Rejecting Prideful Attitudes

 

“Actively Rejecting Prideful Attitudes”

Prov. 3:12; 8:13; 16:6, 18; Jam. 4:6 

 

SUBJECT:  CORRECTIONS ADVERSITY COMPELS US TO MAKE

THEME: Clearly God desires that we humble ourselves to his will.  When troubles come, examine your heart for prideful attitudes and correct them to continue spiritual growth.  

RELEVANCY: Nothing compels us to make spiritual changes like troubles. Understanding God’s design to develop and transform us encourages us to respond favorably toward our troubles. When we become complacent, the Lord may permit troubles to come our way to jostle us forward in our spiritual walk. God doesn't only seek to get our attention; He also compels all of us to engage in periodic self-examination so we may face up to our own sin and the smudges on the heart that we acquire during our lives.

MESSAGE:

TROUBLE COMPELS US TO CORRECT OUR ATTITUDE OF PRIDE

James 4:6, But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

Have you ever wondered why it is that we sometimes end up in some of the most embarrassing and humiliating difficulties?

A. GOD RESISTS OUR PRIDEFUL BEHAVIOR.

B. GOD REALLY DOES HATE HUMAN PRIDE. 

C. WHY DOES GOD HATE PRIDE SO MUCH?

Proverbs 8:13, The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

The answer to this question is in this verse and several similar passages. Here we see true wisdom and reverence for God as a deep, active rejection of wickedness. True reverence requires a complete rejection of destructive behaviors, corrupt speech, and pride. You see loving God means hating the things that go against His righteous character. This idea is divided into two main parts:

Deep Respect for God, “The Fear of the LORD”:

·        “The fear of the LORD”: This is a connection between spiritual reverence and moral action. It is not a paralyzing fear of God, but a profound, loving respect that requires us to actively despise sin. We cannot truly revere God while entertaining or excusing evil.

·        True wisdom requires aligning our hearts with God’s, which means having a deep, reverential respect for Him that naturally results in an active rejection of sin.

·        This is not terror or cowering in fright. It is an attitude of profound awe, honor, and loving obedience toward God. When you value God above all else, you naturally adopt His perspective. 

Hating Evil is the Real Nature of Wisdom (and God), “To Hate Evil”:

There are four negative behaviors that are completely opposed to divine wisdom:

·        “Pride”: Having an exaggerated sense of self-worth or an attitude of superiority. Elevating oneself above others or acting as our own ultimate authority.

·        “Arrogancy”: The outward expression of pride, where a person exalts themselves above others and rebels against God's authority.

·        “The evil way”: Refers to a lifestyle or habitual path of choosing sin, corruption, and unrighteousness. Boasting or taking credit for what belongs to God. Actions, habits, and lifestyles that cause harm and violate God’s moral standards.

·        “The froward mouth”: “Froward” (or perverse) describes speech that is twisted, deceitful, rebellious, or meant to corrupt others. This is destructive language that harms others and distorts the truth. 

Prov 8:13 warns us that true godliness is not all positive. The teaching that sin is hateful is a wonderful and vital truth. In ancient times, as now, only the Biblical revelation stressed this truth.^[a]

Ultimately, we have a moral compass, emphasizing that a life of wisdom requires not just avoiding bad actions, but developing a true inward disgust for the attitudes (like pride) that lead to them. All who truly reverence the Lord share in His holy hatred and utter rejection of prideful behaviors. I really do not understand how supposed believers recall their sinful life prior to conversion with such glee and delight instead of hatred and shame! Perhaps they never really grew in their “fear of the Lord.” Several other verses across scripture echo and parallel these themes:

Proverbs 16:6, By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.

Psalm 97:10, Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked. (Also see Psalm 119:104).

Proverbs 16:18, Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 11:2, When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.

James 4:6, But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

Beloved, we cannot help but be impressed with the strength and force of these statements. These ideas are supported by the character and nature of God—they are that type of strong and uncompromising. Who could possibly have something to brag about in the presence of God? To love Him is to love what He loves and reject what He fervently rejects. Who would be so bold as to place themselves or their opinions on the same level with God’s? It is incredible to contemplate, but some folks are that arrogant!

So, why does God hate “Pride” so much?

