Ninth Commandment – No False Witness Against Neighbors

Ninth Commandment – No False Witness Against Neighbors

Exodus 20:  ¹⁶ “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

 

============

 

GOD told Moses and the children of Israel not to bear false witness against their neighbors.

 

My Observations:

• GOD seemed to be addressing a mindset of gaining power by lying about someone.
• GOD specifically used “false witness” that counters the “true witness” that is needed.
• JESUS would face false witnesses who would be instrumental in HIS death.

 

The very thing GOD commanded against would be used to kill JESUS. False witness is an untruth about what a person saw or experienced. While it is a lie, it holds a different meaning to GOD. A false witness sentences an innocent person to judgement.

 

If I lied and said “I didn’t break that window” when I broke the window, I am the one who will face the consequence of my lie. BUT GOD was pointing out that a witness to something means there is a situation that needs a judge and the outcome needs witnesses who will provide a testimony that the judge can use for a sentence.

 

A false witness could cause an innocent person to bear judgment. Some powerful people have used false witnesses to bring down a leader so they themselves, can remain in power or gain it. GOD does not like false anything.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about HIS command to not bear false witness?
• Have you lied about what you actually saw or who was actually involved?
• Have you asked yourself if GOD will gain anything by your false witness about something or someone?

Ready to Eat

 

Ready to Eat

1 Corinthians 3: As a matter of fact, my friends, I could not talk to you as I talk to people who have the Spirit; I had to talk to you as though you belonged to this world, as children in the Christian faith. ² I had to feed you milk, not solid food, because you were not ready for it. And even now you are not ready for it, ³ because you still live as the people of this world live. When there is jealousy among you and you quarrel with one another, doesn't this prove that you belong to this world, living by its standards? ⁴ When one of you says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos”—aren't you acting like worldly people?

 

============

 

Saying “I don’t know” was forbidden in my immature mind. I needed to be special and have the answers and be right. Even when slightly wrong, I was right. I got jealous at those who “did” have the answers and was quick to argue. My questions were from a place of envy and combativeness rather than love and peace. I was still a child.

 

Many times I wanted to be ready and was not.

Many times I wanted to be mature and was not.

Many times I wanted to be able to hear deep truths, but could not because I was jealous and quarrelsome.

 

Paul eased into an issue he saw with the believers in Corinth. While they were excited about GOD and were ready to preach about JESUS, they were still acting immature in the faith. The world could not see anything different from the Corinth believers than from itself. By being divisive, they acted just as bad, if not worse than those who did not believe in JESUS.

 

GOD wants me to grow up and drop my jealousy of others.

GOD wants me to grow up and stop being ready to argue at the drop of a hat.

GOD wants me to grow up so I can hear deeper truths HE wants to give me.

 

Acting like the world closes my ears. I mean, when I follow the world’s ways, I cannot hear the leading of the HOLY SPIRIT. I will be too busy trying to please the world. BUT GOD is a forgiver. HE sees my immaturity and understands I need help to grow/

 

HE places me in situations where I have to believe in HIM and seek HIS food. When I stop following the world, I get hungry for GOD’s food. I am glad HE forgives me and desires to feed me daily.

 

Are you ready to fight at a moment’s notice?

Does “that” person make you think of combat or partnership?

Will you examine yourself to see if you are jealous or combative and stop looking to live by the world’s standards and seek GOD so HE can grow you today?

Ego Food

 

Ego Food

Acts 24: Five days later the high priest Ananias went down to Caesarea with some of the elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, and they brought their charges against Paul before the governor. ² When Paul was called in, Tertullus presented his case before Felix: “We have enjoyed a long period of peace under you, and your foresight has brought about reforms in this nation. ³ Everywhere and in every way, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with profound gratitude. ⁴ But in order not to weary you further, I would request that you be kind enough to hear us briefly.

 

============

 

Bowing down to the rich and powerful was a lesson in the leadership class I attended. “Feed their ego” was part of the lesson. After doing this for a number of years, I found human success, but felt I failed miserably following GOD.

 

• There were times when I bowed down to celebrities.
• There were times when I worshiped those in power.
• There were times when I overlooked the lack of true relationship with JESUS and flattered people, in hopes of getting my way.

