Addressing Criticism of GOD and Leadership

Addressing Criticism of GOD and Leadership

Exodus 22: ²⁸ “You shall not revile God, nor curse a ruler of your people.

 

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GOD continued speaking to Moses. This time HE addressed insults and criticism of HIM and of leaders HE put in place.

 

My Observations:

• GOD’s ways will seem strange to humans because we have a sin nature that fights against HIM.
• GOD does not expect us to agree with rulers, but HE expects that we act like HIM by not insulting them.
• GOD puts HIMSELF as our leader in this statement and warns us that we should not insult HIM.

 

Revile means to criticize someone or something very strongly, angrily, and with harsh insults.

 

When GOD told Noah there was evil on the ark, HE was giving a warning that even though humanity was physically saved, there was still a problem. Humans needed a real and true Savior, namely JESUS. Canaan rebelled against GOD and recruited many followers.

 

Now the children of Israel were about to go out on their own and had the choice to rebel like Canaan. GOD warned them that complaining about HIM or the leaders HE put in place for the children of Israel would be problematic.

 

The scary thing about this statement is GOD does not give an “or else.” HE allows us to be as free as we want, just like Pharaoh. GOD’s way of hardening a heart is to allow the person to think they are right. This solidifies their passion to continue to be right without surrendering to hear what GOD is saying.

 

This type of person will complain in their heart about leaders, good or bad. Terrible rulers have been put in place for centuries. BUT GOD is the ultimate leader who loves us and cares deeply for us. We become more like Canaan when we complain about rulers, even the terrible ones. GOD has the bad ruler under HIS control.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses, a leader, about HIS command about not angrily insulting leadership?
• What leader have you joined in to insult and how do you think GOD views it?
• How are angry insults damaging your relationship with GOD?

Instinct Error

Instinct Error

Jude 1: ¹⁰ But these people attack with insults anything they do not understand; and those things that they know by instinct, like wild animals, are the very things that destroy them. ¹¹ How terrible for them! They have followed the way that Cain took. For the sake of money they have given themselves over to the error that Balaam committed. They have rebelled as Korah rebelled, and like him they are destroyed.

 

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“That’s stupid!” I said when I heard of an action someone was taking. It did not make sense to me how someone could do or say what he or she did or said. I then told several people how “stupid” I felt the action was.

 

• I used insulting language because “I” felt I had a right to criticize.
• I looked down on the person because I did not understand his or her actions.
• I used my instinct to surmise their actions were “stupid” and my insults were not.

 

Jude continues to discuss the dangers of insulting the spiritual realm. He gave specific examples of people who used their instincts to murder, lie for money or to be rebellious. They were met with destruction.

 

My Observations:

• My instinct starts off sinfully so I need to give my plans to GOD for cleansing.
• My first thought is to sin, then ask for forgiveness, BUT GOD would rather that I consider asking HIM if I should do or say something before I take action.
• Understanding that I have a sin nature makes me aware that I am capable of committing sin at a moment’s notice, therefore, I need GOD to guide me.

 

Instincts can be very dangerous. I mean, when I see things with my human eyes, I take the fear, lusts and desire for affirmation that is inside me and twist what I see into something I can attack. I then use the same tactics as Satan by insulting versus giving him or her over to GOD.

 

JESUS took on many insults and was ridiculed for HIS actions. “Why would GOD become human and die?” scoff those who lust for power. BUT HE did not see that power was important enough to have you and me die because of sin. I do not understand what JESUS did, but instead of insulting HIM, I am grateful for HIS love for you and me.

 

Challenge

• What “error” does the writer mention?
• Have you ever considered that your instincts could be wrong at least part of the time?
• Will you consider taming your words and actions by asking GOD, “Is this pleasing to YOU?” so HE can guide you with better words or actions today?

