What's wrong is a good place to start (Ezekiel 3:20-21, 1 Peter 4:8)

My friend Jim and I were talking about our ideal self, the character traits we long to see in our lives verses the real self. When we are discontented it's because there's a disconnect between the two. Sometimes we need to ask "what's wrong?" 

“If righteous people turn away from their righteous behavior and ignore the obstacles I put in their way, they will die. And if you do not warn them, they will die in their sins. None of their righteous acts will be remembered, and I will hold you responsible for their deaths. But if you warn righteous people not to sin and they listen to you and do not sin, they will live, and you will have saved yourself, too.” Ezekiel 3:20-21

7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:7-11

Those who choose to listen will listen, but those who refuse will refuse, for they are rebels. Ezekiel 3:27

I've been drawn to Ezekiel 3 over the past few days. The Sin of Being Silent about Sin, Ezekiel appointed watchmen; responsible to rebuke people to save them.

Warn of the Sword

If a watchman sees the sword coming and doesn't blow the trumpet, then people are not warned and they are taken away in their sins, but their blood is on our hands because we said nothing to warn them (Ezekiel 33:6,8). Not even the good deeds of a man will save him from his sins (Ezekiel 33:12). 

Repent before it's too late

The word of God is the sword the judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart (Heb 3:12). Jesus gave the message that all should see the end is near and repent away from sin to God (Luke 13:1-5). To believe in Jesus and be saved from the sword of God's judgement to eternal life is not a passive and lazy (Luke 13:22-30) but requires all that we are (Romans 12:1-2).