 

The church leaders got their story together and went to present it against Paul. The lawyer started his argument with flattery, showing his alliance with the governor. A few days prior, they met with people who wanted to secretly murder Paul for preaching about JESUS.

 

• GOD wants me to point my life to HIM.
• GOD wants me to be impressed by what HE does every day.
• GOD wants me to give HIM credit for what I give credit to humans.

 

GOD is not impressed by fake flattery. HE has no ego, because HE is the Most High. HE is already the most powerful, all knowing, all seeing being. Any flattery I give to another human in hopes to get something is practically wasted.

 

I mean, genuinely complimenting someone is welcome, but fake flattery to manipulate the circumstance is not. GOD hears every word I say and will use them for or against me when I stand In front of HIM someday. I give my praise to JESUS today, who is my Savior.

 

• Who are you following?
• In the past year, who’s name have you mentioned the most?
• Will you stop flattering the rich and powerful or stop flattering yourself, and point others to the one who has true power, namely JESUS?

Found Out

 

Found Out

Acts 22: ²⁹ Those who were about to interrogate him withdrew immediately. The commander himself was alarmed when he realized that he had put Paul, a Roman citizen, in chains.

 

³⁰ The commander wanted to find out exactly why Paul was being accused by the Jews. So the next day he released him and ordered the chief priests and all the members of the Sanhedrin to assemble. Then he brought Paul and had him stand before them.

 

============

 

Not wanting people to be “offended”, I hid my relationship with JESUS at work. I mean, I worked with people who worshipped other things than the LORD of my life. I hid the relationship so well, I acted like everyone else. When they were mean, lying, undermining, and slanderous, I figured that was just part of “the game.”

 

• There were times when I hid who GOD wanted me to be.
• There were times when I denied my relationship with GOD so I would not “offend” anyone.
• There were times when I felt my godly actions would speak for themselves, but my actions were like everyone else.

 

When the commander found out Paul was a Roman citizen, he put a stop to the interrogation. The soldiers were about to beat Paul, possibly trying to see if he were a spy from some other nation. When the commander found out Paul’s citizenship, he wanted to find out why the leaders of the Jews were accusing him.

 

• GOD wants people to find out my relationship with JESUS.
• GOD wants me to be overt with my relationship with JESUS so people can find out what salvation means.
• GOD wants me to be ready with an answer about salvation at a moment’s notice.

 

Shining my “light” and adding “salt” are terms used to mean “let people know.” Light is very distinct when it is dark and salt is very distinct when placed on food. When I hide GOD’s light the darkness prevails around me. When I do not add GOD’s salt, the other flavors of philosophies permeate the meal of life.

 

Fortunately, I only need a little light and salt to make a point. JESUS is my Savior, in HIM I believe. I am glad that is all the light and salt I need.

 

• Are you hiding your relationship with JESUS?
• Are you trying to be covert with your relationship with JESUS so you will not “offend” someone?
• Will you allow people to find out who you really are by telling them your sins and about JESUS who forgave you for your sins today?

Accepted

Accepted

Acts 15: ⁵ Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, “The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to keep the law of Moses.”

⁶ The apostles and elders met to consider this question. ⁷ After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them: “Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. ⁸ God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. ⁹ He did not discriminate between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. ¹⁰ Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of Gentiles a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors have been able to bear? ¹¹ No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.”

============

It felt like I grew overnight when I put on a pair of pants and they were too short. While I wanted to be taller, now my clothes did not fit. People were already laughing at me about my hair, now this was added. And, with the new height, I looked skinnier. “I’m never going to fin in” I said to myself.

• Many times I have been laughed at.
• Many times I have been on the outside of the crowd.
• Many times I have been the one who was outcast because I did not fit in.

Confusion erupted as some of the believers, who may have been going to church a long time, were part of the political party that had JESUS killed, namely the Pharisees. “Be circumcised to keep the law of Moses” was their stance because humans could easily see evidence of acceptance. Peter spoke against this prejudiced thinking.

• GOD wants me to tell people they are accepted.
• GOD wants me to let people know HE does not discriminate.
• GOD wants me to inform people that HE purifies the heart by faith.