Insulting Words

Insulting Words

Jude 1: ⁸ In the same way also, these people have visions which make them sin against their own bodies; they despise God's authority and insult the glorious beings above. ⁹ Not even the chief angel Michael did this. In his quarrel with the Devil, when they argued about who would have the body of Moses, Michael did not dare condemn the Devil with insulting words, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” 

 

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Learning how to curse took me some time. I got laughed at for using curse words incorrectly. But after a while I was able to string together a tapestry of foul language that would make people laugh. I tried out my new language on various people, thinking I was bringing laughter. Little did I know, I was saying hurtful words towards them that I could never take back.

 

• I thought insults were funny.
• I thought insults were innocent.
• I thought I could insult evil things, because it is evil, right? Wrong!

 

Jude gives an account of a battle that is provided by the HOLY SPIRIT. He provided only one part of the argument by quoting the chief angel Michael when he said “The LORD rebuke you” referring to Satan. Jude used this battle as an example of how people had focused on sensuality and used their words to insult “the glorious beings above” meaning the spiritual realm.

 

My Observations:

• Satan wanted to become GOD but was condemned and thrown out of heaven with his fate sealed up in a scroll.
• Only a sinless human could open the scroll, and that person was JESUS.
• Moses and Elijah appeared with JESUS and are likely the people who pour out GOD’s predicted wrath.

 

Getting back to insults, they should never be used. Michael refused to match wits with Satan, but left it up to JESUS. I mean, when I feel my back is in a corner, I should not come out swinging with insults. I need to give the fight to GOD.

 

I am no match for a spiritual battle. BUT GOD is. HE has a spiritual army that cannot be defeated. Satan tried and failed. GOD protects you and me in ways we don’t know or understand. I am so glad GOD cares for me.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer give such a strong warning about insulting spiritual beings?
• Have you ever made fun of the Devil or angels or GOD?
• Will you consider reducing insulting words and increasing praise for JESUS who saved you from GOD’s just and mighty wrath today?

Insults Injure

Insults Injure

2 Peter 2: These false teachers are bold and arrogant, and show no respect for the glorious beings above; instead, they insult them. ¹¹ Even the angels, who are so much stronger and mightier than these false teachers, do not accuse them with insults in the presence of the Lord. ¹² But these people act by instinct, like wild animals born to be captured and killed; they attack with insults anything they do not understand. They will be destroyed like wild animals, ¹³ and they will be paid with suffering for the suffering they have caused. Pleasure for them is to do anything in broad daylight that will satisfy their bodily appetites; they are a shame and a disgrace as they join you in your meals, all the while enjoying their deceitful ways!

 

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After learning my new found “cursing” form of language, I thought I would take it out for a spin. I used some of the language incorrectly and was laughed at, so I practiced. After a while, I was able to tear a person apart with a tapestry of insults woven with the foulest language.

 

• I felt good being able to tear people apart.
• I felt even better that my insults would make people laugh.
• I did not know I was hurting people with my insults and even worse, I was hurting myself.

 

Peter gives some hard theology about insults. When he denied his relationship with JESUS to save himself, he cursed at JESUS to act like everyone else. He knew how harmful this was because he wanted to be close to JESUS and felt he had ruined the relationship. JESUS restored Peter with a caveat… “Feed MY sheep.”

 

My Observations:

• GOD wants me to use my tongue to lift people up, not tear them down.
• Any insult I make is similar to placing it before GOD and HE is not pleased with my insults.
• I may insult and hurt someone AND GOD will see what I did and account for “my” actions.

 

Consequence is usually not considered when I make an insult. I mean, whether it is my favorite sports team or a coworker or a political party or a family member, my insults are being recorded. GOD sees insults as a problem. BUT HE has a better way.

 

GOD wants my tongue to be filled with encouragement, praise and grace. Insulting JESUS or any heavenly figure will bring GOD’s wrath on me. HE deserves my deepest praise. This requires me to remove my insults. I am glad GOD is willing ot guide me away from insults.

 

Challenge

• What is the warning of the writer?
• Have you ever been insulted?
• How did you feel after being insulted?
• Will you take steps to remove “harmless” insults from your vocabulary and say nothing instead so you will not place the insult before GOD?

