Thought for February 24, 2024

  •  1582: Pope Gregory announces a new calendar
  • 1803: Marbury v. Madison. First case in which a law was ruled unconstitutional
  • 1868: First parade with floats--Mardi Gras in Mobile
  • 1930: Harry Ironside called to pastor Moody Church
  • 1981: Prince Charles anounces his engagement to Diana Spencer
  • 2008: Fidel Castro retires
  • Born: Wilhelm Grimm, Honus Wagner, Chester Nimitz, Abe Vigoda, John Vernon, Phil Knight, Steve Jobs, Paula Zahn, Zach Johnson, 
  • Died: Robert Fulton, Charles Monroe Sheldon [wrote "In His Steps" from whcih we got the phrase "what would Jesus do?"], Malcom Forbes, George Gobel, Dinah Shore, Don Knotts, Dennis Weaver, Jan Berenstain [Berenstain Bears], Harold Ramis
Thought:
Pondering Ecclesiastes 7:21 today. I got stuck on this short thought--do not take seriously all words that are spoken. Wisdom is the ability to know which words to take seriously. How do I determine which words to take seriously. First I think about whose words they are. Who spoke these words? The source of the words is the main criteria for whether to take the words seriously. 

When God speaks, take His words seriously. Why? He is the Creator. He is all knowing and all powerful. He is the authority because He is the author of this world and the Author and Finisher of the faith. He tells us that "all scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, that the man/woman of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." [2 Timothy 3:16] I think we would all agree that we should take God's words seriously. 

There are some words I should not take seriously. Just because someone wrote a book does not mean I hould take their words seriously. Just because someone got elected to office does not mean I take their words seriously. Just because a person is a "star" doesn't mean I take their words seriously. Just because someone wrote something on the internet doesn't mean I should take their words seriously. Now, this doesn't mean I ignore everyone, but it does mean I am careful and discerning about whose words I take seriously. You may not have this experience, but I do. I read something in the paper or on the internet or hear something on television or radio and I get angry, upset, confused, contentious. I feel like I must respond--so I write a letter to the editor, call the station, post something on Facebook. Most of the time my intention is not to inform or educate but simply to tell the other person they are wrong, stupid, uninformed--I am smarter, wiser, more educated and a better person than they are. My attitude and motives are not from the Lord, they are from my pride, my ego. 

Maybe I should spend more of my time taking God seriously and spend less time focused on what other people are saying. 

This is probably a thought just for me this morning. Sorry you had to listen in.

Blessings
Larry

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