    1.  Because Pride Makes Us Useless to God.

James 4:6, But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

The disgrace cast upon the proud: God resists them; the original word, antitassetai, signifies, God’s setting himself as in battle array against them; and can there be a greater disgrace than for God to proclaim a man a rebel, an enemy, a traitor to his crown and dignity, and to proceed against him as such? The proud resists God; in his understanding he resists the truths of God; in his will he resists the truths of God; in his will he resists the laws of God; in his passions he resists the providence of God; and therefore no wonder that God sets himself against the proud. Let proud spirits hear this and tremble—God resists them. Who can describe the wretched state of those who make God their enemy?^[b]

Because it is the one sin that keeps us from allowing God to use us for His purposes. When we are committed to doing things our way, we cannot do things God's way. Pride renders us useless in the kingdom of God. We must always remember that God does not exist for us; we exist for Him.

    2. Because The Lord Will Not Share His Glory with Anyone.

Isaiah 42:8, I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.

Isaiah was affirming that God, unlike idols, can tell the future. And this divine ability adds to His glory (v. 8).^[c]

God will not share His glory with another, and least of all with carved images. His past predictions have come to pass, and now He reveals the future once more.^[d]

We can safely apply this thought to ourselves emphasizing the truth that all glory correctly belongs to God and not mere people.

         A.  We Often Seek to Take the Glory for Ourselves.  

Sometimes we say, in effect, “Look at what I have accomplished! Look at me! Look at who I am!”—we deny that anything we accomplish comes about because God both enables and empowers us to accomplish it (Luke 12:13–21). Consider the following observations.

              1. God Alone Is to Be Glorified in the Salvation of Sinners.

Romans 16:26-27, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: [27] To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen. 

Evangelism, missions program, church numerical growth, property size or purchases, and baptisms can become points of bragging and stealing the glory that rightfully belongs to the Lord. Be careful here, because our fruitfulness will be hindered if we seek our own glory and not the glory of the Lord!

              2. God Alone Is to Be Glorified in the Strength of the Churches.

Ephes. 3:21, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Doctrinal soundness, dedicated living, focused servants, sacrificial saints, discipleship programs, holy living, loving congregations, selfless members, and united in fellowship and ministry– these are all desirable traits in a church, but we run the risk of losing it all if we allow pride to invade our church family (Gal. 5:25-26). We should be thankful giving glory to God and not bragging on ourselves concerning these matters.

              3. God Alone is to Be Glorified in the Service of the Saints.

1 Peter 4:10-11, As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. [11] If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Pastoring, preaching, Sunday school teaching, giving, hospitality, children’s church workers, nursery ministry, trustee work, deacon ministries, ushering, piano playing, song leading, choir, special music, ect.

God greatly humbled me when I preached my second sermon and literally stuttered through the entire message. I was allotted about 10 minutes in that service. I did decently with the first message, but the second one was a total mess…a tremendously embarrassing failure. Why was I so humiliated? Basically, because I was preaching to ‘feed my pride.’ I stuttered, mis-quoted scripture, mis-stated concepts, and misrepresented easy Bible ideas…. I was awful that evening! I was so humiliated that I needed a tall step ladder to reach up to scratch a snake’s belly. I wish I could say one lesson in ‘pride’ was enough to get my attention and cooperation…. I sometimes still wish that!

         B.  We Sometimes Act as Though Our Wisdom is as Good as God’s.      

Isaiah 55:7-9, Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. [8] For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. [9] For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Proverbs 16:25, There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

Sometimes we say:

                      1. “I know what the Bible teaches but, I don’t think that God really understands the different needs of people today.” 

                      2. “In my opinion we have to do what we feel is right in our hearts and situation.” 

                      3. “I don’t think we should strictly apply the Bible to our lives today, because modern science and psychology seem to offer people real answers and real help.”   

                      4. Some may say the same things but a little differently, for instance, “I don’t want any preacher telling me how to live my life.” 

In essence we are rejecting God’s authority in our lives–His Word! Psalm 119:9, Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. In our arrogance we literally deny that the Word of God is all sufficient for matters of salvation, fighting sin, and sanctification or Christian living. We practically place human wisdom on the same plan as Divine Wisdom expressed in the Word of God. That is pure arrogance! God’s thoughts are higher than ours!

2 Peter 1:2-4, Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, [3] According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: [4] Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.  Amen.    

         C.   No Human Being Will Have Anything to Brag About Before Our Great God!

1 Cor. 1:26-31, For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: [27] But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; [28] And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: [29] That no flesh should glory in his presence. [30] But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: [31] That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

2 Peter 3:18, But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever.

Any good in us is by His design and redemption. Anything noteworthy that we become, we become because He wills it so. We have no goodness apart from God's goodness imparted to us. Even in our salvation God used a weak and despised thing like ‘preaching the cross’ to save us sinners.  Surely not a point for bragging on our behalf, but certainly an elaborate expression of the great grace and power of God!