New Mindset Towards Insults

New Mindset Towards Insults

1 Peter 4: ¹² My dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful test you are suffering, as though something unusual were happening to you. ¹³ Rather be glad that you are sharing Christ's sufferings, so that you may be full of joy when his glory is revealed. ¹⁴ Happy are you if you are insulted because you are Christ's followers; this means that the glorious Spirit, the Spirit of God, is resting on you. ¹⁵ If you suffer, it must not be because you are a murderer or a thief or a criminal or a meddler in other people's affairs. ¹⁶ However, if you suffer because you are a Christian, don't be ashamed of it, but thank God that you bear Christ's name.

 

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“Four eyes!” was the insult hurled at me that sent me crying. I could no longer play with my blocks. This insult was about my new glasses. I was the only one in my classroom with glasses. The teacher pulled me to the side and taught me this saying “Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me.” I tried it and it worked! That is until I became an adult.

 

• I was taught at a young age to ignore insults.
• A new mindset towards insults was given to me so I could handle when people tried to be mean.
• Realizing that insults are meant to hurt people reminds me to stay away from using them, even passively.

 

Peter provides a perspective on suffering. He went through fear, doubt and denial of JESUS. When JESUS restored HIM as a true follower, Peter preached with passion. He knew that church leaders would be jealous and would persecute him and anyone who believed in JESUS. Peter gave them a new mindset towards insults.

 

My Observations:

• Resilience starts with me knowing I can be slandered and insulted, simply because I believe in JESUS as my Savior.
• Resilience requires that I have a new mindset towards insults where I should expect them.
• Resilience makes me stronger because I know I am on the right track when I am insulted, slandered and debased for my relationship with CHRIST.

 

Insults sting for a moment. I mean, when someone passionately calls me a name, even though it may be false, I sometimes can feel the sharpness of the word. But it is not the insult that is the problem, it is how I respond.

 

GOD expects me to “Love one another” even when insulted by him or her. HE loves when I am thankful with a clear conscience. HE sees those who use insults, passive or aggressive, and owns vengeance. HE simply wants me to live above insults and walk in JESUS’ footsteps. I am glad GOD gives me a path that helps me not internalize insults.

 

Challenge

• What mindset is the writer presenting?
• Have you ever be insulted and knew the insult was false, but it hurt anyway?
• Will you adopt a new mindset, knowing you will be insulted because of your relationship with JESUS?

Steps to Growth

Steps to Growth

1 Peter 2:  Rid yourselves, then, of all evil; no more lying or hypocrisy or jealousy or insulting language. ² Be like newborn babies, always thirsty for the pure spiritual milk, so that by drinking it you may grow up and be saved. ³ As the scripture says, “You have found out for yourselves how kind the Lord is.”

 

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Tired of my scrawny stature, I joined a gym. I didn’t know how to lift weights, but it couldn’t be that hard, right? I watched the brawny people pick up heavy objects and put them back down. I tried it myself and couldn’t. Some people approached me and showed me what I was doing wrong. They had me start over using the correct form and lighter weights.

 

• I was too embarrassed to ask for help, so I watched and tried to do things on my own.
• I knew I needed to do something different, but I did not know what to change.
• I needed to start off with what I could handle, then progress to something heavier.

 

Pater identified steps to spiritual growth. First he gave a list of symptoms that would keep a person from growing spiritually. He listed a small list of blockers that included, lying, hypocrisy, jealousy and insulting language. These were probably problems with those who wore masks and pretended to be holy. He then gave the true remedy, namely becoming thirsty for spiritual milk.

 

My Observations:

• Embarrassment leads me to seek the wisdom of the world, BUT GOD wants me to seek HIS wisdom as the beginning of knowledge.
• Insecurity leads me to want to cover up my flaws, BUT GOD wants me to be secure in my faith with HIM so I can address issues versus covering them up.
• Starting over makes me think I will never arrive, BUT GOD wants me to tear down patterns of thinking that may have existed for decades.

