Scripture: 1 Peter 2:1 Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.
Observation: It's just a simple word that challenges us at the core of our being. We live in a world filled with ugly interactions between people. And we can easily get drawn into the cesspool. Of course, humanity is polluted by sin, and selfishness rules the unregenerate man. But we are the redeemed people of God and we are supposed to be different. Notice that Peter instructs:
- "rid yourselves..." -- it is each person's individual responsibility to get this stuff out of his or her life
- "of all malice..." -- ALL ill will toward others
- "and all deceit, ..." -- EVERYTHING false
- "hypocrisy, ..." -- anything that is not 100% genuine and honest
- "envy, ..." -- wanting what others have
- "and slander of every kind...." -- ALL evil talking about other
Prayer: Lord, we need to take seriously our attitudes, emotions, responses, and interactions with others. Help us to see when we are not living up to Your expectations and empower us to take responsibility to make changes by getting rid of these toxic behaviors. Purify for Yourself a people that are truly reflective of Your grace and truth.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
1 comment:
Another definition of deciet...Taking the Truth and twisting it to accomplish an evil result.
Lord, the enemy preys on our minds day by day. If we do not submit our thoughts and words to You, we are at great risk to cause harm to others by our impure thoughts, which leads to fear, which leads to anger, which leads to harmful words and sometimes actions toward others.
2 Timothy 1:7
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Let us take great care in our relationships with others and value our brothers and sisters above ourselves.
Post a Comment