    3. Because Pride Brings About Destruction.

A Bible verse that most people know is Proverbs 16:18: “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.”                                                                                                    

        A.  Not All Destructions Are Caused by Pride, but Pride Always Ends in Destruction. Usually, we lose the very thing we are most proud of having achieved, earned, owned, or accomplished.

        B.  Having Pride Is:

                 1.  Having Too High an Opinion about Ourselves in Relation to God.

                 2.  Taking Credit That Belongs to God.

                 3.  Having a “Haughty Spirit” Is Having Too High an Opinion of Ourselves in Relation to Other People and Taking Credit That Rightfully Belongs to Others. Both attitudes bring about negative consequences, adversity, and trouble!

        C.  When Troubles Come, it Just May Be the Result of our Prideful Behavior.

If so, the Lord permits that adversity to point out our pride and to encourage us to humble ourselves before Him (and perhaps before other people) and to submit to His will.

This certainly has been my experience. I once owned a beautiful 1986 red Fire Bird with T-Tops with an out of this world booming stereo system. To say the obvious simply, it was ‘my pride and joy’! I washed, waxed, vacuumed, and detailed it religiously. It was one of the sharpest and hottest cars on that entire military installation at the time. My car was not necessarily super-fast, but it looked great…at least I thought so. I didn’t look bad driving it either! I recall cruising during vacation in Washington, D.C. in 1989, and I mistakenly crashed into another driver in an intersection. Praise the Lord, the other driver made it through that ordeal, but the crash took out my front quarter panel on my car. My beautiful car was mutilated on the front left! Well, upon returning home I had it repaired, but the car was never the same again. I have never been the same again either, I haven’t owned a nice sports car since that day. And I have refused to derive my identity and meaning in life from the vehicle I drive. I learned the hard way that ‘pride’ leads to destruction, but such lessons were repeated many times over the course of my life.

        D.   How Does Pride Bring Destruction into Our Lives?

             1. Pride Lures Us into Living Independently of God (Ps 10:11).

Psalm 10:11 He hath said in his heart, God hath forgotten: he hideth his face; he will never see it.

There is an incompatibility between blind arrogance and the presence of God in our heart. The proud person depends on himself or herself rather than on God. This causes God's guiding influences to leave. When God's presence is welcome, there is no room for pride, because he makes us aware of our true self.

             2. Pride Undermines Our Faith (Mark 6:5).

Mark 6:5 And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.

Jesus could have done greater miracles in Nazareth, but he chose not to because of the people's pride and unbelief. The miracles he did had little effect on the people because they did not accept his message or believe that he was from God. Therefore, Jesus looked elsewhere, seeking those who would respond to his miracles and message.

             3.  Pride Can Cut Us off from God and Others (Luke 18:14).

The Pharisee in Jesus' parable did not go to the temple to pray to God but to announce to all within earshot how good he was. The tax collector went recognizing his sin and begging for mercy. Self-righteousness is dangerous. It leads to pride, causes a person to despise others, and prevents him or her from learning anything from God. The tax collector's prayer should be our prayer because we all need God's mercy every day.

Beloved, please don't let pride in your achievements or status cut you off from God. Luke 18:14, I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.                 

             4. Pride Distorts Our View of Ourselves and Others (Eph 2:14).

Ephes. 2:14, For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

Jews and Gentiles alike could be guilty of spiritual pride—Jews for thinking their faith and traditions elevated them above everyone else, Gentiles for trusting in their achievements, power, or position. Spiritual pride blinds us to our own faults and magnifies the faults of others. Be careful not to become proud of your salvation, ministry, position, converts, or influence. Instead, humbly thank God for what he has done, and encourage others who might be struggling in their faith.         

CONCLUSION:

Realizing God has a desire to correct our attitudes of pride should focus our self-examinations and identify some changes we need to make.

He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,

He sendeth more strength when the labors increase,

To added affliction He addeth His mercy,

To multiplied trials His multiplied peace.—Annie Johnson Flint^[e]

Are you a long way from the path of righteousness? Are you dealing with embarrassing and shameful troubles? Are you walking in a healthy fear of the Lord?  Do you reject pride and arrogance much like God does? Do you view yourself as superior to others? Why is that the case? Do you have the final say with your experiences? Are there strengths you have not surrendered to God and His will?

We must continue making advances and growing in the Lord. Again, trouble is God’s tool to encourage us to examine ourselves and keep moving forward. For most of us progress includes choosing humility to replace our pride.

---

^[a] Charles F. Pfeiffer, The Wycliffe Bible Commentary: Old Testament (Chicago: Moody Press, 1962), Pr 8:8.