Accepting people just as they are is important to GOD. HE looked at my sin and while I was in the middle of committing the act, HE died for me to take the blame. JESUS accepted my belief in HIM, knowing I would commit sin, over and over.

It is though grace of our LORD JESUS that we are saved. HE wants people to understand they too are accepted, just as they are. I am grateful to be accepted into the loving family of the FATHER, SON and the HOLY SPIRIT.

• Are you outcast?
• Are you seeking to be understood and looking in the places, you know in your heart, that are wrong for you?
• Will you believe in JESUS and be accepted into HIS loving family so you will never be thrown out again?

Political Suicide

Political Suicide

John 12: ⁴² Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; ⁴³ for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

============

“Will you say a brief word of encouragement about GOD to a large group of employees?” someone asked me. Thinking this would be political suicide, I declined. I mean, people possibly know I believe in GOD and that should be enough, right?

• I have hid my belief in GOD, in the past.
• I have been bold about GOD when no one could see or hear my words, in the past.
• I have gone to church and felt that was enough, in the past.

There were some who believe in JESUS, but were too afraid of their political or social standing among the crowd. For some, their titles were more important than speaking boldly about GOD, Mine was. BUT GOD wanted something different from me.

• GOD wants to say “well done” when I follow HIM.
• GOD wants to give me heavenly rewards for serving those HE sends me to.
• GOD wants to praise me like when all of heaven rejoiced when I accepted CHRIST as my Savior.

All powerful, all knowing, all seeing and everywhere are a few attributes of GOD. Yet, this incredible being wants to praise me. HIS only desire is that I mention that JESUS decided to become human and take my punishment of death. While it seems easy, it isn’t.

The social status and political praise of humans can sometimes get in the way. GOD wants my whole heart and sometimes I have to decide whether I will serve HIM or men. I choose GOD.

• Who are you serving?
• Are you afraid to tell people you fully believe in GOD?
• Will you drop your façade today and tell someone about your belief in JESUS?

Crowd Pleasers

Mark 15: ⁶ Now at the feast he was accustomed to releasing one prisoner to them, whomever they requested. ⁷ And there was one named Barabbas, who was chained with his fellow rebels; they had committed murder in the rebellion. ⁸ Then the multitude, crying aloud, began to ask him to do just as he had always done for them. ⁹ But Pilate answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” ¹⁰ For he knew that the chief priests had handed Him over because of envy.

¹¹ But the chief priests stirred up the crowd, so that he should rather release Barabbas to them. ¹² Pilate answered and said to them again, “What then do you want me to do with Him whom you call the King of the Jews?”

¹³ So they cried out again, “Crucify Him!”

¹⁴ Then Pilate said to them, “Why, what evil has He done?”

But they cried out all the more, “Crucify Him!”

¹⁵ So Pilate, wanting to gratify the crowd, released Barabbas to them; and he delivered Jesus, after he had scourged Him, to be crucified.

============

Uncomfortably I sat at my desk. The shirt had too much starch from the cleaners and the stiff collar was cutting into my neck. When I got back from lunch I looked down and had something on my tie. “Oh no! How am I going to go to the next meeting like this?” I groused.

• There have been times when I wanted to look good in front of people.
• There have been times when I wanted to please the crowd no matter how I truly felt.
• There have been times when I wanted to make a good appearance rather than do what I wanted to do.

The church leaders wanted their way so badly that they would do anything to get it. Pilate was a political puppet, used to officially do the dirty work that was in the church leader’s hearts. They saw their chance may be slipping away so they stirred up the crowd to release a known murderer. The crowd was led to a destructive decision, let Barabbas free.

• GOD wants me to do what is compassionate from HIS perspective.
• GOD wants me to follow HIM even if it is not a popular decision.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS kingdom first which may mean being unpopular.

Seeking to fit in may sometimes be a dangerous road. When the crowd rejects GOD and blames those who follow HIM, I have a serious decision to make. “Do I reject GOD too and fit in or do I be a misfit and follow GOD?” I choose the latter of the two. Following GOD is not always popular, but it it truly worth it!

• Are you trying to please the crowd?
• Do you think it would be better if you fit in rather than following GOD?
• Will you choose GOD over fitting in so HE can guide you to a better place?

