be at their best. I look forward to working with you. Please reach out and let me know how I can help within the context of a relationship of mutual value.