 

Seeking GOD as a little baby means I can’t think about what I ingest, I should just eat it up. Unfortunately, there have been those who have presented the Gospel in a manipulative way, causing me to have pause. BUT GOD has a remedy.

 

HE wants me to listen to other people and read the Bible for myself. HE wants me to understand the scriptures for myself and continue to seek HIS face with an insatiable thirst. Life can bring hard lessons. That is why GOD wants me to know HE is there with me at all times. I am grateful GOD has given the scriptures for all to be comforted.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer start the list with what to get rid of?
• Have you ever tried to hide your flaws behind a goody, goody mask?
• Will you start over with a better foundation and seek GOD as a little child versus seeing HIM through the world’s hurts today?

Something Much Better

Something Much Better

Hebrews 10: ³² Remember how it was with you in the past. In those days, after God's light had shone on you, you suffered many things, yet were not defeated by the struggle. ³³ You were at times publicly insulted and mistreated, and at other times you were ready to join those who were being treated in this way. ³⁴ You shared the sufferings of prisoners, and when all your belongings were seized, you endured your loss gladly, because you knew that you still possessed something much better, which would last forever. ³⁵ Do not lose your courage, then, because it brings with it a great reward.

 

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Many wars broke out at the company. Some were ego related, some power related, some were racially motivated and some were just plain greed related. Whatever the case, I was ready to fight! When I “lost” the battle, I questioned GOD.

 

• I wondered if GOD loved me.
• I questioned HIS motivation for taking me out of the struggle.
• I thought I was supposed to stay where I was, doing the same battles over and over again.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, addressed suffering. He spoke about it in two ways. First he spoke about past suffering. He suggested that GOD brought them through this difficult time and they were not defeated. He then spoke about other people’s struggles and how those who were not struggling at the time, empathized with those who were.

 

My Observations:

• GOD sees me when I am going through a struggle.
• GOD hears me when I cry out to HIM.
• GOD may move me out of a struggle that I wanted to hold onto.

 

Pain and struggles are something I can get used to even though I am not supposed to. I mean, when I am in a bad situation where there is abuse, slander and mistreatment, I think I should stay there and simply take it. I also think it is okay to receive no help when I ask for it and be insulted for trying to serve. I then wonder if GOD is there... HE is.

 

GOD shows up in marvelous ways during the insults, slander, abuse and manipulation. HE fills me up when nothing else in the world can do the same. HIS SPIRIT guides me and provides me with hope that can never be tarnished. All things I hold onto pale in comparison to what GOD has for me. I am glad HE has something much better than I can imagine!

 

Challenge

• What encouragement does the writer present?
• Have you ever suffered mistreatment and insults?
• Will you look beyond the current struggle and remember how GOD brought you through many of life’s battles and also know HE has great rewards for you because of your endurance today?

Insult to Injury

Matthew 27: ³⁸ Two rebels were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. ³⁹ Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads40 and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!” ⁴¹ In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. ⁴² “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! He’s the king of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. ⁴³ He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” ⁴⁴ In the same way the rebels who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him.

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As I presented the budget I noticed snickering from the audience. Knowing this was my last week at the company, the attendees knew the information was a waste of their time. The questions asked were more insults than enquiries. I felt humiliated.

• There have been times I have felt humiliated.
• There have been times when I was insulted when I was at my lowest.
• There have been times when those around me hurled insults at me and all I could do was stand there.

Someone said “Words will never hurt me” but they did. Those who had once cheered me on were now insulting me as if I were the cause of the world’s problems. I walked out in shame. BUT GOD wanted me to understand something from this.

• GOD wanted me to “Pray for my enemies.”
• GOD wanted me to “Turn the other cheek” while being slapped in the face with insults.
• GOD wanted me to “Love those who are not easy to love.”