True Power

Mark 15: Immediately, in the morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council; and they bound Jesus, led Him away, and delivered Him to Pilate. ² Then Pilate asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?”

He answered and said to him, “It is as you say.”

³ And the chief priests accused Him of many things, but He answered nothing. ⁴ Then Pilate asked Him again, saying, “Do You answer nothing? See how many things they testify against You!” ⁵ But Jesus still answered nothing, so that Pilate marveled.

============

“Look at her now” I joined in on the gloating as the difficult person was being released from the company. This person did not go away quietly. She sent an email to the entire company stating poor leadership as being the problem. I quickly dismissed her words as desperation and moved on like everyone else.

• There were times when I classified people as being weak.
• There were times when I thought people were truly on different levels.
• There were times when I judged the noisy people as being foolish.

“Do YOU answer nothing?” Pilate asked. He knew the cheap shots that were taken at JESUS were more than likely lies since he was in politics. Pilate thought JESUS would cave in like everyone else and beg for HIS life, but JESUS did something strange.

• JESUS showed me HIS true power by remaining silent during slander.
• JESUS showed me HIS awesome grace by allowing HIS creation to blame HIM.
• JESUS showed me HIS love and patience by allowing those who were supposed to represent HIM to tie HIM up and think they had power over HIM.

Power is a dangerous pursuit. GOD knows when I pursue power, I am really trying to push HIM out and place my name over HIS. I categorize people with my cheap labels in order to have power over them. GOD wants me to focus on HIS true and pure power. HIS silence spoke volumes on HIS restraint. This is the power I marvel at.

• Are you noisy?
• Do you slander people or laugh at someone else’s downfall?
• Can you stop trying to put people on levels and place GOD over everyone and every situation today?

Sticking to Wrong Promise

Mark 6: ¹⁹ Therefore Herodias held it against him and wanted to kill him, but she could not; ²⁰ for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just and holy man, and he protected him. And when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.

²¹ Then an opportune day came when Herod on his birthday gave a feast for his nobles, the high officers, and the chief men of Galilee. ²² And when Herodias’ daughter herself came in and danced, and pleased Herod and those who sat with him, the king said to the girl, “Ask me whatever you want, and I will give it to you.” ²³ He also swore to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom.”

²⁴ So she went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask?”

And she said, “The head of John the Baptist!”

²⁵ Immediately she came in with haste to the king and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.”

²⁶ And the king was exceedingly sorry; yet, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he did not want to refuse her. ²⁷ Immediately the king sent an executioner and commanded his head to be brought. And he went and beheaded him in prison, ²⁸ brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother. ²⁹ When his disciples heard of it, they came and took away his corpse and laid it in a tomb.

============

“Get a pair of pants from the store” the person told me. The demand came from a person in an organization I wanted to be part of but alas I had no money. “Figure it out” were his words implying I should steal them. “Okay I promise I will get them!”

• There have been times I have made the wrong promises.
• There have been times I have followed the wrong crowd.
• There have been times I have wanted to be part of something so badly, I would do something that was wrong.

Herod’s position as king would be weakened if he went back on an oath. Unfortunately his daughter asked for a political nightmare, namely the execution of John the Baptist. He stuck with his promise and got nowhere with GOD.

• GOD wants me to make promises that grow HIS kingdom.
• GOD desires that I follow HIS ways without political affiliations.
• GOD longs for a relationship with me versus me building a kingdom of followers.

Desiring to be part of something can drive me to decisions that may not be centered on love. GOD sees through the loneliness and fills my heart with love for others. When HE does this I am never alone.

• Are you lonely?
• Do you look at GOD as a political affiliate or do you seek HIS face for HIS true power and love?
• Will you stop trying to follow humans and start following GOD today?

A Different King

Matthew 21: As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, ² saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. ³ If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”

⁴ This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:

⁵ “Say to Daughter Zion,
    ‘See, your king comes to you,
gentle and riding on a donkey,
    and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”

============

Political figures had me constantly watching the news. Searching for who would be right was my quest as I listened to their boisterous commentaries. The same was happening during the days when CHRIST walked the streets.

