The practice of lowering conversations to personal insults has now replaced serious dialogue in our culture. The need to put someone down by making outrageously ridiculous declarations about their motives or character is meant to dehumanize them. Where does this urge to insult originate? Lucifer arrogantly declared: “I will exalt my throne above the stars of God,”Isaiah 14:13 (NIV). And in the same manner, to claim God’s authority to ascend above someone else is another manifestation of Satan’s sin. To dehumanize a person “created in God’s image” is to delegitimize God’s work and power. In the end, God said to Lucifer: “You shall be brought down.” Pride destroys, love exalts. The childish game of returning insult for insult doesn’t belong in the character of God’s children. “But THEY said it first” doesn’t work with our Father. LORD of Heaven and Earth forgive our insolence. Deliver Your people from Satan’s error and rescue us from evil ways.
A serious pursuit of godliness requires an equally serious renunciation of worldliness. Too often, we measure spirituality with false scales. While being wisely selective with our public vices we are less so with our private attitudes and perspectives. In reality, it is the thoughts and intents of the heart where the greatest battles must be waged; our actions will ultimately align with the condition of our hearts. Lord God, You know me inside out, You are not fooled by human facades. Plow my heart with Your Word and Spirit and leave nothing unturned. Refresh my inward man that I may outwardly glorify You in all places at all times.
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