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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