Thursday; October 7

What are we willing to do to get our way? While we are sitting around discussing ethics and integrity, it is easy to talk about the high ground, but when it comes to actually living out life, how far are we willing to push the envelope to pursue our goals? Situational ethics can make it tempting to do our worst in pursuit of getting the best. We want we want and are willing to do whatever it takes to get it.
While this might be justified in society, this is strictly prohibited by God. In addition to being charged with loving one another and putting others first, we are also specifically prohibited from harming others just to help ourselves. A very wise man – who had seen a lot in his day – reflected on the nature of God when he wrote, “There are six things which the Lord hates, yes, seven which are an abomination to Him: Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that run rapidly to evil, a false witness who utters lies, and one who spreads strife among brothers. (Proverbs 6:16-19). Rarely do we read about things that God hates; but here we find about a half a dozen that He abhors. Interestingly, these principles seem to fall under the umbrella of how we treat others. Sure there are some sins that involve making mistakes or errors in judgement, but the ones that seem to rile up God as much as anything are those that intentionally harm our fellow man.
Let’s do what we can to be successful, but let’s never forget the responsibility we have to the people around us. When we treat others with kindness and respect we will not only encourage them, we’ll also please God.

Think About It!

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