Fools, Speech, & Tongue

Fools and their Speech

“Ihay, I maay a oolfay nday I aysay Oolishfay ingsthay!” It sure would be nice if all people who were engaged in foolish actions or speech would automatically speak in only Pig Latin. Immediately, the choice of whether or not a man wanted to follow the lead of a fool would be obvious. Sometimes man is ignorant or deceived into foolish activities or speech, making himself guilty without informatively choosing foolishness. While still guilty of foolishness through participation, the individual would have most likely wanted to know what he was getting into beforehand. Unfortunately, foolishness is not always immediately identified. Consequently, man must always be on his guard to keep himself from being a fool. The danger of fools exists not only in being aware of others, but ultimately aware of self. The words which proceed from one’s mouth are often the first and closest thing to a sign man will have to identify a fool.

speech

Be Careful of Foolish Speech!

Proverbs 10:18 – He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.

Proverbs 14:3 – In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.

Proverbs 15:2 – The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.

Proverbs 15:14 – The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.

Be vigilant to recognize in the above verses from the Bible, characteristics of speech which flash a big red sign that the speaker is a fool: lying, slander, pride, sharing of foolishness, and hungering for foolishness. When words such as these are being spouted, the man who does not desire to be a fool should be on alert. It will be further noted that the scriptures lay out a direct contrast between those who are wise and those who are foolish. Simply through applying Biblical Study (2 Timothy 2:15), man can defend himself from foolishness (I Peter 3:14-16), and engage himself in the behavior of the wise (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Consider further the following verses characterizing the fool:

Proverbs 15:7 – The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.

Proverbs 24:9 – The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an abomination to men.

Ecclesiastes 10:12 – The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.

A failure to share knowledge, dwelling on sinfulness, and uttering words which are personally detrimental, these are identifying attributes of fools. Again, they are opposite of what identifies a wise man. They are not qualities with which any person should be acquainted. In scripture there was a man by the name of Job. He was a man who was tempted and afflicted greatly to see if he would sin against God. That Job was aware of himself and aware of foolishness around him is evident. In Job 2:9-10, Job’s wife having seen horrible events befall Job tells him to “Curse God and die!” His response was to identify her with one who speaks as a fool. Job would not blaspheme God. He would not engage in sin. He would not sin with his lips. He too would not be a fool. Yet, so many other people are willing to engage in attacking God or questioning his existence.

Psalms 14:1, Psalms 53:1 – The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.

Psalms 74:18 – Remember this, that the enemy hath reproached, O LORD, and that the foolish people have blasphemed thy name.

There are many so called learned men, men of “science”, who grab onto any theory that suggests there is no God. They deride the idea of God. They proclaim the belief of an intelligent designer itself is foolish. They base their words upon theories rather than upon the facts of science which lend themselves to the confirmation of God. While these men blaspheme and deny God, there are some who are every bit as destructive, who claim God. These men are often in the midst of Churches, admired, and those to whom others listen. Yet, they are continually generating divisions. They are continually striving for conflict and their irritation is a wearying of the faithful of God.

Proverbs 18:6 – A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.

Proverbs 20:3 – It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.

Proverbs 29:9 – If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.

2 Timothy 2:23 – But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.

Titus 3:9 – But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.

Having been part of an online community of Biblical discussion, it seems there is an unending line of individuals who bring questions or statements before a group specifically to stir up trouble. They ask a question, but they have readymade answers with which to argue. They make statements with the purpose of creating frustration, division, or confusion. Their agendas are based in foolishness. They desire to depart from what God has said and espouse other doctrines which man has no authority to follow. To no surprise, if one issue of theirs is put to rest, they start others endlessly. Titus 3:9 (listed above) makes a very specific point which must be noted for application today. The Law being spoken about is the Law of Moses. The letter written to Titus was after the New Covenant in Christ had been established. There was no reason to discuss aspects of the Mosaic covenant anymore because it had been fulfilled. Yet, today, religions still try to find authority for their actions from that covenant and a great number of arguments are then engaged upon. Paul told Titus, these are things of fools.

Anyone who is aware of self, comes to the realization his lips are a spigot which can and must be turned off at times. This is something a fool rarely does. Yet, keeping one’s tongue is something which characterizes a wise man.

Proverbs 12:23 – A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.

Proverbs 17:28 – Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.

Proverbs 29:11 – A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.

Ecclesiastes 9:17 – The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools.