^[b] Matthew Henry, Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible: Complete and Unabridged in One Volume (Peabody: Hendrickson, 1994), 2416.

^[c] John A. Martin, “Isaiah,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 1096.

^[d] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 969.

^[e] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 2237.

Was Jesus a Rioter, Vandal and Looter?

Ephesians 4:26-27; John 2:13-17

Unless you have been under a rock for the last 9 days, you are well aware of the tragic murder of Mr. George Floyd by a group of Minneapolis police officers on 25 May 2020. A number of amateur videos depicting Officer Derek Chauvin pressing his knee to Floyd’s neck for over eight minutes while Floyd was handcuffed face down in the street surfaced on social media. Though Mr. Floyd pleads for relief and mercy, his desperate cries were roundly ignored…finally, he expires from asphyxiation. I cannot describe what I felt at the end of this series of videos…the horror…anger…unbelief…shock…sadness…questions…questions and more questions….Why?!

Naturally, the nation responded with similar emotions and at first a cry for justice for Mr. Floyd went out. Citizens took to the streets to protest and demand justice; this was happening in major cities all across the country. What started out rather peaceful soon became violent, destructive, and rage-driven as mobs began vandalizing, burning, looting, and rioting in the streets. People trying to save their businesses are abused and beaten in the streets while others are murdered by angry mobs. Police officers have been hurt and killed in attempts to bring the situations under control. Americans from New York City to Los Angeles are angry about police brutality and racism. The criminal activity unfolding on our city streets is beyond disgraceful and barbaric.

In the midst of all this someone suggested the Lord Jesus Christ was a rioter, vandal and looter in the Temple in Jerusalem. They surmise the anger of the Lord Jesus was justified, and him turning over the tables of the money changers is much like the destruction transpiring on America’s streets. According to this thinking, Jesus making a scourge to drive the money changers out of the Temple precincts justifies using force if necessary to make your point. So, here’s another brick!

But, is this the example the Lord Jesus left us? Was he a rebel, vandal, rioter, and looter? Is the devolution transpiring on the streets of this country something Jesus would do were he here today? Would the Lord Jesus condemn this behavior or would he be among those slinging bricks and stealing property? Could it be we have totally misunderstood the Lord Jesus Christ all this time?

Well, the Scriptures really are transparently clearly about anger and the Lord Jesus is the epitome of obedience to the Word, “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: [27] Neither give place to the devil” (Ephes. 4:26-27). Anger is not always sinful, but it is a strong indication that we need to proceed with caution. Anger can lead to sin. Anger and wrath are also linked closely with the work of Satan in our lives. Accordingly, we should speak and act truthfully, but free of wrath. Our anger should be restrained, short-lived, and used for righteous ends. With the examination of this short portion of the Word, there is no way these angry mobs are reminiscent of the Lord’s virtuous ire. We cannot use the righteous anger of the Lord Jesus to justify rioting, vandalism, and looting. Perhaps it is best to look at just one of the records of our Lord’s actions and words.

It is extremely vital that we distinguish between righteous indignation and sinful anger and wrath!

John 2:13-17, And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, [14] And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: [15] And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables; [16] And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise. [17] And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.

 Some people attempt to justify their anger under the banner of righteous indignation. They often point to the behavior of Jesus when He drove the money changers from the Temple. They conclude, “I can be angry because Jesus was angry.” However, a closer look at this passage says differently.

EXAMINE CHRIST’S WORDS AND ACTIONS

Jesus did Express Anger against Sinful Behaviors.

He not only felt anger, but he acted on this emotion. There is no selfishness or sin involved in this display of righteous indignation though. Quite different from what we are witnessing on the news these days.

Christ’s Expressions of Anger Consistently Rejected Sinful Behavior in Others.

“Jesus became angry with his disciples when they forbade children to be brought to him (Mark 10:14) and with the hardhearted member of the Capernaum synagogue (Mark 3:5). Similar expressions of anger were directed at the Saducees (Mark 12:24-27), the scribes and Pharisees (Matt 23:13-36), and Peter (Matt 16:23) and on each occasion represented his rejection of unrighteousness.”— Evangelical Dictionary of Theology

Jesus was appalled by sin; he would be appalled by the actions of the officers who murdered Mr. Floyd. He would be equally appalled at the rioting, looting, and vandalism unfolding in our cities. These modern bad actors are angry, but they are destroying the property of innocent people. They are destroying the livelihood of the innocent. They are greedy opportunistic thieves gorging themselves with the merchandise of others. Their actions are born of sin. They are the actions of unrighteous anger! 