• JESUS looked like the worst political candidate.
• JESUS was never politically correct.
• JESUS set a standard that politicians bend and twist.

“If you want to be great you must be last” is what JESUS taught. Who wants to be last? I mean shouldn’t GOD just roar in and say in a Hollywood booming voice “This is my politician whom I am well pleased?” HE decided to slip in gently.

• JESUS came in with true power so HE did not make noise.
• JESUS rode in on what was considered a low animal to show true power.
• JESUS predicted the animals would be at that specific location which showed true power.

True power only comes from JESUS. HIS calm quietness was extremely misleading. Unfortunately the noisy politicians of today drown out the message of CHRIST. More conversations are about them than of the ONE who has true power. JESUS wants my time and my tongue.

• How much time do you spend talking about politicians?
• How Much time do you spend talking about JESUS?
• Can you look to the ONE who has true power today, namely JESUS?

Slander Strengthens

Nehemiah 6: ⁵ Then, the fifth time, Sanballat sent his aide to me with the same message, and in his hand was an unsealed letter ⁶ in which was written:

“It is reported among the nations—and Geshem says it is true—that you and the Jews are plotting to revolt, and therefore you are building the wall. Moreover, according to these reports you are about to become their king ⁷ and have even appointed prophets to make this proclamation about you in Jerusalem: ‘There is a king in Judah!’ Now this report will get back to the king; so come, let us meet together.”

⁸ I sent him this reply: “Nothing like what you are saying is happening; you are just making it up out of your head.”

⁹ They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, “Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed.”

But I prayed, “Now strengthen my hands.”

============

Careful tip-toeing around the boss’s buddy was a daily ritual. He was actually a pitiful worker who would challenge everything we were trying to do, yet did nothing himself. Finally I got tired of the charade. I did not blow up, but I did say “You are no longer going to cause confusion to my team.” I knew he would go run back and twist my words. What was my next step?

• There are people who will cause confusion around me.
• There are people who will slander my name.
• There are people who will try to intimidate or even harm me.

Sometimes the situation seemed hopeless. I mean no matter what good was done I had someone twisting it for their political gain. BUT GOD wanted me to believe in something different.

• Instead of replaying the slander in my mind GOD wants me to ask HIM for strength.
• Instead of walking down the path of fear GOD wants me to ask HIM for strength.
• Instead of looking around me to see what is falling down around me GOD wants me to ask HIM for strength.

Nervousness ensues when I listen to and replay slanderous words. They are poisonous and should never be uttered by anyone. BUT GOD says to me “Do not be afraid for I am with you.”  This allows me to continue my work for HIM.

• Are you being slandered?
• Are you in the middle of confusion?
• Are you frightened, angry, or disappointed?
• Can you ask GOD for strength today?

Am I Mourning Over the Right Things?

Ezra 10: ⁶ Then Ezra withdrew from before the house of God and went to the room of Jehohanan son of Eliashib. While he was there, he ate no food and drank no water, because he continued to mourn over the unfaithfulness of the exiles.

============

Pouting over my defeat, I sat at my desk moping. I was asked to be the head of one company’s multi-million dollar technology group and when asked “could you let 30% of your workforce go?” my answer was “no.” I wrestled with that. Was I being a wimp?

• The world calls what I stand up for “crazy.”
• The world says what I follow is absolutely “nuts.”
• The world declares what I believe is “insane.”

“You should have had the courage to go for the money” is what I would hear other people say as they spoke of their acts of “being tough” in this setting. I mourned for a while but looking back I pray for those who fell prey to the economics of politics rather standing firm in the pasture of prayer.

• GOD wants me to mourn over the direction the world is heading, not just the country.
• GOD wants me to mourn over where my neighborhood is heading, not just my city.
• GOD wants me to mourn over the state of my block, not just my part of town.

Get out and do something about it is what I hear. I have to mourn over my sins and the world around me. With absolutely no power to remove win, I need to mourn and point to the being who can do something about it, namely JESUS.

Only GOD can sustain me so mourning over the loss of my wallet, car or job should be minimized. I am not belittling the situation; BUT GOD has a way of saying, focus on ME, have compassion on those around you and you will be blessed. Stop caring about politics and start caring about people.