The third chapter of the book of James discusses the power of the tongue and the importance of trying to keep it bridled. Wise men speak with purpose and with words that have substance behind them. Their words are built upon truths and items which are concrete. This is why when they speak men should listen. Yet, the preponderance of foolish men fills the ears of more people. There are more fools than there are wise. There are more men who would be led by quickly formed and dispersed emotions, desires, and fancy than who would consider words patiently contemplated in knowledge. The fool will always have his place amongst the world, who for lack of wisdom themselves, will follow in disobedience to God, and will engage foolish speech. Yet the Bible gives inspired direction to the man who does not wish to be associated with the fool or be characterized as one:

Proverbs 14:7 – Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.

Proverbs 30:32 – If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth.

The next article in this series, “Are You a Fool? Part 3”, will examine “Fools and Their Anger”.

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Fools and Their Disobedience

Are You A Fool?  Part 1

This is the first article in a series of articles on fools. Some people may hear the word fool and think of a silly friend or comedian. However, most folks associate the word fool with a negative connotation. The Bible has much to say about fools and without hesitation it presents the foolish in a negative light. Why study fools? If the Bible frowns on the foolish, then it would behoove man to learn about fools so that they can avoid being one. The series to be embarked upon will examine foolishness in a number of categories: Disobedience, speech, anger, knowledge, and consequences. Ultimately, it will be observed that foolishness is a choice which man can exercise and by it he will be known, labeled, and dealt with appropriately.

fool and disobedience

Disobedience is foolish.

God has enabled all men to receive or reject the truths which he has given. This has been established since the creation of man. God gave man a choice: avoid the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and live with all the blessings given man, or eat of the fruit and from that day forward experience death (Genesis 2:16-17). Man made his choice and the end result of that is what we see today. The world which now exists is a world which still has a great number of God’s blessings, but which is also full of cruelty, suffering, disease, and many forms of evil. Why would man make such a choice when he had been informed of the consequences? The answer is foolishness. Man chose to be a fool rather than remain in the image of God which is pure, holy, and without evil (Genesis 1:27).

When man chooses to ignore the direction God has provided for man’s most beneficial outcome, the result is disobedience, or more simply expressed – sin. Sinful disobedience can be directly equated with foolishness. The Old Testament makes such an equation in the following places as well as others:

1 Samuel 13:13 – And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever.

1 Samuel 26:21 – Then said Saul, I have sinned: return, my son David: for I will no more do thee harm, because my soul was precious in thine eyes this day: behold, I have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly.

2 Samuel 24:10 – And David’s heart smote him after that he had numbered the people. And David said unto the LORD, I have sinned greatly in that I have done: and now, I beseech thee, O LORD, take away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.

1 Chronicles 21:8 – And David said unto God, I have sinned greatly, because I have done this thing: but now, I beseech thee, do away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.

In each of the above passages, Saul or David (the first and second kings of Israel) had engaged in sin. They had gone against what God’s will was. The sin was identified and they were labeled or labeled themselves foolish for such disobedience. They saw the equation between the two terms. David, when he prays to God, asks for forgiveness. Not only does he know that he has sinned, but that God sees all the sins that man commits.

Psalms 69:5 – O God, thou knowest my foolishness; and my sins are not hid from thee.

Where does the foolishness of man originate? It originates from where all sins come, the man’s heart. His choices are not accidents, whether ignorantly or with knowledge, man makes his own decisions and though they may vary in impact upon themselves or others, they are still sins against God. The variation of the sin does not eliminate the transgression.

Mark 7:21-22 – For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts and fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:

It must further be understood that the foolish decisions of the heart are led by pride, emotions, and stubborn will.

Romans 1:21-23 – Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

The horrible condition of the fool is achieved when they convince themselves that they are right in their behaviors. Consider the lengths to which King David went to take Bathsheba, another man’s wife, and then cover up the fact that he committed adultery. His deception led him as far as arranging the murder of a man who loyally served and protected him. The entire time, David proceeded forward with a blind eye to the commands of God. David indeed fit the description of a fool as Solomon his son aptly provided in the book of proverbs:

Proverbs 12:15 – The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.

Proverbs 14:16 – A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.

Proverbs 28:26 – He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.

When men put their own thoughts and emotions above priorities from God, they do not see clearly. Man certainly has not changed from the Patriarchal or Mosaic ages. From the first century era, the New Testament letter written by Paul to the Galatians calls them out for their foolishness.

Galatians 3:1 – O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?

Galatians 3:3 – Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?