It is easy to love people who love me back but to love those who hate me is another thing! I mean they insulted me and mocked me. JESUS too was insulted and mocked. The heads of the church criticized the living GOD thinking they had killed a blasphemer. They insulted HIS love, HIS statements and HIS authority. BUT GOD died for mankind anyway.

JESUS did say HE is the SON of GOD and never shied away from that statement. HE used tremendous restraint to accept insults and injury unto HIS death. HE knows I can be hurt by insults but HE says to me “I love you and that is what matters.” I can let go of insults and focus on GOD’s love.

• Have you been insulted?
• Is someone mocking you and your abilities?
• Can you let it go and allow GOD to heal your wounds today?

An Approach to Life

Matthew 5: ³ “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
⁴ Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
⁵ Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.
⁶ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
⁷ Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.
⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.
¹⁰ Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

¹¹ “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. ¹² Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

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Being “liked” or “pleasing” people is not the theme in this list. In fact when I read the “Be” Attitudes I can see a remedy to some of life’s ills.

• When I want to be arrogant I should consider a poor spirit instead.
• When things go dreadfully wrong it is okay to mourn.
• When I feel hungry for power I should back off and seek a meek approach.
• When I have sin on my mind I should seek righteousness as my alternative.
• When someone has been downright disrespectful to me I should show mercy.
• When my motives could go wrong I should ask for a pure heart in the matter.
• When I feel like fighting I should back off and seek peace instead.
• When I am persecuted because of the way I follow GOD I should look forward to GOD’s rewards.
• When I am insulted, persecuted and falsely accused I should rejoice and be glad for great is my reward in heaven!

It is not always easy to “Be” this kind of person, but the more I try the more GOD says “Well done!”

• Are you facing some difficult situations?
• Do you feel that life is difficult?
• Can you clear your mind by “Being” who GOD wants you to be?

Being Called “Names”

Isaiah 51: ⁷ “Hear me, you who know what is right,
    you people who have taken my instruction to heart:
Do not fear the reproach of mere mortals
    or be terrified by their insults.
⁸ For the moth will eat them up like a garment;
    the worm will devour them like wool.
But my righteousness will last forever,
    my salvation through all generations.”

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“Skinny Minnie, Captain Naps, and Floods” were some of the hurtful words people threw at me during one stage of my life. I tried to adjust. “Slow Poke, Weak, and Pitiful” were other words given to me by jocks. So, I tried to adjust again. Even more sinister words were given to me as labels as I grew up, some by those I thought I could trust. “Hmmm.”

• There have been people who have hurled insults at me.
• There have been people who have placed me in a box and stuck a label on it.
• There have been people who decided in their mind that I am not a “good fit” for whatever.

When I received the insult, at first I would try to brush it off but then after a number of people said the same insult, I wondered, “What is wrong with me?” I mean I was skinny, so what? I was born into this culture, what am I to do?

• GOD says to me “I made you and I AM pleased.”
• GOD says to me “I have given you MY words, love those who insult you.”
• GOD says to me “Do not fear the reproach of mere mortals or be terrified by their insults, for I AM the everlasting GOD who loves you and has given you a purpose.”

Fearing what someone thinks of me can lead to losing my identity. I try so hard to please the crowd that I wind up looking like them and acting like them. Soon I am off the track that GOD has me on. BUT GOD sees me and says to me “You are fine.” No need for many other words, no need for a long pep talk. GOD says “MY righteousness will last forever, MY salvation through all generations.”

GOD surpasses those who hurl insults or wield their power over me in an effort to keep me down. HE says “Keep going” in spite of their attempts. GOD is my rock.

• Are you being held back by someone?
• Do you replay their insults in your mind over and over?
• Can you look past their attempt to control you and let GOD have your life?
• Will you look to HIM for your salvation in this situation and eternally?

Keep Going Despite the Insults

Nehemiah 4: ³ Tobiah the Ammonite, who was at his side, said, “What they are building—even a fox climbing up on it would break down their wall of stones!”

