Thursday, January 9, 2025

Things Aren't Always as They Seem (Part 2 of 2)

Christians must shake themselves from the lethargy that we can fall into and reach out to these people and share Jesus with them so that they can be saved from their wicked ways.  As for me, I am a sinner saved by grace.

In my dad’s day and my father-in-law’s day, a handshake meant something.  It was a bond of integrity between two individuals that meant a deal had been made.  Reneging was not an option and out of the question back then.  It was a way of life.

At best, the correct perception of someone is 99.9% and perhaps far less.  But for this writing, I have chosen 99.9%.

The Bible says in (Revelation 12:10) that Satan is an accuser of the brethren.  His antics and accusations of others are positively full of misconceptions, character defaming and slanderous rhetoric, because he is a liar and the father of lies.     

Things are not always as they seem, especially when the devil is involved and presents his deceptive slant on things.  How many times have we listened to idle gossip or propaganda and took it at face value without investigating what was said as to whether it was factual or false accusations and hearsay?

Malicious backbiting or stabbing someone in the back for personal gain, to advance oneself, is certainly evil and looked down upon by God.  I believe such people are anti-Christ that need the Savior.  Jesus would never do such things.

I don’t know how a person can live with themselves when they spout false testimony to get someone in trouble or being the party responsible for causing them to be fired or demoted. Working an angle to steal another person’s livelihood at work or anywhere for that matter, is reprehensible.  It is an out and out sin to do such things.

God will have the final say, and hold those responsible, accountable for their actions.  The Bible says in (Romans 12:19), “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.”

(Numbers 32:23), “But if you do not do so, then take note, you have sinned against the Lord; and be sure your sin will find you out.”

I believe that God honors people that keep their head on straight that have been on the receiving end of treachery and deceptive actions.  By refusing to retaliate against those having wicked spirits of deception, we are the bigger person that God will take care of when push comes to shove, because we have kept the right attitude.

It is hard to pray for such people, but God is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him.  When we go the extra mile to forgive, that is the icing on the cake. 

When I was a boy growing up in the family-oriented community of Martinez, California, my dad always told me that my name went before me and that I would be known as an honest person having integrity and an honorable individual, or not.

In other words, people around us know us by the attitude we show, and the kind of spirit we exude.  Kindness and honesty go a long way in helping us obtain a job, and yes, keeping that job.  It enables us to find favor with others, which causes people to reach out to us in favorable ways.

Written by,

Papa Boyd

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