Having received the gift of the son of God, the redemption of mankind, the blood atoning sacrifice establishing a new covenant following that which was fulfilled and therefore nailed to the cross, the Galatians were listening to men who would have them keep portions of the Mosaic covenant. John 14:6 recorded Christ saying he was the Truth and that no man comes to the father but through Him. Yet, the Galatians were treading a path separate from that which God ordained through Jesus. They were acting as fools and Paul let them know that. They had first obeyed the words of the gospel provided by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, but now they were accepting words through the reasoning of man, flesh. They were behaving much like the false prophets that Ezekiel warned about:

Ezekiel 13:3 – Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!

The Galatians had no logical reasoning for turning to Mosaic practices save their own spirit, their own heart, which compelled them to exercise such monumental disobedience. Following components of the Mosaic Law by the authority of that covenant is even practiced by some religions today. It was sinful in the first century and nothing has changed. Why do religious groups do such things? Foolishness! Of course, Romans 3:23 states “all have sinned and come short of the Glory of God”. This includes all of the apostles, prophets, and prophetesses mentioned in scripture. It includes patriarchs and renowned men of faith as well. Sinful foolishness goes beyond following the old law and extends to all disobedience to the law of Christ. Consider the words of Paul to Titus:

Titus 3:3 – For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.

That all men of all ages, save Christ, have acted foolishly is a fact. However, that all men have made themselves guilty of foolishness is no reason to continue such behavior. Disobedience to God must end. Paul drew the line when addressing the blessing of Christ’s sacrifice.

Romans 6:1-2 – What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

When man is disobedient, he not only demonstrates himself a fool, but he provides an example for others to follow in his footsteps. One thing the world does not need more of is fools. We are to no longer walk as fools but as men who are wise according to Ephesians 5:15. This means that man must get control of himself by giving control to God’s plan. Man must humble himself (Matthew 5:3) and realize that God’s ways are certainly higher than his ways (Isaiah 55:9). That is not easy to do. The idea of being a self made man is sought after by so many people, however, that is just an illusion of the fool. By laying aside such foolishness and following God’s plan, a proper example will shine its light upon others. Are you a fool? You do not have to be. You can make the choice to change. Put away foolish disobedience.

1 Peter 2:15 – For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:

The next article in this series, “Are You a Fool? Part 2”, will examine “Fools and Their Speech”.

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“God Is” Verses

God Is: A List of God Is Descriptions from the Bible

Below is a list of verses from the King James Translation of the Bible describing God, all utilizing the phrase “God is”. However, consider first His words to Moses:

Exodus 3:13-14 – And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.

God’s description of Himself simply is that He is. There is no beginning in the term and no end. Now here is a list of a great many verses by inspired men describing what God is or is not:

God Is

God Is…

Numbers 23:19 – God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

Deuteronomy 4:24 – For the LORD thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God.

Deuteronomy 4:31 – For the LORD thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them.

Deuteronomy 6:4 – Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:

Deuteronomy 6:15 – For the LORD thy God is a jealous God among you) lest the anger of the LORD thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth.

Deuteronomy 10:17 – For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward:

Deuteronomy 33:27 – The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them.

2 Samuel 22:33 – God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect.

2 Chronicles 30:9 – For if ye turn again unto the LORD, your brethren and your children shall find compassion before them that lead them captive, so that they shall come again into this land: for the LORD your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his face from you, if ye return unto him.

Psalms 7:11 – God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.

Psalms 46:1 – To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Psalms 47:7 – For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.

Psalms 50:6 – And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself. Selah.

Psalms 54:4 – Behold, God is mine helper: the Lord is with them that uphold my soul.

Psalms 59:9 – Because of his strength will I wait upon thee: for God is my defence.

Psalms 59:17 – Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defence, and the God of my mercy.

Psalms 62:7 – In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.

Psalms 62:8 – Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.

Psalms 68:20 – He that is our God is the God of salvation; and unto GOD the Lord belong the issues from death.

Psalms 73:26 – My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

Psalms 74:12 – For God is my King of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth.

Psalms 75:7 – But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.

Psalms 84:11 – For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

Psalms 94:22 – But the LORD is my defence; and my God is the rock of my refuge.

Psalms 116:5 – Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.

Proverbs 30:5 – Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

Isaiah 12:2 – Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.

Jeremiah 3:23 – Truly in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, and from the multitude of mountains: truly in the LORD our God is the salvation of Israel.

Nahum 1:2 – God is jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and is furious; the LORD will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies.

Habakkuk 3:19 – The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.

Matthew 22:32 – I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.