• What are you mourning over?
• What worries you?
• Can you open your eyes to your neighbors and mourn over them until you see them understand who CHRIST is?
• Will you add compassion for the people around you so they can come to know the living GOD?

GOD appoints leaders

Numbers 27: ¹⁸ So the Lord said to Moses, “Joshua, the son of Nun, has the ability to be a wise leader. Get him and place your hand on him. ¹⁹ Have him stand in front of the priest Eleazar and the whole community. Put him in charge while everyone is watching. ²⁰ Give him some of your authority. Then the whole community of Israel will obey him.

============

“Who put her in charge?” was our thought when we got a new “go-getter” boss. She seemed to never stop working. Her diplomacy skills seemed sharp when she spoke to her boss but when it came to us it was a different story.  I thought about complaining, but could never find the words.

She then approached me and asked me to be the primary speaker on one of the projects we were working on.  “Maybe she isn’t so bad after all.”

• Sometimes I get mad at leaders when I’m not getting my way.
• Sometimes I think poorly of leaders based on my negative attitude.
• Sometimes I feel the leader is crazy because I didn’t take the time to understand them.

Being a leader is difficult especially when leading a group of whiners and complainers.  Each criticism is but another jab to the face that the leader must take. I wonder how I can make the leaders’ job easier.

• GOD wants me to respect the leader even if I don’t agree with their direction.
• GOD wants me to be creative with the leader because HE never wants me to hide my talent.
• GOD wants me to understand that HE appointed the leader and any criticism of them is a criticism of HIM.

Some leadership styles are more difficult for me to serve under; however it is my responsibility to use my GOD given talents and abilities to their fullest.  GOD appoints leaders and my complaints to HIM are about HIS decision of appointing this person to their post. Every complaint is heard and noted.

I must respect GOD’s decision and ask HIM for help when I don’t feel like following the appointed person.

• Is there a leader that you have complained about?
• Do you think GOD is excited about your complaints or actions?
• Are you performing up to your best when the leader isn’t acting like a leader?

Complain or Compliment

Numbers 14: ⁹ “But don’t refuse to obey him. And don’t be afraid of the people of the land. We will swallow them up. The Lord is with us. So nothing can save them. Don’t be afraid of them.”

¹⁰ But all of the people talked about killing Joshua and Caleb by throwing stones at them.

Then the glory of the Lord appeared at the Tent of Meeting. All of the people of Israel saw it. ¹¹ The Lord spoke to Moses. He said, “How long will these people make fun of me? How long will they refuse to believe in me? They refuse even though I have done many miraculous signs among them. ¹² So I will strike them down with a plague. I will destroy them. But I will make you into a greater and stronger nation than they are.”

============

Slander was the weapon of choice in the corporate environment. I didn’t even think I was using it because I had convinced myself I was right in the situation. We sat in a room and came up with rebuttals and retorts to the other groups’ desires.

When I presented our desires after the other group pitched theirs I knew I had the upper hand. To my dismay Senior Management said, both ideas would not be funded and they were going to merge our fighting departments.

• Complaints are despicable.
• Complaints are low.
• Complaints are excuses wrapped in situations that I want my way and I’m not getting it.

GOD knows when I’m throwing a tantrum.  HE knows my motives and doesn’t take kindly to my complaints especially when I have fooled myself into thinking I am right.  With blind eyes I blurt out a complaint about what someone else is doing and I forget to look at how I am contributing to the situation.

• GOD loves when I accept HIS plan no matter how difficult it may look.
• GOD loves when I listen to HIM and can face difficult tasks without disobeying HIS ways.
• GOD loves when I use compliments instead of conflict to accomplish HIS goals.
• GOD loves when I let HIM do my fighting.

“My ways are not your ways” says the LORD. HE has incredible plans for me because HE has forgiven me, but HE doesn’t like when I treat HIS grace as if I deserve it. HE has blessed me thoroughly and I am eternally grateful!

• Are you complaining about something or someone?
• Have you lost your grace?
• Have you asked GOD to manage the situation no matter how bleak it looks?
• Won’t you let GOD direct the situation?

Do I show respect?

