Reflections of a Wandering Mind

If I say to the wicked man, you shall surely die; and you do not warn him or speak out to dissuade him from his wicked conduct so that he may live; that wicked man shall die for his sin, but I will hold you responsible for his death.  If, on the other hand, you have warned the wicked man, yet he has not turned away from evil nor from his wicked conduct, then he shall die for his sin, but you shall save your life. ~Esekiel 3:18-19 Don't you just hate it when someone points out your faults or criticizes your actions? No one wants to hear negative feedback whether it be in the form of job evaluations, parental guidance, (or, as teens usually feel, parental nagging), friendly advice, or downright admonishment from strangers (hint: long, loud honks on the road)! But the person in most need of guidance is most resistant to it: the obstinate sinner. Someone who believes they are doing nothing wrong are the hardest to reach when it comes to sin. Almost always, they use the Bible...

It is impossible for a man to learn what he thinks he already knows. ~ Epictetus Pride...like all things can be beneficial, but misused can be downright destructive. I'm proud of my grandson counting to ten in his little person voice as he counts his steps, his toys, the monkeys in his book, etc. I'm proud when I finish a course and receive an A. But what about my pride when someone offends me? Do I have the right to be offended and prideful? Do I allow pride to stand in the way of truth and edification? If I place myself above all in everything, then pride serves no purpose but to make me look foolish, close my mind, and drive others away. Have you ever dealt with someone who goes on the defensive immediately upon hearing something they do not like? I think everyone has, and it's so frustrating not to be able to penetrate their jabber. They don't allow you to get a word in edgewise. Often they assume things incorrectly and open their mouths every time you start to ...