Beware of the contemptuous heart!
Certainly, you’ve noticed the increasing social unrest prevalent throughout the world these days. But rather than focus on world reactions to current events, I’d prefer to discuss how we personally respond to the daily events that occur right in our own backyards.
And, I’d like to turn immediately to Scripture. There’s a very short Psalm with but four verses addressing the contempt we are all witnessing in the world these days.
Psalm 123:3-4: “Have mercy on us O Lord, have mercy on us, for we have endured much contempt. We have endured much ridicule from the proud, much contempt from the arrogant.”
From these final two short verses, we can track the origin of all contempt. It comes from the heart of humankind — from pride and arrogance.
Now we’re getting personal whether you like it or not, since we all have tendencies to dwell in such paltry places.
You may well see this in others, but have some difficulty in seeing it in your persona. Please humor me and at least try to consider that we all have certain tendencies toward pride and arrogance in viewing others with a somewhat contemptuous spirit.
A humanist will see this as a natural trait for survival of the fittest, while a theologian will turn to Scripture and see God’s hand in His gift of free will.
No matter how approached, this tendency for contempt is prevalent in all.
Many see contempt for others as no big deal — as a way of life. God’s Word presents contempt quite differently.
King Solomon adequately addresses the subject in the Book of Proverbs.
Proverbs 14:31: “He who oppressed the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.”
Proverbs 17:5: “He who mocks the poor shows contempt for the Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished.”
Proverbs 18:3: “When wickedness comes so does contempt, and with shame comes disgrace.”
This discussion has been especially good for me and I trust it has been helpful to you as well. Whether you are presently following Christ Jesus or not, I hope you will beware of the contemptuous heart within your very being.
Christians have the distinct advantage of the Holy Spirit dwelling within their hearts. He gives us an edge on getting control of our emotions and grappling with this challenging relational issue.
Sadly, many in this world are headed for destruction and cannot fathom the Truth that has been available to all for the past 2,000 years.
Accepting Christ as Savior and Lord will miraculously transform you and create a peace in your heart — but in itself, it will not lead to ultimate peace in this world.
That will not come until Jesus returns — hopefully very soon — Maranatha!