The Plumbline

I wonder just how many times we rant on and on to God about something, all the while ignoring his desire to get a word in edge-wise?  It amazes me how much "talking" I do in prayer time and just how little "listening" I allow!  I don't think I am in this alone - am I?  I think we are quick to spill our guts out before God, but I really wonder just how quick (and possibly willing) we are to listen to his instruction!  Job found himself at this crossroad one day - here's what he finally said to God just before he took a moment to actually listen: "I'm speechless, in awe—words fail me.  I should never have opened my mouth!   I've talked too much, way too much.   I'm ready to shut up and listen."  (Job 40:3-5 The Message) I am ready to shut up and listen....pretty poignant words, huh?  Two conditions are laid out - we have to "shut up" and we have to "listen".  There is quite a difference between being "silent...

I always chuckle and then feel a little sorry for someone who just gets so caught up in the "fray" of disturbing the peace of others.  Their entire life seems to gravitate around their ability to keep the pot stirred - and others get pulled into their "kettle" every time!  I chuckle because I find their rantings a little humorous at times.  They get worked up about the silliest things.  I begin to feel sorrow over the lack of peacefulness in their own hearts and their desire to see everyone else as miserable as they are themselves. Don't envy bad people; don't even want to be around them.   All they think about is causing a disturbance;  all they talk about is making trouble.  (Proverbs 24:1-2 The Message) Here's the thing - our scripture doesn't necessarily focus on their behavior as much as it does on ours!  In fact, the first instruction is about our attitude toward them!  Don't envy bad people - don't even want to be around them! ...