A Way Forward

Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.
1 Thessalonians 5:23–24

The only way that one is able to recognize the shortcomings of another is through the lens of their own. No amount of critical reflection or analysis of others ever changes one's own heart. 

If one's greatest desire is "know God" and to "love God" then transformation in and of the world begins with us. 

By grace one's spiritual eyes become opened to sin and righteousness. By grace one's heart and soul embrace the love of God in Jesus the Christ. And further still, it is only grace that makes possible both the knowledge and ability to love others, even as God loves us.

Merciful God, convict us if our sin and your righteousness. Free us from the yoke of the base and petty life that comes with following popular culture.

Teach us in your wisdom to speak truth in love, and to live your love in truth. Strengthen in us all that it is lovely, pure, and selfless. With nothing to prove and much to share may your perfect will, in your perfect grace, be ours this day that our lives may be an expression of your hope in the world. Because Jesus lives we, too, shall live…