Drop The Rocks!

The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” John 8:3-11 NIV

Sin is sin–no matter what act a person commits and the Bible is very specific about the acts of sin–any deliberate act that opposes God’s Word.

Being stupid or “extremely careless” is not a crime. If being stupid was a crime, there wouldn’t be enough room in Texas, Florida, or California to hold all the stupid people. In fact, there would probably be more people locked up than free and then what would happen to our economy and military?

We tend to cry foul about some things because we want to draw attention to ourselves–especially those running for elected positions. How many times have we seen and heard–public outcry from politicians about the behavior of one and then have the tides turned upon them and all the cameras were facing them–for the same judgment–the same thing they were quick to condemn others for? I could take the time to list them, but it would be pointless–and their misdeeds are a matter of public record so anyone can search for them.

The point to all of this is–the FBI cleared Clinton of any criminal intent–saying she was “extremely careless” (which amounts to being stupid), but had not committed any crimes. Therefore, all those crying foul–should be silent a moment and think about their own lives and see if they, too should be indicted for being stupid.

Not one person reading this blog–unless they had access to all the facts–is in a position to judge the situation–not the director’s decision or Clinton’s actions. Anything and everything we say–including her opponents in this election cycle–is a matter of speculation and opinion and our opinions matter not–when facts are more important.

Of course, the media won’t let this rest because it’s a matter of ratings–who can be more sensational than another station or newspaper. I don’t care what anyone else says, “extremely careless” is not a condemnation, but a reprimand and there is a difference in the definition of the words. But we understand–the stronger the language used–the more abhorrent the act seems–and everybody is picking up their rocks to throw.

Think about it–if you’ve ever done anything stupid, or were “extremely careless” about a decision or act–negligent if you will–drop your rocks. I can guarantee that anyone crying foul and wants to see her indicted, will soon have the cameras on them–facing possible indictments for real crimes–not imagined ones. History–always repeats itself–and when we don’t learn from history–we keep making the same foolish decisions.

Drop your rocks and think about your own life and then determine within yourself–that you will seek wisdom before speaking–or judging another with opinions and not facts.

Advertisement

Safe!

But my eyes are fixed on you, Sovereign Lord, in you I take refuge–do not give me over to death. Keep me safe from the traps set by evildoers, from the snares they have laid for me. Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I pass by in safety. (Psalm 141:8-10 NIV)

“Safe” calls the umpire as the crowd roars–some with joy and others moan in defeat–the runner is safe and the game is won.

I’ve actually played softball and know how those guarding the bases attempt to “trap” a runner who is trying to get home. For instance, when the runner hesitates between trying to make it between second and third base, the runner is caught between two people who are moving in for the kill, trying to keep them trapped within the boundaries to tag them out. The crafty runner–one who knows how to trick one of the players into actually throwing the ball, dodges in and out once the ball is thrown, they run to the next base and if the unfortunate player misses the ball on the return throw, the runner runs home, just in the nick of time and is deemed, “safe” from any further attempt to get them out.

When I picture the snares and traps that Satan sets for all those who are Believers, I smile. I can see the bear trap hidden under the leaves with its mighty jaws ready to spring shut, once the trap is touched. Then I see a squirrel, scurry across the trap and hear the spring snap, attempting to catch its prey, but the squirrel is long gone and the bear sniffs at the trap and moves on.

How many times has Satan spread a net of deceit, lies, and temptable goodies in front of us, hoping to snare us and force us to give up the race we are running so well? Though many of us have fallen for the goodies, many more are wise enough to see beyond the goodies to know why they’re placed in front of us. We know a lie when we hear one and will not be deceived, but the foolish–ah! They are not so wise and when they see a feast that entices them–they jump at it and when the net–with its goodies is dangling from a tree, the rest of us walk by–safely, shaking our heads at the misfortune of the trapped.

On many levels, Believers are tempted to do all those things they once did, but when they know The Lord, and are willing to obey, The Lord alerts them to dangers, the snares and traps Satan sets to distract and get them off course. We’re tempted to lie to save on taxes, but don’t. We’re tempted to take that which is not ours when opportunity presents itself, but we don’t. We’re tempted to cheat on spouses when tempters and temptresses come on the scene, but most of us don’t. I wish I could say that none of us–who are true Believers–never fall, but that would be a lie and I will not give in to that temptation. The truth is, we fall short, but when we are honest with ourselves and God, we repent and get back up, ready to run the obstacle course once more. And until we die, we’ll be running the obstacle course that Satan has devised for us, but when we call upon The Lord, He will save us and when that day, that glorious day comes when we enter into heaven, we’ll hear, “You’re safe!”

That’s what Believers will hear, but what will the unbelieving and doubters hear when they finish their course? “You’re out!” And entry into heaven is lost to them, forever.

Traps

While laying in bed, waiting to “decide” to get out of it, a thought came to mind.  It is not just women who get Trapped by their circumstances, but men and children often feel trapped–by life choices and those they did not choose.  What can we do as a society to alleviate those feelings so that all will come to know of their true worth, without insecurities ruling them?

We create traps for people when we mistreat them and look down on them because they are not us.  When we hate and denigrate, we set a trap.  When we take on superior attitudes over others, we set a trap.  When we are incapable of doing what is right for others, we set a trap–the trap influenced by the enemy who hates mankind.

We can–accept people for who they are–without bias or judgment.  We can love them–simply because we are all in this race together–the human race.  We can stop polluting our atmosphere with hatred and denigration.  We can look to the only Wise God in heaven to give us direction in all things and obey His Word!

We can change the environment in which we live and create one in which all know they are loved and appreciated for who they are, not for who we want them to be.

In all things, let us glorify God and do only those things that will please Him!