Where People Fit!

Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy. When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan. Proverbs 29:1,2
Evildoers are snared by their own sin, but the righteous shout for joy and are glad.Proverbs 29:6
The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.Proverbs 29:7
Mockers stir up a city, but the wise turn away anger.Proverbs 29:8
If a wise person goes to court with a fool, the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace. Proverbs 29:9
The bloodthirsty hate a person of integrity and seek to kill the upright. Proverbs 29:10
Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. Proverbs 29:11

Throughout a person's life, they go through stages--trying to determine where they fit in with life's scheme of things for them.

I believe that however a person turns out--in life--begins with the foundation that is laid when they begin seeing themselves in the environment in which they find themselves. And as such, when people realize what their surroundings are and they can make a difference or simply accept it--they are in position to choose their end in life. Being born into a poverty-ridden environment doesn't mean that's how a person how to end their life. Being born into a gilded society where a person has everything done for them, doesn't mean they will be a better person for it and many end up being morally corrupt.

What I've discovered about many (not all) people who had to work their way to what they wanted (nothing given to them except moral standards), they are more inclined to have a benefactor's heart. They always want to help someone--without fanfare or recognition--just to make sure someone has a chance for a better life.

At the opposite end of this spectrum--those born with "silver/gold spoons" as feeding utensils, usually (not always) end up looking down on those who did not have what they have and have no compassion on those who do not what they were given at birth. They tend to go through life thinking the world owes them and they do for others when they can derive attention for it.

Looking at The Word of God, we see primarily how people fit into specific categories in our general society. Now, note these adjectives are not the labels earned at the beginning of life, but rather near the end of life.

The stiff-necked--after many rebukes--those who refuse to change their ways.

The righteous--those who do what is right according to God's Word.

Evil-doers--those who plot and plan to do evil to others for their own gain.

The wicked--those who thrive on doing evil and enjoy it.

The wise--those who respect and adhere to wisdom from above.

The fool (stupid, idiot) those who have been taught what is right, but rebel against it to go their own way and keep finding themselves in a rut--never moving forward, always blaming others for their outcome since they refuse to accept responsibility for what they do or don't do.

The bloodthirsty--those who do not care about the bloodshed of others in their quest to accomplish their own missions.

Thinking about what we do and why we do it--we should be able to find ourselves in one of these categories. Where do you fit?

Watching Exchanges!

Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him. Proverbs 26:4 NIV

Beginning to understand this proverb better each day.

I've stated before that I read articles from several different digital mediums and when I find one interesting enough, I post a comment. Depending on the subject of the post, I usually get quite a few responses--some agreeing, some disagreeing, some humorous, and some--just downright hateful. I've been able to spot the bigots and the racists who simply comment to make their voice known. I get it.
They want everyone to know what they think, but not who they are since most hide behind profile icons rather than pics of themselves. Silly me--everyone knows who I am because I am not ashamed of who I am, my positions on anything and I certainly don't allow the idiots to intimidate me.

Now, though some--even those who don't agree with my stances on things--have applauded my restraint in responding in like manner to those who are hateful, I have decided--those types of exchanges just aren't worth the effort. So, now--instead of responding to those who only want to spew their vitriol--I simply hide their post. Problem solved.

It's not that I don't think Holy Spirit won't keep a rein on my fingers, but it's just so tempting to be like those who simply want to hate others. But I'm thankful that love reigns in my heart and I don't want to make my Father ashamed of me--by acting the part of a fool.

God is always watching what we do and say and more importantly, He knows our hearts and He knows those who are truly His, from those who claim they belong to Him.

The most amazing thing about some of the online posters is most of them claim to be Christians. From their comments they believe they are an authority unto themselves and nothing anyone else thinks--matters. And no matter what anyone says, they want to set them straight--if you don't think like they do--you're a worthless sinner or worse yet--for them I guess--a "clueless Libtard."
One lady--Kim Smith--told me, I needed to "read my bible better" and I "couldn't be a Democrat and a Christian." I guess someone forgot to tell her that Believers belong to whatever political party they choose. What most don't understand is--a true Believer--looks at the whole picture, not just selected portions and makes a decision. It's like looking at a buffet table--loaded down with all sorts of food--but when a person knows they don't like certain foods, they simply don't put those on their plate. It doesn't mean they choose not to eat anything.

And that's the way I choose to select the political dynamic that best suits the goal for the masses, not just for a handful of people. I don't necessarily agree with the platform policies of either of the four parties, but there is one, I'm sure will best benefit "all people" whether I particularly agree with the candidate or not. Here's the thing--I will never vote for a person who shows no demonstrable aptitude for hearing and obeying Holy Spirit--no love, no self-control, no self-discipline--just rashly speaking and refusing to accept responsibility for what they say and do.  No--this isn't a political commentary, but it just goes to show how knowing what God says--reveals itself in our daily lives.

So, watch exchanges with people--and if they don't agree with you--let it go--it's their prerogative and if they get nasty, let them--hide their post and walk away from it. If we act like they act, then we are no better than they are.