Our Lord’s Actions in the Cleansing of the Temple on Two Different Occasions Were Expressions of Anger.  Let's look at that incident more closely.

Then Jesus went into the Temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the Temple. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. And He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called the house of prayer,’ but ye have made it a ‘den of thieves.’ ” And the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and He healed them (Matt. 21:12–14; see also Mark 11:15–17; Luke 19:45–46). Jesus would not tolerate the misuse and dishonoring of his Father’s house, the Temple. The idea that money should supersede God in the Temple precincts is outrageous to Christ. He was angered by the excessive costs charged for sacrificial animals…they were taking advantage of people and price gouging. Jesus has zero appreciation for those who give awful money exchange rates...robbing people in the name of religion. He burned with zeal for God to be praised, worshiped and prayed to from this place supposedly devoted to Him. Jesus was not selfishly motivated, he sought His Father’s honor and moved to correct the sinful situation…this was scandalous in his holy eyes. The people he confronted directly were the actual culprits…he faced off with the criminals and not innocent people.

Mark added in his account that Jesus would not allow anyone to carry wares through the Temple (Mark 11:16). Like the police officers attempting to restore order in our battle ridden cities, Jesus sought to control the situation until it is corrected. Yes, he is firm in his resolve that God be honored in His house. He was not making speeches merely, Jesus was acting with holy authority! He was upholding the rule of the holy Law of God. Immediately upon the removal of those who were buying and selling, Jesus engaged in a healing service.

His righteous indignation was completely without sin and without any diminishing of His spiritual anointing. The problem is we imagine the Lord Jesus as soft and wimpy, but clearly he was a forceful assertive and courageous man’s man.

Jesus Used a Whip to Drive People and Animals Out of the Temple (Jn. 2:13-17).

Jesus was in the Temple with a whip whirling and eyes blazing as He cleanses the Temple. Yes, he is obviously angry. But is it justified? Read the words of John once again.

John 2:13-17,  And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, [14] And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: [15] And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables; [16] And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise. [17] And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.

Jesus did use a whip and his actions did overturn the tables of the money changers. In fact he braided it himself. He did use some measure of force to drive people out of the Temple area. The whip may have been more for the animals than for the people though. If Jesus set loose the animals it would not take much for the owners to pursue and secure the valuable livestock to themselves again. Though he turned over the tables of the money changers, he did not loot or steal a single coin. They were wrong for being there, but Jesus did not take their belongings. Can vandals and looters justify their actions based on the example of Jesus? Hardly! They destroyed innocent people’s property and stole their merchandise; they senselessly defaced national properties and monuments… How is this justified? How does this accomplish anything positive? Someone said they are behaving like the revolutionists responsible for the Boston Tea Party. Yes, this is American history, but I am talking about the authoritative Word of God! Just because it’s a part of our American history does not automatically make it an acceptable act. The example of the Lord Jesus does not support thief, vandalism, or domestic terrorism.

Throughout the incident, Jesus’ actions were calculated and measured. No riot resulted. Nobody was out of control. No one had to be arrested. Yes, Jesus was angry at sin and unrighteousness and did something right about it. The current activity is far from being right. People who are not at fault are being hurt and their businesses are being vandalized and burned. We cannot secure justice by injustice!

Jesus Did Not Engage in Any Sinful Activities While Cleansing the Temple.

Disrespect for innocent people and their property is dead wrong. If someone came to our home or business and hurled a brick through a window or proceeded to burn our residence all of us would have issues with that. Without a single exception. We would call the cops and open an investigation to ensure the culprit was prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Why? Because stealing is wrong. Vandalism is wrong. Looting is wrong. Terrorism is wrong!

Now, consider just a few things throughout this Temple scene in John chapter 2. Jesus’ behavior was:

Without Real Violence. We have no record of any person being hurt, but the Savior was forceful and assertive. There was no need for police to respond and no need for any medical professionals to rush to the scene because of an emergency.

Without Resentment. Jesus did not call upon His disciples to continue the behavior. Nor did He cite any past wrongs done to Him as a reason for what He was doing. Jesus did not make up some lame excuse about being mistreated by someone or a group of individual, therefore all of society has to pay the price for offending his delicate sensibilities. I am saying the current movement is not justified. If I have an issue with a person, then I can appeal to that individual. If they have a problem with me, I hope and pray they will feel free to talk to me about it. Offenses will happen in this broken world full of flawed souls. But projecting and hoisting the blame or responsibility onto innocent people is the kind of behavior of the psychologically unstable.

