To be or not to be

Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways,

for the Lord detests a perverse man but takes the upright into his confidence.

Proverbs 3:31 - 32

 

The first time I read this I thought, "Why on earth would I envy a violent man?"  That very thing... violence... is not something I want to be known for.  But isn't that what society at large magnifies?  What news stories do station producers seem to gravitate to?  What movies are blockbusters?  What sporting events get the most attention?

 

Now, before you come to any conclusions, let me state this rather frankly:

 

There is nothing inherently wrong with watching the news, going to the movies, or sports.

 

That is not what the Scriptures are saying here.  Solomon wants his children (and by application... us) to be characterized by and known for their uprightness.  The believer should be known for their meekness and humility... not anger or violence.

 

Consider a handful of qualifications for the overseer (elder):

 

Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.

1 Timothy 3:1 - 3

 

While it is true that everyone will not be an overseer (elder), that does not mean that these things should be absent from your life.

 

Please consider the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:3 - 12 as He opens the famed Sermon on the Mount. (Click on the verse if you don't have a Bible handy.)

 

Remember the BEATITUDES are exactly those... things believers should BE.

 

May the Lord bless you as you seek His will.