Proverbs 12:20
There is deceit in the hearts of those who plot evil,
but joy for those who promote peace.
There is no Switzerland when it comes to Proverbs 12:20. There is no third option, no category of “neutral.” You either plot evil or you promote peace. Both are actions, both are deliberate activities that take forethought and planning and sweat. We don’t get to enjoy the sidelines in life. I wish we did because sometimes I am really lazy and it would be nice to say “not my problem” when we run into patches of life that are not peaceful. But we don’t get to. We are called to promote peace and when we do, we’ll find something far better than comfort or convenience or easy living. We’ll find joy.
Have you ever tried to sit out of a situation only to have God call you right back into it?
Friday, February 20, 2009
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8 comments:
Your last few posts have been so convicting, I almost didn't visit today.
There is a compliment in there.
ha!
Keep 'em coming and I will, too.
I tried to leave an online community (a discussion board) several times, very Jonah like. I kept being brought back. It's hard to fight God, it's hard to do the right thing, but at least I don't feel guilty while doing it.
some days i just want to be the water girl and show up only for time outs during the action......instead of running up and down the court....
Romans 14:19 "make every effort to do what leads to peace and mutual edification."
As always, thank you for your edification and encouragment. God finds joy in you finding joy in Him.
I recently tried to avoid having a difficult conversation with a friend about some "concerns" (sin). But strong pushing and pulling by the Holy Spirit kept reminding me of my passivity. And my wife always recognizes and reveals my character (or lack of character) to me. God uses her to challenge me in ways I don't want to be challenged.
That reminds me of this quote:
"If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor." ~ Bishop Desmond Tutu
Hmmmm.... I am going to have to think about this one. Not sure if I agree with you that we are always doing one or the other: plotting evil or promoting peace.
Good food for thought.
We've been in a tough place lately - and actually finally felt called out of it to promote peace. Much could have been said and you can believe I was itchin' to say it. But God was gracious and sent some people my way that thought it was best to take the high road. Since the offense was mostly to them - how could I disagree? So sometimes leaving a situation does promote peace.
I am loving this series.
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