Without Bitterness. Jesus had no heldover feelings against those who were cast from the Temple. He never mentioned them again. Mark it down…some of what is transpiring is born of bitterness against racism and a fervent hatred of this country. Racism will never be corrected with hatred, resentment, violence, and looting. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good! No matter how justified we feel in our anger, we cannot and must not fall prey to bitterness. It will destroy you!

Jesus’ actions were vented not against the individuals themselves but against their actions, and against the system that allowed buying and selling in God’s house of prayer. In every way, Jesus acted in accordance with righteous indignation–a holy rejection of sin. (See Eph. 4:26)

With Unique Authority. Jesus referred to the Temple as his Father’s house. Well, being the Son of God this was also his house. As God’s prefect representative on earth he had authority to act on behalf of the Father. Jesus’s character mirrored the Father’s absolutely. Jesus acted and behaved precisely as the Father would were he here physically. Clearly our Lord Jesus had every right to take these type actions, they were dishonoring his Temple. Furthermore, it could be correctly stated that he even had every right to literally walk into the holy of holies and have a seat! I know he did not, but you get the point. He was protecting his Father’s place. Much like many business owners are protecting their property from vandals and looters.  

Jesus Was Indignant for Holy Reasons.

He did not sin in what He did or the way He did it.

Righteous Indignation Is a Healthy Response to Evil.

It is an agitation in the spirit against something that is wrong in God's eyes, without any partiality toward or against the perpetrators of the wrong. The behavior or circumstance is wrong, apart from the personality of any person. Jesus was not afraid to confront evil as this occasion demonstrates.

Righteous Indignation Is Expressed in a Measured and Calculated Way. It does not necessarily bring physical or emotional harm to another human being. It is thought through in a rational way, and it is behavior that strikes at the heart of the real issue at hand and is directed towards the culprits and criminals. There was no collateral damage because of Jesus actions.

Throughout the Scriptures, we are admonished to speak God’s truth boldly and to do so in love. I believe that is what Jesus was doing in the Temple on those occasions. His words bore great conviction because they were a statement of truth. When we speak the truth boldly, we can expect results, too.

However, one of the saddest parts about all this rioting and tagging this as systemic racism among cops is the fact that we do not KNOW the motives of the culprits involved in Mr. Floyd’s murder…. We have no statement…there is no compilation of evidence presented at this date to conclude that his actions were racially motivated. Is there a history of him acting out because he is a proven bigot? The evidence may indeed exist and there may be plenty of it to convict him of that, but as of right now…many have simply jumped to a conclusion with insufficient evidence. As a man who has been blamed for wrongs I did not do because I am Black, it disturbs me deeply when I see this. I am trying to avoid needless offense, but I need to assert this fact. Yes, Mr. Floyd was brutally murdered in the streets of Minneapolis, but that does not automatically mean the reason was racism. Thugs have destroy our great cities all across this country and they have zero evidence at this time of racism. Folks, there is more to this than we realize…I sense a puppeteer pulling strings. There are people who make millions by destroying countries and societies you know.

When You Take an Action or Speak the Truth with Righteous Indignation, you must be prepared to reap the consequences that may be associated with the act. Jesus certainly did. The chief priests, scribes, and leaders of the people sought to destroy Jesus after He took this action in the Temple. (See Luke 19:47–48.) God stayed their hand until Jesus’ ministry among the people was complete, but very soon after, Jesus was arrested, tried, and crucified. Jesus was prepared to die for the good that He had done, including this act of cleansing the Temple.

If you truly act in righteous indignation against evil, then you must be prepared to put your life on the line for what you believe and do. The angry person does not do this. To the contrary, an angry person tends to act in hopes of destroying their enemy and then to live with a sense of smugness at the victory. The angry person is not at all interested in suffering or dying for the very person who has done wrong in his eyes.

BEWARE OF ANGER…IT’S A DANGER SIGNAL

Ephes. 4:26, Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

Jesus Warned of this Repeatedly.

Matthew 5:22, But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

Moses said, "Thou shalt not kill [murder]" (Ex 20:13), Jesus taught us to avoid anger because it is committing murder in our heart. The Pharisees read this law and, not having murdered, felt righteous. Yet they were angry enough with Jesus that they would soon plot his murder, though they would not do the dirty work themselves.