Mark 12:29 – And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:

John 4:24 – God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
Act 10:34 – Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

Romans 1:9 – For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;

1 Corinthians 1:9 – God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

1 Corinthians 10:13 – There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

1 Corinthians 14:33 – For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

2 Corinthians 1:18 – But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay.

2 Corinthians 9:8 – And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

Galatians 3:20 – Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.

Galatians 6:7 – Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

Phillipians 1:8 – For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.

1 Thessalonians 2:5 – For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:

Hebrews 6:10 – For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

Hebrews 11:16 – But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

Hebrews 12:29 – For our God is a consuming fire.

1 John 1:5 – This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

1 John 3:20 – For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.

1 John 4:8 – He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

1 John 4:16 – And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

Last of the verses, is one very strong. For all the descriptions and attributes given of God, it is made clear that Jesus Christ is God. The Son, the Father, the Spirit, they are one. God is one.

1 John 5:20 – And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

There are many other verses in the Bible demonstrating who God is and His nature, but hopefully these few verses given will aid in understanding more about Him.

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Scrooge, Paul, and Change

From Point A to Point B

Change is not something with which I am comfortable. I like my daily routine. I can go for years having the same cereal and be happy. I can watch the same movies and never tire of them. I like to visit the same places every day or week at the same times and locations. The gym, the news, checking my mail and email, sports websites, Church, study times, these all have a given time slot in my life and I am happy.

change

Please! No Change!

Everything fits in its own little box and I don’t want them to ever change. It takes a lot to cause me to desire a change in my physical environment. I don’t believe I am too unlike many people.

Whatever routine we fall into in our lives, it will be interpreted by others around us. When I study, I tend to lock the world out around me. My wife can talk to me, but my brain is not engaged with what she is trying to convey. At one point she may have interpreted that as, “He is mad at me or he isn’t interested in me”. She now knows that I am in my thought box and oblivious to the world around me. Such interpretations are also common in the world outside of us. Some folks I have known march into the gym, go through their exercise routine, leave the gym, and never say a word to others. The look on their face seems to say “I am not interested in anyone around me.” Having taken the time to introduce myself, I have found that they were interested in others around themselves. However, they just cruised through their day and didn’t really think about such interaction before. It took an effort on someone else’s part to break the bubble and bring about change. My interpretation of their actions was mistaken. Of course, some of those folks with whom I tried to interact, really didn’t want to talk to me, they weren’t friendly, nor did they desire me to bother them again. The point is we all put off signals and other folks will take note.

Consider the Following:

Marley was dead: to begin with… There is no doubt that Marley was dead. This must be distinctly understood, or nothing wonderful can come of the story I am going to relate…

Oh! But he was a tight-fisted hand at the grind- stone, Scrooge! a squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous, old sinner! Hard and sharp as flint, from which no steel had ever struck out generous fire; secret, and self-contained, and solitary as an oyster. The cold within him froze his old features, nipped his pointed nose, shriveled his cheek, stiffened his gait; made his eyes red, his thin lips blue and spoke out shrewdly in his grating voice. A frosty rime was on his head, and on his eyebrows, and his wiry chin. He carried his own low temperature always about with him; he iced his office in the dogdays; and didn’t thaw it one degree at Christmas.

External heat and cold had little influence on Scrooge. No warmth could warm, no wintry weather chill him. No wind that blew was bitterer than he, no falling snow was more intent upon its purpose, no pelting rain less open to entreaty. Foul weather didn’t know where to have him. The heaviest rain, and snow, and hail, and sleet, could boast of the advantage over him in only one respect. They often “came down” handsomely, and Scrooge never did.

Nobody ever stopped him in the street to say, with gladsome looks, “My dear Scrooge, how are you? When will you come to see me?” No beggars implored him to bestow a trifle, no children asked him what it was o’clock, no man or woman ever once in all his life inquired the way to such and such a place, of Scrooge. Even the blind men’s dogs appeared to know him; and when they saw him coming on, would tug their owners into doorways and up courts; and then would wag their tails as though they said, “No eye at all is better than an evil eye, dark master!”

We know this literature from “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens. Ebenezer Scrooge put off some pretty good signals. “Darkness [was] cheap, and Scrooge liked it.” There was no failure to interpret what type of character Scrooge was at all. Yet, he changed:

He became as good a friend, as good a master, and as good a man, as the good old city knew, or any other good old city, town, or borough, in the good old world.

Now Consider a man named Saul:

Act 7:58-8:3 – Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. … And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him. But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison.

Act 9:1-2 But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.

Gal 1:13 For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it.