⁴ Hear us, our God, for we are despised. Turn their insults back on their own heads. Give them over as plunder in a land of captivity. ⁵ Do not cover up their guilt or blot out their sins from your sight, for they have thrown insults in the face of the builders.

⁶ So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart.

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“Hey four-eyes, you think you are smarter than us!” was an insult hurled my way as I walked on the playground. Fashionable choices in glasses were not an option for me back then and I received the basic “scientist” look. All I needed was a lab coat and a clip board and my look would have been complete.

Some of the bullies spent their time tripping people or washing their face in the snow. Was this my fate? “I’m not even smart” I thought to myself, “or am I?” As I considered what they said, I thought “maybe I am smart.” Soon the bullies were trying to copy off of my paper. I was actually getting good grades and I was being protected instead of pounced on.

• When people doubt me, I begin to doubt myself.
• When people insult me, I replay their insult in my mind.
• When people blatantly oppose me, I wonder how I am going to make it through the situation.

I would love to say I was six feet five inches, two hundred forty pounds and able to fight the greatest warrior when I was born but that was far from the truth. I remained a skinny feeble sort who was laughed at for my pitiful appearance. I wanted to fit in the crowd, BUT GOD had something different in mind for me.

• GOD wants me to accept me the way HE made me.
• GOD wants me to understand He made me in HIS likeness so I need to act like HIM.
• GOD wants me to treat others like the royalty GOD made them.

Despite how people treat me, GOD wants me to keep going. Insults may be hurled my way and doubts may abound. BUT GOD will fight my battles and protect me as HE always has.

• Are you being insulted?
• Do you feel self-conscious?
• Can you keep going despite the insults and doubts from others?
• Will you ask GOD to give you the strength and the resources to keep going?

Let me get that mud off your face

Romans 3: ²²This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, ²³ for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, ²⁴ and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

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Growing up where and when I grew up limited my exposure to other races. I mean I had been exposed to other races but for the most part I stayed to my own. Then I heard some of the awful things other races had to say about my race and other races. “How dare they?” I thought to myself outraged!

As I retreated back into my group I heard them talking about other races only this time I didn’t feel outraged but justified. I mean they started it right?

• Insulting any of GOD’s creations is an insult to GOD.
• Any demonstration of evil towards “any” human is a demonstration of evil towards GOD.
• If I talk down to people who are “sinners” as if I’m not then GOD has an issue with me more than them.

As I have said many times before “we are all in the mud, throwing mud at each other saying ‘you have mud on your face’.” Humans like to feel superior to one another and I have to admit it does feel nice! We quickly point out flaws. I made a lot of money pointing out flaws. BUT GOD sees an entirely different picture.

• GOD sees me and everyone else in the same mud and only HE can clean us up.
• GOD sees me and everyone else as sinners and only HE can save us.
• GOD sees me and everyone else with loving eyes and does not want a single soul to be lost so HE allowed HIS SON, who volunteered, to be sacrificed instead of us.

I am not superior to anyone. I know GOD’s Bible well and yet I still sin. In fact GOD will hold me to a higher standard for doing wrong and knowing better. YET GOD loved me so much that HE took my sins and threw them “all” away. I get amazed at that every time I say it. I am justified freely by HIS grace because JESUS paid the greatest price for me which was HIS life.

• Have you ever disliked a certain group of people without fully understanding them?
• Maybe you don’t mistreat other races, how about gender, age, sexual orientation, criminals or politicians?
• Is there someone you need to understand and actually learn how they want to receive your compassion?
• Does GOD love “that” person too?

Accept GOD’s methods and plans

Luke 23: ³⁹One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”

 ⁴⁰ But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? ⁴¹ We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”

 ⁴² Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

 ⁴³ Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

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Many times I expect GOD to act like Hollywood’s special effects department. I think when I have a problem some angel with a fuzzy glow would come and speak to me telling me a special message. I also think GOD should zap my problems away just like in the movies. That’s how I approach prayer sometimes, with “Hollywood” expectations.