Killing Is a Terrible Sin, but Anger Is a Great Sin Too Because it Also Violates God's Command to Love. Anger in this case refers to a seething, brooding bitterness against someone. It is a dangerous emotion that always threatens to leap out of control, leading to violence, emotional hurt, increased mental stress, and spiritual damage. Remember, the murder of Mr. Floyd is the issue here. Hatred lowers the rioters to the same level as the murderous cops. In fact, the rioters collectively have done far more damage and killed far more individuals than these Minneapolis police officers.

Anger keeps us from Developing a Spirit Pleasing to God. Have you ever been glad that you didn't strike out and say what was really on your mind? Self-control is good, but Christ wants us to practice thought-control as well. Jesus said we will be held accountable even for our attitudes.

Too often we get upset for entirely selfish or self-focused reasons. Our anger has nothing to do with righteousness, holy honor, or the injustices of the helpless, weak, or oppressed. Many times we simply want to intimidate others or hide our insecurities. We have used our anger to manipulate and control people to get what we want. The alternative to trusting your ability to manipulate and control people is to trust God! Fully and deeply trust the Lord with your fears and anxieties. Trust Him with those issues that are really beyond your control. God says this is sinful behavior and we need to repent.

God Will Help us Overcome Anger.

Go to God's Word and read every verse you can find that promises God’s sure and ready help to His children.

Deut. 32:35-36, To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste. [36] For the Lord shall judge his people, and repent himself for his servants, when he seeth that their power is gone, and there is none shut up, or left.

Romans 12:19-21, Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. [20] Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. [21] Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

Proverbs 22:8-9, He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail. [9] He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.

There is no excuse we can offer or reason we can present to justify ungodly wrath. No, God's solution is confession, repentance and making it right with those we have hurt. Get in the Word and allow the Spirit of God to change the way you think and behave. God will empower you to overcome wicked anger! Trust Him for victory.

No, we cannot use the Lord Jesus’ example of righteous indignation as an excuse for our ungodly anger! Nor can we justify the wickedness, looting, vandalism, and rioting in our streets. Yes, there is a great difference between holy anger and godless wrath. Jesus was burning hot with a high regard for the honor of His Father God. He moved intentionally and forcefully without losing control. He was entirely free of malice, resentment, and hatred. He demonstrated incredible power over his emotions and actions. This is not what’s happening in America presently. Let’s stop justifying sin. Yes, I hate murder, and I hate police brutality. Like you I hate racism and injustice. But what is happening in our streets is terrorism. These are acts of violence against innocent people for political objectives. Yes, there are major players who stand to gain from an America divided along racial lines. This is pure cowardice and ignorance on fire! Any progress towards racial reconciliation has been set back to the 40s and 50s in just a few awful days. Well, we as God’s people must roll up our sleeves…we have work to do. 

Making Mr. Floyd’s Death Count

The death of Mr. George Floyd involving a Minneapolis police officer has reopened a putrid wound in our nation. The issue of police brutality and race relations have been brought to the forefront once again because of this tragic situation. I was hurt to the point of tears as I watched the video and heard the pleas of Mr. Floyd for breath and for his mother. I pray for real justice in this matter. I will not pretend I have or know all the facts in this case. That is for the jury to decide in a proper court of law. We really don’t know much of what happened before the videos and what happened after the filming stopped. At least one question begs for an answer, does passing a fake 20 dollar bill deserve this level of response from the Minneapolis police? What is clear to me is that Mr. Floyd should still be among the living. I am praying for real justice. I do realize the vast majority of police officers across this country are honest hardworking people who put their lives at risk daily to protect our communities. I deeply appreciate and solute them. I also pray for grace and peace for the Floyd family; I cannot imagine what they are experiencing.

Unfortunately, the cries for justice for Mr. Floyd in the form of peaceful protests have been hijacked by ANTIFA, a radical militant left-wing terrorist group. Such groups are driving and instigating the violence and looting. They have intentionally fanned the flames of rage and destruction in our American cities. They are destroying the communities of families and businesses of innocent people. You see they gain political power through racial division in our country. This is an outrage!

You see, those who sought to protest peacefully in their own communities and cities have been overrun by out of state components of ANTIFA. They are responsible for the anarchy, looting, vandalism, fires, and destruction we are witnessing. They are opportunists; they did the same type things in the violent Baltimore, MD riots a few years ago. Unfortunately, the local black populations in these cities will be blamed for the rioting and looting taking place, but the genesis of these activities is with ANTIFA. I am not at all suggesting that every protester marching in their own city is categorically innocent of all destructive behaviors. I think time will show many locals of various ethnic backgrounds took advantage of the situation to vandalize and steal. I am suggesting that the violence and destruction unfolding is sponsored by the extremist group ANTIFA. Please do not overlook this reality. Certainly, each individual is responsible for their actions, but please do not overlook the carefully calculated efforts of these terrorists. Yes, the legitimate protests have been co-opted by this lawlessness and evil unfolding in multiple US cities. This must stop.