Like the fictional character Ebenezer Scrooge, no one had to guess what signals Paul was giving off in his life. The interpretation was pretty easy to decipher. However, Paul was not a fictional character. He was real. He was dangerous. He was committed to a course of action which guided his life and people avoided him. Still, as difficult as it may seem, Paul changed. Reflect on words from later in his life:

Tit 1:1-3 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began and at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior;

2Ti 4:7-8 – I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give to me at that day;

Both of the men we have examined underwent a great metamorphosis from point A to Point B. This great change is perhaps why they stand out as prominent characters in our minds. But why are we examining these men today? First we want to examine change in the life of an individual. Second, we want to examine the interpretation of our lives by others.

As mentioned previously, I believe most of us do not like change. However, as Christians, our lives have been subject to change and transformation. We have had to leave and battle worldly desire and comforts of varying levels of attachment. We have had to change strong convictions and humble ourselves to the truth which God has presented. In some ways, we have traveled from Point A to Point B. In others, we are still in the middle of that journey. Where do we want to end up?

Mat 22:37-40 And he said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second like unto it is this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments the whole law hangeth, and the prophets.

John 14:15 – If ye love me, ye will keep my commandments.
Yes! We want to end up in a situation which is the definition of love. In other words, We want to be the image of our heavenly Father. For mankind, this means change. It means behavior which is representative of His commands.

2Co 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord the Spirit.

2Co 5:17 Wherefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature: the old things are passed away; behold, they are become new.

So where are we at in this examination and where are we going? It is evident man must change from his desires to what God desires. The journey is a life long commitment to change. Aargh! Yes change haters, it is so. However, the change is to a much greater and grander place and we are charged not to go alone. This engages the interpretation aspect of our discussion.

We are on a road of change, but in moving others, some kicking and screaming, we must be aware that they have been interpreting our lives. This is true in the world and it is true of our Christian brothers and sisters. Here is what they should have been seeing:

1Th 5:14 And we exhort you, brethren, admonish the disorderly, encourage the fainthearted, support the weak, be longsuffering toward all.

2Ti 2:4-6 And the Lord’s servant must not strive, but be gentle towards all, apt to teach, forbearing, in meekness correcting them that oppose themselves; if peradventure God may give them repentance unto the knowledge of the truth, and they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him unto his will.

Jas 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before our God and Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

Now some would like to go down a road of discussion about man not knowing the hearts of others. They would cover their tracks by saying the path of a man’s life is paved by good intentions, however, it is written:

Pro 20:11 Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.

Jas 2:17 Even so faith, if it have not works, is dead in itself.

Again, what is the point I am driving at? Lost Influence! We are called to change ourselves to an image of the heavenly Father. Folks inside and outside of the church are actively considering the manifestations of our individual lives. If we call ourselves Christian and do not represent the Biblical definition of such, they are going to take that into consideration when determining if they are going to change their own lives. We already know men are not disposed to change. What are we doing to encourage them to change?

We can tell people we have changed our lives. We can even engage those changes in our lives. How many people do you think really will believe us initially if ever? Consider Scrooge again:

“Some people laughed to see the alteration in him, but he let them laugh, and little heeded them; for he was wise enough to know that nothing ever happened on this globe, for good, at which some people did not have their fill of laughter in the outset; and knowing that such as these would be blind anyway, he thought it quite as well that they should wrinkle up their eyes in grins, as have the malady in less attractive forms. His own heart laughed: and that was quite enough for him.”

This fictional character did not convince everyone his change was genuine. Some thought the change was almost comical. Many Christians are faced with this same dilemma. They are laughed at, teased, ridiculed, then ignored. In Scrooges case, the critical element of influence is not examined, in as much as knowing those who never heeded him. For a Christian, it is sad when we lose the opportunity to influence anyone for good.
From the account of Saul, we read the words of Ananias who was instructed by God to visit and convert Saul:

Act 9:13-14 But Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard from many of this man, how much evil he did to thy saints at Jerusalem: and here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call upon thy name.

Saul’s actions had been interpreted by Ananias. Ananias was not crazy about making a personal visit to Saul. Saul’s actions have spoken louder than any words or anticipated change. This conversion most certainly was not met by Christians immediately coming out of the woodwork to meet “Saul the Changed”.

Jesus who was perfect and sinless did not have a 100% success rate in converting the Jews or the rest of the world to Christianity. He had miracles to demonstrate the truth he preached. Still, rejection and the cross were the physical reward for his labor. When an individual decides to change and take others with him, there are going to be trials. When a Church decides to change and take others with them, there may indeed be a crucifixion! There will certainly be those who will not follow in the hange or believe it will be a lasting one.