Leviticus 19: ³² “‘Stand up in order to show your respect for old people. Also have respect for me. I am the Lord your God.

============

With pants up to his chest we began to laugh at the old man. I mean look at the way he was dressed and wow, he smelled funny. I mimicked his shuffling movements and crotchety tones. My friends laughed and I was funny as usual!

• When I am laughing at the elderly I may not be showing respect.
• When I am refusing to listen to the elderly I may not be showing respect.
• When I dismiss their words as rants I may not be showing respect.

I do the same with GOD.  I dismiss HIS ways, and I treat HIS people as if HE didn’t mind that I talk bad about them. When I show a person a lack of respect I am not respecting what GOD has made.

• GOD wants me to treat the elderly with high esteem, listening to their words of wisdom.
• GOD wants me to treat the elderly with honor otherwise I will treat them as throw away people.
• GOD wants me to treat the elderly with love, making sure their history continues.

Respect seems to be high on the list for GOD. It doesn’t mean blowing off the existence of a person rather seeking their ways and being grateful for their words.

• Are you treating the elderly with respect?
• Are you giving GOD HIS proper respect?
• Do you think ignoring GOD is respectful?
• Can you stop treating others wrong in order to show GOD respect?

Hate is such a strong word!

1 John 2: ⁹ Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness.

¹⁰ Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. ¹¹ But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them.

============

If there is one thing I can’t stand, it’s a bully. I mean it seems like I have run into them all my life.  I mean there was the guy in fifth grade and there was another in high school and some more at work only they bullied with words. 

“I just HATE them” is what I felt so I began pushing back.  I mean bullies aren’t going to push me around anymore! I lifted weights to fend off the physical bully, and learned snappy, cutting retorts to slice down the political bully. Soon I found myself going after these bullies because I could stand toe to toe with them.

• Mild forms of hatred turn into large forms of hatred with me.
• Mild forms of hatred are disguised in me as “things I don’t like” about that person.
• Mild forms of hatred expose themselves when I could care less what happens to the person.

Even when I isolate myself or segregate myself or even separate myself from them it still doesn’t seem to work. I still think about them and stew over what they have done. I don’t want them to have mercy, BUT GOD does.

• GOD wants me to love people, especially my enemies.
• GOD wants me to love people, even those who are difficult to love.
• GOD wants me to love people, ignoring their sin to win them over.

It is not GOD’s wish that anyone perish so why do I give up on that person so easily? GOD desires that I have patience with them because HE has patience with me.

• Do you dislike someone?
• Is there someone in your life who just makes you sick?
• Is there a popular person who you just rile about?
• Can you turn your thoughts into positive ones for “that” person?
• Won’t you try to understand GOD’s love for you AND “that” person?

Live free but show respect

1 Peter 2: ¹⁶ Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. ¹⁷ Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.

============

“How did this idiot get picked over me” I thought to myself. I mean He has no skills, doesn’t know what I know and definitely doesn’t have the best interest of others in mind. “I” could do better if “I” were the boss.

• Sometimes arrogance causes me to think more highly of myself.
• Sometimes I use my salvation to do whatever evil I want and I say “well I’m saved so I’m forgiven.”
• Sometimes my lack of respect for leaders makes me look like a complainer rather than a person of love.

This statement hit hard.  I mean how am I to show “everyone” respect? What about people who don’t like me or better yet what about people I don’t like? What if I feel that my leader is an idiot? GOD thinks differently.

• GOD says honor those in authority because I have to consciously remove my arrogance.
• GOD says expose my evil and never let salvation be a freedom to blatantly keep sinning.
• GOD says fear only HIM for HE is the only one who can destroy the soul.
• GOD says love those who love HIM even when they are difficult to love.

I must realize that “every” human is GOD’s human and I must show them respect. Yes, I will sin but my efforts must be on holiness rather than giving up to get my way.

• Are you blatantly living the way you want and are not pleasing to GOD?
• Do you honestly believe the way you speak about “that” person is respectful to GOD?

Can you submit yourself to your leaders and change your mind set to think more highly of them than yourself?

Do you like the “Me” team?

Hebrews 3: ³ Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself. ⁴ For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything.

