Behold, a Gluttonous Man and a Drunkard
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Behold, a Gluttonous Man and a Drunkard
The Bible is full of examples of envious and hateful people trying to demoralize God’s children in their living for God. If we are actually living for God, chances are we will come across those who will try to demoralize us and prevent us from living to God’s glory.
In the Third Epistle of John, he tells about Diotrephes demoralizing against the truth. 2 Peter, chapters 2 and 3, refer to all sorts of false preachers trying to stir up troubles and make themselves leaders out of hatred for the truth. James, chapter three, describes the bitter jealousy and selfish ambitions of those who lie against the truth. Paul’s epistles often refer to specific people trying to put down the gospel he preached, just because they wanted to be the leaders.
In the Old Testament, the book of Nehemiah describes the problems the Israelites had in dealing with Sanballat, who tried to demoralize them as they rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem. One could go on and on about the jealousies Moses encountered, along with Isaiah, Jeremiah, and all the other prophets.
People even tried to demoralize Jesus. In Matthew 11:19 Jesus said, “The Son of Man came eating and drinking and they say, ‘Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax-gatherers and sinners!’” Then in Matthew 12:24 the Pharisees are so jealous of Jesus, they tell the people, “This man casts out demons only by Beelzebul the ruler of the demons.”
Such hateful lies hurt.
If we are living according to God’s word today, we too, will probably get slandered with hateful words. It could be in a classroom where evolution is being taught — in a workplace, where we refuse to take part in dishonest dealings — or in a social gathering where we turn away from gossip.
These days, demoralizing Christians has become fashionable artwork and is even considered great literature. Since Peter knew what it felt like to be the butt of such talk, he says in 1 Peter 4:14, “If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.” He continues in verse 16, “If anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not feel ashamed, but in that name let him glorify God.”
In other words, it is great that others know you are a true child of God. We don’t have anything to be ashamed of with our God and Savior. We can rejoice and glory in Him.
But, with all this attention on others demoralizing us, maybe we should check to see if we demoralize others.
James 2:1-13 describes how some Christians treat other Christians. It speaks of rich Christians dishonoring poor Christians — the rich demoralizing the poor.
We know there are many ways to be “poor”.
The “poor” might not dress in the latest fashion — maybe he has learning difficulties — a speech impediment — lacks confidence — is too hefty — too skinny — old and forgetful — has a physical disability — a questionable past — has an embarrassing love for Jesus — or anything else that sets him apart from the “in crowd”.
Do we honestly love all our fellow Christians? How do we show our love?
James 2:8 says we had all better be fulfilling the “royal law” — “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” We might think of ourselves as pretty good Christians, but if we don’t keep that commandment, we will have to face severe judgment.
James 2:12-13 then says, “So speak and so act, as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty. For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.”
The “law of liberty” is the law of loving others as God has loved us. No longer bound to “Thou shalt” and “Thou shalt not”, we let the love of God guide all of our saying and doing.
The “poor” child of God is here to test our sincerity of heart. James 2:5, “Did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom?”
Everything we do is to show the love of God in our lives, we say, “Hallelujah! LORD, thank You for loving us.”
Love,
Margaret
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A Christian devotional to glorify the LORD of lords and GOD of gods.
Pray for our country.
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The LORD made this day, let us rejoice and be glad in Him.
Psalm 118:24
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The word of the LORD is tried;
He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.
Psalm 18:30
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Sing for joy in the LORD, O you righteous ones;
Praise is becoming to the upright.
Psalm 33:1
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How blessed are those who dwell in Thy house!
They are ever praising Thee.
Psalm 84:4
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Just as a father has compassion on his children,
So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.
Psalm 103:13
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O give thanks to the LORD, for He is good;
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
Psalm 107:1
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Glory in His holy name;
Let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad.
Psalm 105:3
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Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12
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