• Setting false expectations of GOD actually builds a barrier between me and HIM.
• Setting false expectations of GOD gets my hopes up so high that they have a longer way to hit the ground.
• Setting false expectations of GOD is actually arrogant especially when I’m telling HIM the plan to execute.

One of the criminals in this historical setting didn’t really believe in the Messiah, rather he heard JESUS could do tricks to help others. “Maybe I could get healed” could have been his thought as he insulted JESUS. He had a false expectation that JESUS would help him and his stony heart.

When I look at myself, I do the same as the insulting criminal. I treat GOD as common like HE is a pal, a peer or sometimes my servant.

• I get upset at GOD for giving, who I call evil people, all the wealth and power they want while I see people who try to serve HIM suffer.
• I get mad at GOD for not fixing my situation right away and even still bringing another situation into my life before the first is fixed.
• I get angry at GOD for answering my prayer differently than I “expected.”

GOD’s plans cannot be changed by my prayer for many times my prayers are bathed in selfishness. HE actually changes me when I pray to be more accepting of HIS plans and HIS ways. HE changes my mind to forget “me” this time and to serve others like HE does.

• Are you mad at GOD for not doing things your way?
• How willing are you to ask HIM to keep you in the situation for as long as necessary to truly change you into what HE wants?
• Will you admit to HIM you are a sinner and allow HIM to bring you into paradise?  

Watch your mouth!

Matthew 15: ¹⁰ Jesus called the crowd to him and said, “Listen and understand. ¹¹ What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.”

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Anatomy was the favorite topic of the guys. You would think they were doctors by their bold description of a woman’s body. Some of their jokes became funny to me and soon I joined in on the humor.

After a while I could weave together a tapestry of obscenities that would make a pig blush. I was the center of attention and GOD didn’t like it!

• When my heart has evil in it, my mouth will soon follow.
• When my heart has evil in it, my words will be filthy.
• When my heart has evil in it, my actions will match my words.

Fitting in or following GOD is always the difficult choice. I chose to fit in and wound up on a very lonely road.  When problems arose, the crowd left because I hadn’t served anyone but myself.  How did I get here?

• GOD says plant “whatever is true” in my heart and I will have great results.
• GOD says plant “whatever is noble: in my heart and I will always take the high road.
• GOD says plant “whatever is right” in my heart and my lips will not house lies.
• GOD says plant “whatever is pure” in my heart and my words will honestly be clean.

If garbage goes in my eyes and ears, then that’s what comes out.  The more I hang around the wrong conversations, the more I spit out the filth and poison I’ve planted in my heart. I’ll try to justify by saying all people sin, but GOD wants more. HE wants me to clean up my act and follow HIS ways.

• Are your words filthy?
• Do your words have a touch of poison in them towards “that” person?
• How many times have you complained today?
• Can you stay away from the gossipy, lustful, greedy, complain filled poisonous conversations today?
• Will you speak about GOD’s greatness instead?

You're and "idiot," or is it me?

Matthew 5: ²¹ “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ ²² But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.

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“Look at that doofus driving with his turn signal on” I said to my family as I expressed my impatience with driving. When the promotions came out and “that” person was on the list I thought “that idiot?”

When questioning my parents for not letting me go to the party or event I mumbled and grumbled and muttered under my breath “stupid!” Notice I wasn’t “stupid” enough to say it out loud.

When I corrected a person for not hearing what “I” said even when they may have been distracted, or I may have said it the wrong way or at the wrong time or in the wrong tone, I may have thought that person was a little, uh, off “their” game and I wasn’t to blame.

• Calling someone a fool is insulting to GOD who made them.
• Calling someone slow insults GOD and raises me higher than HIM.
• Calling someone dumb slaps GOD’s face because I don’t know the whole plan.

At one time I thought this verse was a little harsh.  I mean doesn’t the Bible point out “foolish” “slothful” people? In my examples there is one thing in common, “I’m not getting my way.”