============

After many hours of work we finally released our new product.  At the convention, people crowded into our booth clamoring to see it. Some of those people came over to me and pat me on the back. “Yeah I did do a good job” I thought to myself. I mean “I” oops we put a lot of hard work into this!

• When I look for accolades I sometimes point to myself.
• When I build a group I sometimes want those who follow to follow “me.”
• When I am part of a group I usually want that group to be the “winning” group so I can be associated with winners no matter how the group is acting.

Team “Me” is a wonderful team that I try to promote as often as I can.  Either I’m voicing my stance on something to be associated with a group or I’m just dropping subtle hints to make sure people know I’m pretty great. Don’t get me wrong, I treat my people well as long as they like “me.” I wonder if I should be pointing to team “Me.”

• GOD says everything I own is HIS.
• GOD says every group given to me was given by HIM.
• GOD says every leader put in place was placed there by HIM for HIS purposes.

I am not greater than GOD so I need to point all of my accomplishments to HIM.  Every team he has me lead I need to point to HIM and not team “Me.” Every group I am associated with I need to point to GOD and not in a false, selfish way.

GOD needs to receive the accolades for everything accomplished. If HIS SON is falsely followed then HE will know and not respond. I need to point my team to GOD for HE is the builder of everything.

• Are you pointing at yourself?
• Are you trying to push a human into the spotlight without pushing GOD into the spotlight?
• Are you mentioning the sins of others without examining your own sins?
• Can you mention the name “JESUS” with the way you are acting towards “that” person?

Which politician do I want to go to hell?

Titus 3: Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, ² to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

³ At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.

⁴ But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, ⁵ he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,

⁶ whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, ⁷ so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

============

Competition was thick in our environment. It took hours of conversations discussing viewpoints and perspectives on which direction we would go. I had to let everyone know how poor the other person’s idea was. Finally when the decision was made mine emerged victorious! My gloating could not be withheld. “People above me… I’m coming after you!” was the look on my face.

• When I act with slander I’m on the wrong path.
• When I act disobedient I’m on the wrong path.
• When I act with malice and envy I’m on the wrong path.

Really, really wanting my way makes me act in ways that don’t please GOD. I justify in my mind that since everyone else is acting with slander, malice and strife then maybe I should too. But I wonder what GOD wants me to do.

• GOD wants me to give my leaders respect and remain in doing what is good.
• GOD wants me to slander “NO ONE” because HE loves them just as much as HE loves HIS SON.
• GOD wants me to live in peace even with those who dislike me for HIS SON died in my place in the middle of my sins.

GOD is not a political party for “all have sinned.” When I esteem one human over another I lose focus on the only human who was perfect, namely JESUS. My prayers should be that all politicians worldwide bow to the SAVIOR who is the CHRIST.

• Are you caught up in the media frenzy of political races?
• Do you get tired of slanderous remarks or are you making them?
• Can you use the same energy you use talking about your candidate to speak about CHRIST?

You are doing a great job!

1 Thessalonians 5: ¹² Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. ¹³ Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.

============

“When I become the boss I know just who I’m going to fire” I thought to myself, as I watched my peers and even some of the management team work. I loved tackling difficult tasks and felt there was no assignment too hard to accomplish but they thought differently.  They worked hard, but I worked harder. “Who needs them?” I thought to myself.

When budget time rolled around, my stretch goals were not funded because I had not included my peers. I guess I did need them.

• There are times when I label people wrong because I am looking at me.
• There are times I lack appreciation because my lofty goals get in the way of their actions.
• There are times that I have forgotten to say thank you because I am too focused on achieving the next thing.

There is nothing like hearing “Well done” when a person puts effort into an assignment. GOD wants me to take time to applaud efforts and recognize what people are doing.

• GOD wants me to acknowledge when others work hard even when they don’t work for me.
• GOD wants me to recognize the efforts of others instead of seeking accolades for my accomplishments.
• GOD wants me to praise others for the sole purpose of encouraging them and building them up.

“You are doing a wonderful job” is what I can say to really light the fire up under someone. My praise brings peace.

• Are you battling with people at work?
• Are you in the middle of some faction?
• Will you seek out a subordinate, peer or supervisor and let them know they are doing a great job?
• Can you praise someone today and point them to GOD?