When we praise a friend, we tend to make positive statements about them in public or in private. It may be because they have have accomplished something, or it may simply be because we see something in them that is special or noteworthy. Now I am not talking about praising people just for the sake of praise. What I am talking about is truly looking for and praising Christ-like character traits and the actions of others around us. The first…..
I try not to build myself up by tearing others down – for two reasons. First, I have learned that it isn’t necessary. I don’t need to knock someone else down to build myself up. I can build myself up without doing that. Second, it usually comes back to bite me in the end! Sensible people see it as being insecure. So I try to remain practical and see this insecurity and really try to forgive and forget……
Some of the most beloved and followed individuals are people who accomplish great feats not by dividing and conquering or causing discord but by bringing people together in harmony. No, I am not talking about the old Coke commercial when people of all races are singing, “I’d like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony” (though it does come to mind!). I am talking about bringing people together by showing them the light that is already in themselves…..
To be deceitful means to live apart from God – the truth of God. Psalm 101:7 says, “No man who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no man who utters lies shall continue in my presence.” Outside the presence of God is a scary place to be; we have all been there from time to time. Colossians 2:8 says, “See to it that no one makes a prey of you by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human…..