Yes, I do support peaceful protests as illustrated by Dr. King in the 60s, but we cannot condone or sanction the lawlessness unfolding each night in our US cities. The Apostle Paul and Silas protested in Philippi in Acts chapter 16; these are legitimate exercises of rights. The cause of justice for Mr. Floyd; however, is lost in all this mayhem. ANTIFA must be categorized as American based terrorists, dealt with accordingly under lawful authority, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law for their crimes. I cannot associate with or condone the activities of groups like ANTIFA. They are criminals and they are not a help to America, Blacks or any other minority group.

I have seen a great deal of frustration expressed on social media platforms. I have read many demands for things to change and improve, but very few have articulated what the new reality should look like. I have seen many opinions rooted in political ideologies…even from believers. My question is, has anyone examined the Bible to see what it says about racism? Do we know, from God’s perspective, how to build bridges to people of different cultures? Have we imagined a solution that only requires other people to change but not ourselves? Are we really ready for meaningful dialogue across cultural divides to achieve real understanding? Are we prepared to speak truth and work with facts alone? Can we get ourselves to the place where we will listen to another's perspective? Have we assumed that only others are biased, but we have not done the hard work to discover and deal with our own biases? If we really want solutions that will work...change that will have a meaningful impact in our country, then we must start examining the Word of God. When we honestly examine the Scriptures, we will soon discover we have been examined by the Almighty Himself.

I don't know about anyone else, but I need God examining my own heart regularly. What good is that? What difference can an old Book make? We'll it helps me to stop pointing fingers so readily. I was faced with my own prejudices, anger, resentment, and hatred...I found myself confessing my sins before God. The Scriptures showed me I needed to forgive those who judged me before they ever met me. God showed me through the example of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross that I MUST forgive those who have hurt me intentionally.

God's Word help me understand the true freedom that comes with forgiving people who mistreated me because of the color of my skin. I have been called some nasty names by people of different cultures and ethnic backgrounds. Some of them I deserved. I have even had fellow Black people call me “trash” and use the "N" word in the most demeaning ways. Yes, I am very familiar with what it means to be unjustly discriminated against merely because of the color of my skin. It has happened repeatedly throughout my life. My family even faced it while serving the Lord in Germany for several years. Even Christians on more than a few occasions distanced themselves from me once they discovered I was Black. However, we still made a conscious decision to treat people fairly regardless of what nationality they are. I am not a victim! I have refused to succumb to the kind of bitterness and resentment racism can spawn. This is the grace of God in my own life. There are so many; however, who hate deeply because they have been wronged on the basis of race. Generally, the more a Black person feels wronged, the more justified they feel in their anger, bitterness, and resentment. This is true for all people groups. Such is not God's plan for any person. If we are not careful we will allow ourselves to be overcome with evil instead of overcoming evil with good. God help us to lean into his grace to make a meaningful impact for progress along racial lines.

How have I handled these personal injustices? I forgave them and found myself free! Free of guilt, bitterness, anger, resentment, jealousy, and even some of the pains associated with these. God in his infinite grace helped me to experience this. There were even times when God confronted me about my wicked attitudes, and I really did not want to hear from Him. But he still did not give up on me; He helped me by His Spirit and through His Word to deal with my sin. Did this solve everything? No. But instead of being a part of the problem, I can be a part of the solution. I still today, trust the Lord to use His Word to examine my heart. I still have a ways to go; I know this about myself. I am trusting the Lord for the help I need to journey further down this road of racial reconciliation. I cannot expect others to change if I am not willing to change.

Please accept these words of encouragement in love and peace. My intent is to minister grace and not to fuel anger. Jesus is always at the center of real solutions. I am saying there is real HOPE of change, and it can begin with us. I can honestly thank God for my brothers and sisters in Christ who help me gain perspective and insight into so many issues of life from God's view of things. In addition, some of them look nothing like me. They are from various ethnic backgrounds. A few of them will give me a complete hearing when I address these tough subjects. Really, they handle Jesus' account of the Good Samaritan far differently than the average person. They see principles that build bridges across cultures in the account of Jesus with the Woman at the Well. Principles of racial reconciliation given by the Lord Jesus himself. Change and progress is possible when the Lord Jesus is in the middle of it. Beloved, if we make such progress…then Mr. George Floyd’s death will count to the glory of God and the good of our country. Will you take this journey with me?