There are going to be those in and outside of the church who are not going to believe it. Outside of the church, they will scoff at a one time attempt when as a member of the community for decades you have never approached them. Inside the Church, some will want the status quo. They will not want to change their routine. They will not be able to find the time. They will even silently or openly say, “I told you so”, when a visitation program doesn’t yield immediate results. Remember, our job is to plant and water. That is to provide the example of change and the message of hope. God will provide the growth. Demonstrate love. Fight the Good fight. Take your visitation programs from point A to point B in the mode of Scrooge and Saul. Transform yourselves into the image of God and change the interpretation of those clinging to the world one soul at a time.

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Depression, Doldrums

In the doldrums?

In the doldrums?

Have you ever experienced the doldrums? Doldrums is a word that comes from an area of the ocean near the equator where the wind can practically cease or be so light that boats which run by sail can be trapped for weeks waiting for wind to move them along. Applying the word doldrums to Christianity refers to a mental slump, depression, inactivity, or state of restless unhappiness. How is it that Christians experience doldrums? To what stages of detriment will this lead? How should we respond to doldrums?

Often I hear brothers and sisters in Christ express dissatisfaction about the world around them. They may be dissatisfied with political events, immorality in society, the level of education their children are receiving, or a host of other items. Certainly, there are a great number of things of which we must be aware and express disapproval and dissatisfaction. What is disappointing is when the dissatisfaction is directed at the Church. Still, we are human and though striving to meet the perfection of Christ in our lives, we fall short. When this occurs, we have a duty to express our love to our brothers and sisters and aid them in their times of need. Heb. 10:24 tells us we must stimulate one another to love and good deeds and verse 25 tells us to encourage one another. 2 Timothy 2:24-26 instructs us to gently correct erring brothers so that they will remain within the arms of God. The point to understand is, within the church and the world, there are going to be moments of disappointment.

Returning to the idea of doldrums, many Christians complain of this problem in their lives. There is nothing inspiring about services. They don’t feel uplifted anymore. They feel down and restless and just don’t feel like coming to all the services or classes. They need “me” time to rest and recuperate from busy day or week. Their critical eye can point out the problems that are being experienced within the congregation. “Why can’t these people get it together and commit themselves to Christ”, is often stated in the mind or increasingly to others who are experiencing similar feelings.

How is it that Christians experience doldrums? There are four evident stages through which the doldrums seem to progress: discomfort, verbal expression, destructiveness, and termination. For reasons I hope will become clear, we will alternatively name the stages of doldrums, spiritual stomach cramps.

Stage one doldrums are manifested by dissatisfaction, disappointment, or restlessness within the individual as mentioned above. As with any item detrimental to proper advancement of acceptable behavior for an individual in Christ’s body, the church, immediate diagnosis of the problem is important. What is the perceived cause of the stressors? 2 Cor. 13:5 points us to our first and foremost responsibility in discovering stressors. That is we must examine ourselves. Luke 6:42 is another scripture which demonstrates the need for us to look within before putting on armor to vanquish the sins of others. Many Christians express difficulty in knowing what it is that is causing the feelings they are going through. This is why we have shepherds/elders. Acts 20:28 charges them with responsibility for the church and yes, for themselves. They may very likely be able to aid you with the emotions you are experiencing. We will further examine the cure or response for Christian doldrums later in this article.

Stage two doldrums begin to act themselves out in the form of verbal expression. This often is manifested by grumbling, crankiness, or a fallen countenance. “Why does the preacher talk to so long”, “I wish people would stop asking so many questions in class”, “That song leading was atrocious”, “I am so tired of hearing children cry during services”, “Where is the excitement?”, etc. Grumbling is something we probably all have done and something none of us should do (Phil. 2:14, I Pet. 4:9). Grumbling and crankiness walk hand in hand. Preachers are an obvious example of how to deal with disappointment. I have seen men pour their hearts into study and presenting a biblical thought, just to have someone tell them they said “um” 14 times during a 45 minute lesson. Most preachers have learned to smile, embrace the criticism, and move forward. The temptation to grumble about how they just wasted a week of effort stands at the ready. Yet, preachers are not the only ones facing such dilemmas. Put yourself into the position of helping out with the yearly VBS program. You work hard to make certain every aspect is covered. Turnout is low and most of the members never showed up. This is where not only grumbling and crankiness can sneak in, but also a fallen countenance. Remember Cain in Gen. 4:4-7. He experienced disappointment. He was cranky and his countenance was fallen (his behaviors were demonstrated his feelings), certainly due to his own actions. The Lord gave him caution so that he would not sin further. Cain did not listen to the Lord and fell further into sin. We must be on guard continually so that our stage one feelings don’t grow into stage two (I Pet. 5:8).

