Scoffers

Proverbs 9:7-9; Correcting someone who is a mocker will not help them or you. Sometimes you have to consider being and sharing with those who are not afraid to listen and grow.

Don't Fret About The Mockers

"Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults; whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse. Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you. Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning." (Prov 9:7-9 NIV)

Believe me, I have received my share of insults by those who prefer not to walk on the straight path. I have learned, over time, that there are definitely times when it makes no sense to correct someone. If they are corrected they will only argue or throw a temper tantrum. There are times when it seems that it is best just to walk away, say nothing. It is better to keep right on walking rather than ending up in a dispute that you will not win and then end up carrying the ill feelings that you gained during that discussion out into the rest of the world. The rest of the world doesn't deserve that.

There is a whole world out there that needs and desires to hear the Good News. Why allow a mocker or a wicked one, who refuses to hear, to steal the time that could be better used to help those who are wise enough not to refuse help?

I am not saying that there is never a time to correct a mocker or rebuke the wicked. Jesus certainly incurred insults. As Christians, we turn will incur insults. We should not be afraid to share the Good News because we do not like to be insulted for our faith. But, there are times when even the mocker should be corrected and the wicked rebuked. If there is danger to others, it definitely needs doing. These things must be done from time to time. Wisdom will help you know when the time is right. 

What I am trying to say is that focusing on one who mocks the LORD, trying to drag them onto the path of righteousness should never become the center of your life. Do not allow scoffers to drag you down and off the path the LORD has prepared for you. That would not be wise. If they will not hear the truth, it may be that you should simply walk away, whether it is family, friend, or foe. You can help no one, if your whole life is spent trying to help one whose whole goal is to drag you down into the muck and mire with them.

According to St. Matthew (10:14 NIV), Jesus said, "If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet."

There is a whole world out that there that is yearning for some Good News; multitudes that need healing and actually desire it, that will listen and be made whole. Go... and proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom through Jesus Christ, our LORD. Go and proclaim the Good News to all people. But, remember it is the Word, who is Jesus the Christ, that saves not you or me. Once the Word has been shared, there is not much you can do for the mocker, but continue to pray for them and trust the Spirit of God to do what the Spirit does. Be careful that you do not become embroiled in thinking that you are going to save them no matter what! Wisdom will guide you as your remember that it is only Jesus who saves.

God's Peace -Pr. J

Follow In The Way

Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who does what

is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. The one who does what is sinful

is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. 1 John 3:7-8

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. Psalm 1:1-2

If you're going to be led astray by those who would mock God and His good will for all people then stay away from them. It's as simple as that. Unless, of course, you're going to be the strong one and helps guide them on "The Way." But, that can be very wearisome to the soul. Being in the almost constant presence of those who insist on following the ways of the world; of those who insist that everything has to be done their way; can really wear the spirit out. 

For the sake of sharing the good news sometimes we have to put ourselves in those positions. But, we must also make sure that we spend much more time meditating on the word of God so that we might be refreshed and empowered to walk in "The Way."

May God protect us, that the wicked one has no power over us.

God's Peace - Pr. J