Tag Archives: gossip

When Hatred Erupts

Posted on August 30, 2013 by expressyourself4him

A volcano goes through a 3 step process before an eruption occurs.  First, magma which forms when part of the upper or lower mantle begins to melt, creating a buoyancy.  As this pressure from dissolved gases builds, a new batch of magma enters a chamber already filled to capacity.  The next stage involves melting rock inside the earth, where its mass remains the same, but the volume increases.  The lighter magma is forced to the top of the earth’s surface through buoyancy.  Finally, when the density of magma becomes less than the overlying and surrounding rocks, magma reaches the surface, erupting through a vent forming a volcano to explode.

Anthony (no last name available) looks over a memorial for his friend Eugene Clark, 25, who was shot and killed Saturday on July 22, 2013 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Hatred within the human soul takes a similar course.  However, the magma is equivalent to envy and or jealousy.  When envy or jealousy is conceived, hatred is born within the hearts and minds of individuals.  When the person or source of anger maintains daily contact with an afflicted soul, hatred expands, like buoyancy, rising to the surface in the form of discord, gossip and slander.  If the density of hate causes a conscience to rationalize retaliation, hatred will erupt, leaving behind an onslaught of crime and murder in its wake as demonstrated by the violent deaths among teenagers living in Chicago.

This pattern is also found in Genesis 37:1-11.  When Joseph’s brothers recognize they are not their father’s favorite, jealousy emerges.  As Joseph rubs salt into their wounds a verse later, Genesis 37:5, sharing a dream of God’s blessing on him, their hatred spreads.  Not knowing when to stop when he is ahead, Joseph continues to boast of God’s favor on him, resulting a plot to kill him in Genesis 37:18.  At least this story has a happened ending, when big brother Reuben persuades the clan to throw Joseph in an empty well to teach him a lesson.  However, Jesus taught us long ago that hatred is equal to murder during his Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:21-22.  Therefore, don’t let anger dwell within you, Ephesians 4:26-27.  Let God flush your emotions before hatred erupts once again.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Awaken Your Might

Posted on May 2, 2013 by expressyourself4him

A spirit of pessimism  has entered the church, anchored deep within the hearts and minds of Christian soldiers.  Instead of asking for things in Jesus name as the gospels suggest, the thought of failure cripples the power of God in their life.  Expecting defeat, lame prayer lives abound, void of any change, miracle or victory.

Thus, the devil has taken a foothold of prayer lives, Ephesians 4:27, given over to him by individuals who have lost hope.  Its no wonder that churches are in the state they are, empty by low attendance, filled with gossip or slander and corrupted by false teachings of the world.  Its time as Asaph urged many years ago to awaken God’s might, Psalm 80:2.

Another Pentecost is obtainable if saints are willing to follow the blue print left behind by the apostles, Acts 2:42-47.  We must put aside our petty disagreements, coming together  in a concert of prayer, united as one body in Christ, 1 Corinthians 12:12.  Once this point is reached, prayers like Acts 4:29, accompanied by immediate answers in Acts 4:31 will awaken God’s might, drawing others into the house of God.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Caught in the Middle

Posted on April 6, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Children can become casualties of war, caught in the middle of their parent’s divorce.  As a teacher, I’ve seen this far too often, with kids used as pawns to make the other spouse jealous.  Maybe this explains Jesus’ tone within Matthew 18:1-9, a warning to all adults to insure their actions do not lead a little one astray.

As a friend, its not uncommon to be caught in the middle of infighting.  Gossip, slander and half truths are the usual suspects, aimed at swaying you to their side of the argument.  Unfortunately, playing favorites is easy to fall prey to, something the pagans of Jesus’ day indulged, Matthew 5:46-47.  Yet, God expects Christians to possess higher standards, Matthew 5:48, striving for perfection in Christ, Philippians 4:13.

