"You Preached Right At Me"
Frequently after a gospel preacher declares the pure and plain Word of God in a scriptural and forceful manner, someone in the audience will complain to him "you preached right at me!" Actually it is a good thing for the complainer to apply the lesson in a personal and individual way, but usually the complainer is offended because the preacher has "stepped on his toes."
Many gospel preachers can tell you from first hand experience that frequently a member of the church becomes offended because he feels as if the preacher "was talking about him." When a person makes this statement you can be certain that the preacher probably WAS speaking about him - and all others in his condition! We have all heard the expression: "If the shoe fits - wear it." If the truth spoken condemns your condition, then repent! Because if you do not repent - you will perish. This is plain Bible truth (Luke 13:5).
One great principle we all need to learn is this: The gospel lesson is true, NOT because of WHO preaches it; but because of WHAT is preached. Any human is capable of believing and teaching error, and we must humble ourselves and realize that WE CAN BE WRONG. Be honest enough to ADMIT your own errors and be courageous enough to CHANGE when found in error. It takes courage to say "I was wrong." As you learn the truth do not become offended but rather be happy with your discovery. To say "I was wrong" when you learn the truth, is but to say "I am wiser today than I was yesterday."
Sermons are preached not simply to be liked, but to be lived. Always APPLY each gospel lesson to your own life. (Read Matthew 7:1-5)
Always be as kind and tolerant with others as you want them to be with you. (Matt. 7:12) When you disagree with someone do it with the right spirit and correct attitude; and allow them the same right of disagreement. We are fallible human beings and must "receive the word with all readiness of mind, examining the scriptures daily." (Acts 17:11)
The greatest of faults is to be conscious of none.
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