• When I am not getting my way I pout and call the other person names.
• When I am not getting my way I think the other person is stupid and they need “my” help into “better” thinking.
• When I am not getting my way I believe my plan is better and I discount the other person’s method of doing things.

GOD wants me to appreciate the differences HE made in people. HE wants me to value opinions of others while humbly adding my “two cents.” A weak leader tries to prove their value by downplaying others, a strong one doesn’t have to.

• Do you think “that” person is stupid?
• Are you questioning a person’s intelligence?
• They may be insulting your intelligence, do you have the right to do the same to others?
• Can you pray for “that person” instead of criticizing them?
• Have you ever thought “maybe I’m the idiot” in this situation?

I must watch what I say.

James 3:  ⁹ With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. ¹⁰ Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.

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“Wow, I’m running behind. Let’s see, do I have everything I need for this important meeting?” I thought to myself while driving. Then “she” got in the way. She was the driver who had nowhere to go and no time to be there. She stopped at every stop sign and obeyed the speed limit to the letter. She inadvertently turned on her signal a couple of times only to turn it off and stay in my way.

When she finally turned, I screamed “you idiot!” and I sped off. My kids, who were in the back seat, heard me and they stared with a surprised shocked look on their face. I guess my lesson of “be nice to people” wasn’t valid anymore.

• I say the worse things about others when I only think of myself.
• I say the worse things about others when I am trying to make them lose.
• I say the worse things about others when I have poison in my heart.

Teaching people about GOD should be accompanied with a gentle tongue but if my heart is filled with impatience, lust, greed or junk, then that’s what will come out of my mouth. In my selfishness I can say the wrong things which do not draw people to GOD.

• My heart for others has to change otherwise it will spew out garbage.
• I must view “every” human as GOD’s instead of thinking they are an inconvenience.
• My thoughts must be trained to focus on GOD so my actions and reactions follow HIS ways.

It takes practice to have patience with people, especially when I have practiced impatience for so long BUT GOD is willing to clean the junk out of my heart and use it for HIS purpose. It takes GOD to keep my tongue focused on encouragement and praise!

• What is in your heart?
• Are you constantly saying how others are doing things wrong?
• Do you complain, curse or coerce others?
• Can you encourage someone today?
• Do you have a compliment or praise for people or are you constantly picking fights?

How to “be” friendly.

Colossians 4: ⁵ Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. ⁶ Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

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“You’re too skinny” or “where did you find those clothes” or “do you own a comb” were the insults hurled at me as a child. After I grew up and learned to like myself, I became witty, sometimes a little too witty. People would gather around as I hurled insults at other folks as if it were a comedy routine.

The laughter ended when someone told me how hurt they were by my antics. Wow, I had become what I hated!

• Any insult thrown at someone else is not pleasing to GOD.
• Insulting language may be misinterpreted by an “outsider” which weakens my witness.
• Complaints, bitter or harsh words will make an “outsider” miss GOD’s holiness inside me.

Laughter is acceptable when “everyone” agrees the joke is funny but an “outsider” may not know the nuances of the joke. GOD wants me to “make the most of every opportunity” to draw people to HIM.  I don’t think it means never laugh again, rather focus on getting to know this person just for a moment.

• GOD wants me to have conversations that draw people to HIM.
• GOD desires me to have words that show “grace” and “mercy” rather than insults.
• GOD loves when my words are “seasoned with salt” which is just the right amount of HIS word.

People are watching me constantly. They listen to how I handle the irate and belligerent and watch to see if I will join into their rants. “Outsiders” could be people who may not know JESUS as their savior who need to see “grace” and wisdom. This is why HE wants me to make the most of “every” opportunity.

I have a choice, insult, complain, spit poison or show “grace” and use wise “salt seasoned” words. I now choose words that draw people to HIM instead of getting all the attention.

• Do you insult other people to draw laughter?
• Are you trying to mask your own faults by laughing at someone else?
• Do you realize every insulting word you say may be misinterpreted by an “outsider?”
• Can you get rid of complaints, bitterness, lying, and insults for at least one day?