Peace Does Not Come From Filling Our Heads With Evil

Philippians 4:5-9 KJV

Destroying the Children

And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.

And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,

And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.

And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

                                                                              (Matt 2:4-8 KJV)

Herod was not in the least bit interested in worshiping this child born in Bethlehem. He wanted to find him so that he could get rid of him.

Why exactly would Herod be so afraid of a child? Could there have any other reason than that Herod believed the prophecy about Jesus? He was afraid. He was afraid that Jesus would replace him. He was afraid that he no longer would be the center; that he would lose his own power and authority; his prestige. It would not be one bit convenient for Herod this baby to grow up. 

After Jesus was born, Herod had ordered all of the children under the age of two years in and around Bethlehem murdered. Fortunately, Joseph had been warned of this in a dream and the family escaped Herod's wrath. Herod's fear of this child was great!

I cannot help but wonder if that is so like the reason so many parents today would rather destroy their children than raise them up in the way that they should go. Are they afraid that the children will grow up and the evil ways of those around them will be exposed and they will no longer have power or authority over the child? Are they afraid that when they are exposed they will no longer be lifted up in anyone else's minds? Are they afraid that the child will be protected by others and grow in the way they should actually be going rather in the self-centered way that the adults around them would have them go.

It is a sad thing when children are neglected and even persecuted so that the adult can look good. A very sad thing, indeed! Adults ought to be protecting them not destroying them for their own convenience and ego's sake.

May God protect the children from adults with their own personal agendas which have very little to do with the children's welfare.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

WORK WITH INTEGRITY!

One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys. (Prov 18:9 NIV)

I and many others (but, not all) of my generation were taught by our parents to put our all into the work that we do. Whether we volunteered or were hired to do a job, it was about integrity and honor; it was a lot about keeping a good name. 

Today, I do not get to witness that integrity in the work place so much. There is often no loyalty to the one who has hired you. It is just a job after all; something necessary to help you to exist in this world. Why, one might wonder, should I do a great job at something when a good enough job will get me by? To do a "just so" job; to not even attempt to complete it to the expectations of the one we are serving, is the same as stealing from them. We are stealing our wages when we do not work for it; but, sit around thinking of ways to get out of doing everything we are asked to the best of our ability. We are destroying their livelihoods while we sit around and steal ours. 

The same goes not just for the business world; but, for the church and any other charitable non-profit as well. Whether we are employed and drawing a wage or volunteering and garnering recognition do it for the love of God and for the love of others, not half-heartedly because it is an obligation that you have made. 

But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. (1 Sam 12:24)

I was taught and taught my sons that work is such a part of our lives that we should enjoy it. We ought to put our whole hearts into what we do, so that we might our whole lives lives most fully. From what I see of the way my sons work, they both learned that lesson well.

May the work of your hands be blessed, as well.

God's Peace - Pr. J