Stage three doldrums are certain to be destructive to others. Its manifestations may include gossip, divisiveness, and unfaithful participation. It is so easy to express oneself to others about all the problems of the members of the Church. Gossip is a cancer (2 Cor. 12:20, I Tim. 5:13). “Joe sure needs to tell his wife to talk less”, “Don’t they act all high and mighty”, “Did you see what she was wearing”. If you have a problem with someone’s behaviors take it to them (Mt. 18:16). If you are afraid, seek the help of the elders, but don’t share your gossip with others. Frustrations can lead to behavior that is going to divide the church one against another. What was once a small item grows into an issue of colossal proportion (Gal. 5:13-15). Have you ever talked about how sick and tired you are and that only made you more sick and tired? When we begin to grumble, then to share our discontentment with others, it often only makes us more unsatisfied or it gives us a sick sense of brief contentment. Eventually, we start cutting our attendance, because every time we attend worship we feel miserable. This was not the intention of attendance put forth in Heb. 10:25.

The final stage of the doldrums is ultimately leaving the Church. 2 Tim. 4:3 expresses the desire of individuals to have religion served up their way. If it isn’t they hit the road. They are off to greener pastures with folks who “really love the Lord”. They are tired of dealing with “hypocrites”. There are Christians out there who have “joy” in their hearts. Of course, this is often tied to some statement about “legalism”, but from here I digress. It is a shame to see any brother or sister stray from the church it should be our utmost desire and effort to bring them back (see parable of lost sheep and lost coin in Lk. 15).

We can see from this discussion that the doldrums can ultimately lead to the corruption of a good brother and sister at many levels.

How is it though that an individual should respond to spiritual stomach cramps? How can the doldrums be avoided? At the core of most spiritual stomach cramps is forgetting or misunderstanding the purpose of the Church and man. This leads me to the central verse in regard to this topic. That is, Mat. 5:6, “Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.”

Hunger and thirst are mighty desires. When I was a young boy, I would wake in the morning in what I thought was unmeasured agony, because I was so hungry. I could not get to my bowl of cereal fast enough. It wasn’t as if my parents did not feed me, I was just a hungry boy. There were other days, when I would be out working, would come in to the house and couldn’t get enough cold water. Oh, how good it tasted. A boy who hungers and thirsts after food and drink and finds it shall be filled (at least for 10 minutes).

“Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” Our spiritual stomach cramps, the doldrums, are often misdiagnosed. We believe it is others who are creating our problem rather than doing a self examination as expressed earlier. If we don’t believe it is others, we just can’t target where the feeling is coming from. Why? Because it couldn’t be me! Eph. 2:10 tells us the purpose for which we were made. We were created by God to do good works. What are good works? – the righteousness of God. This is that for which we are to be hungering and thirsting. It is hard for anyone to admit to themselves that they are not hungering and thirsting for righteousness. Sure we want good things to happen. We have our hands out in the form of spiritual welfare though instead of staying engaged with the work of a Christian. Again, what does scripture tell us? “He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does he require of you, but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” – Micah 6:8. We are to be doing, but instead, we are expecting the other members to be doing, the preacher to be doing, the deacons to be doing, and the elders to be doing. That doing in our mind, is to make us happy, to make us, satisfied, but are we doing any doing?

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness: for they shall be filled.” I love the Los Angeles Lakers basketball team. Most basketball players want to play. When they play, they are happy. When their minutes are cut back or they have to sit on the bench, there is a reaction. A proper behavior is the hunger and thirst to be back out playing, but focusing on improving self and helping the team. All dissatisfaction is not bad. Hunger and thirst tells you your body needs food. You should not ignore this. In basketball when dissatisfaction grows, it can be visible in verbal expression, divisiveness, a player refusing to play, and ultimately, the player leaving a team – much like unchecked dissatisfaction in the Church. Players want to play, they shouldn’t be satisfied to sit on the bench. Christians should not be satisfied just sitting in the pews Sunday morning. As Christians, we don’t have to wait for a coach to put us in to play. We have a choice. There can never be enough players in the game of serving God.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness: for they shall be filled.” Psalm 42:1-4, Psalm 63:1-3, Isaiah 55:1-3, Isaiah 65:13, these verses resound with the theme that if we seek God and serve Him, we will be filled. He will not disappoint. So often though, we get out of the practice of seeking and serving. It may be fear, forgetfulness, laziness, daily activity, or a host of things, but we stop being active. Yet, we proclaim we are hungry. We say we are thirsty. James 2:17-18 expresses the fact that our faith is an obedient faith, manifested by activity for God. All the blessings and treasures and riches and luxuries in heavenly places are there… if… you do something. If we draw near to Him, he will draw near to us – James 4:8.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness: for they shall be filled.” There are three particular components mentioned so far that protect against the doldrums, but not stated together, in regard to being filled: Do not compare yourself to others, work to your ability, commit yourself to the work of the Church which is righteousness.

When we compare ourselves to others we open the door for envy (Gal. 5:19-23). Paul said imitate me, not compare yourself to me. (I Cor. 11:1). Jesus said we shall be rewarded based on our deeds not those of others. This is most evident in scripture with his praise of the widow in Mar. 12:42 who gave two mites (a very little sum) as compared to the many rich. He did not look to the sums, but to the state of the heart in the truth of giving. If the widow had been paying attention to the sums of the rich, she may have been moved to not give at all for fear of not matching up. She could have entered the doldrums. Yet, on the other extreme we see the Pharisee praying on the corner comparing himself to the publican in Luke 18:11. In comparison, he saw himself as much better. When we do such things we open the door for pride and arrogance and tend to sit back and not engage our full potential. Again, entrance to the doldrums was waiting. Do you want to avoid the doldrums, avoid comparing yourself to others.

When we think of our abilities, we should only focus on God’s standard and try to achieve it. This principle is laid out for us in the parable of the talents (Mat. 25:15-30). The Lord gave out responsibility in accordance with ability and reward for those that fulfilled their potential. The individual who did not live up to his ability was punished. The relationship we share with God is fulfilled between Him and us, no other individual enters the equation (Ez. 14:14). A poem I ran across recently appropriately expresses the connection between living up to our potential and sitting on the sidelines watching judging everyone else:

You call me Master and Obey me not.
You call me Light and See me not.
You call me Way and Walk me not.
You call me Life and Desire me not.
You call me Wise and Follow me not.
You call me Fair and Love me not.
You call me Rich and Ask me not.
You call me Eternal and Seek me not.
You call me Gracious and Trust me not.
If I condemn you, Blame me not.

If you want to avoid the doldrums, live up to your abilities.

Committing ourselves to the work of the Church fulfills our purpose. My son and I were handing out flyers for VBS this last month. Mid way through walking in the neighborhoods he said to me, “This sure makes me feel good.” Fulfilling our purpose, brings joy to our souls. It give us peace knowing we are in accordance to the commands of God. It makes the Father pleased to see us walking in righteousness. In Genesis 5:24, it is said “Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.” In Heb. 11:5, we find Enoch was taken because he was pleasing to God. When we are focused on the work of the Church, knowing we are pleasing God, how can we be in the doldrums? Will we not be filled from feasting on the righteousness of God? When sermons are “dull”, it is our responsibility to remember we are feeding on the Word of God. When our ears are tricked by what they hear in singing by the congregation, remember we are sending our praise to God. When it doesn’t seem like anyone is working for the Lord, remember, we don’t see all things. Elijah thought he was alone in the work of God, but he wasn’t (I Kings 19). Elijah had just come from a great triumph in the Lord, yet, there was more work to be done. While we are on earth, our commitment needs to be focused on God. In Philippians 1:21-23, Paul contemplated the journey home to Christ, yet, serving his brothers and sisters was more critical. Thus should be our approach to our brothers and sisters, service, not being served. If you want to avoid the doldrums, spiritual stomach cramps, remember: You job is to serve, not be served.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness: for they shall be filled.” The doldrums can hit brothers and sisters of all ages. But if diagnosed, they can stop at discomfort and do not have to go through the stages of verbal expression, destructiveness, and termination. When we hunger and thirst for righteousness, when we seek God as a priority (Mt. 6:33), we will be satisfied. This requires us to not focus on how much worse or better others actions are in comparison to ourselves. Satisfied requires us to focus on fulfilling our abilities in service to our savior. Satisfaction requires our being committed to service to God rather than holding out our hands to receive of others. If you want to avoid the doldrums, look to Christ.

John 6:35 – Jesus said to them, I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me shall not hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst.

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