Casting Crowns addresses this issue in their song Somewhere in the Middle.  From their The Altar and the Door album, Casting Crowns sings about the ongoing tug of war that exists within each soul.  The disciple Peter and the author of Hebrews highlight this dilemma of being in the world, 1 Peter 2:11-12, yet called to look beyond this present world, Hebrews 12:1-2.  Thus, as you find yourself caught in the middle of right and wrong, remember the apostle Paul’s words in Romans 12:1-2 so that you will conform to God’s ways!

by Jay Mankus

4 Comments

Posted in Uncategorized and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Know What You’re Looking For

Posted on March 25, 2013 by expressyourself4him

A man and a woman’s idea of shopping are often world’s apart.  Women tend to enjoy the experience, searching for bargains, savings and obtaining the best deal.  Meanwhile, men tend to follow what I call the “In and Out Philosophy;” going into a store, buying what you’re looking for and getting out as soon as possible.  Unfortunately, not all stores carry the product you are searching for or don’t have them in stock when you need it.

Like shopping, stereotypes often tamper with your beliefs.  It only takes one negative experience to shift your trust from one store to the next or from one person to another.  Dirty laundry has always existed, usually developing into reputations that influence your opinion about someone, something or a specific retail store.  However, be careful that you don’t fall prey to gossip or else you might miss what you are looking for.

According to John 1:43-46, Nazareth did not have a ringing endorsement, especially from those who lived outside of this first century town.  Buying into the hype, Nathanael became narrow minded, disregarding anyone who had been born or raised here.  If it wasn’t for his friend Philip, Nathanael might have gone through life like Jesus’ own brothers and sisters, who rejected the idea that he was the promised Messiah.  Instead, be like Andrew and Peter in John 1:40-41, who knew what they were looking for and once they found Jesus, quickly followed the Son of the Living God!

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Watch Your Ways

Posted on March 24, 2013 by expressyourself4him

When I was a freshman in high school, I was privileged to be asked to attend my first party by a sophomore.  While I had a crush on this girl at the time, something in my heart told me not to go.  Thus, as half of this party was being arrested for under aged drinking, I was subbing for my parent’s Friday Night bowling league.  On this night, I could do no wrong like a blessing from above, bowling my best single game, 199 and three games series, 570.  I knew I was in the right place as my first poor shot of the evening hit 3 pins initially, before somehow turning into a strike.

Psalm 39:1 illustrates a similar principle with 3 directions for life.  First, King David shares the importance of watching your ways.  This includes how you spend your time, the friends you choose, places you go and entertainment decisions you make.  If I rejected my initial gut feeling, my entire high school experience and career path might have changed.  Fortunately, my parents had raised me up in the church, which has provided guidance and wisdom along the way.

Second, David warns others to keep their tongue from sin.  The most common temptation in schools and the workplace is gossip and or slander.  However, if you steer clear from this, anger can also encourage evil words to roll off your lips.  In addition, envy, jealousy and pride may inspire venomous words, attacking others, often in the form of a word curse.  Like the apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 10:5, the best way to keep your tongue from sin is by taking your thoughts captive, making them obedient to Christ.

Finally, the king ends Psalm 39:1 by emphasizing the need to put a muzzle over your mouth.  Slightly different from the tongue, I believe David is referring to your conversation.  Jesus talks about adding flavor to others by what you say, Matthew 5:13.  Paul adds to Jesus’ words by stressing the need for grace in Colossians 4:6.  Even Peter, who struggled with this area throughout his life adds a reminder for gentleness and respect, 1 Peter 3:15-16.  Therefore, whether you want to change your way, tongue or mouth, if you put God’s word into practice, Matthew 7:24, eternal blessings will follow.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

The Land of Lost Love

Posted on January 27, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Pink Floyd once sang about what I feel in my heart today in their song Comfortably Numb.  The 4th stanza’s lyrics express the following: “There is no pain you are receding; A distant ship’s smoke on the horizon; You are only coming through in waves; Your lips move, But I can’t hear what you’re saying.”  My issue is not with words.  Rather, my concern is with a lack of action.  After reading Proverbs 17 this morning, I am left to question, where has all the love gone in America?

According to verse 9, anyone who covers over an offense promotes love.  Unfortunately, what I watch on television or experience in life is another story.  Reality Television series ratings seem to skyrocket when cursing, drama and fights are portrayed.  While a friend is suppose to love at all times, Proverbs 17:17, back stabbing, gossip and trash talking appear to sell, making Hollywood millions of dollars each year.  Meanwhile, family value shows are becoming extinct or cast off like Marshall, Will and Holly into the Land of the Lost.

The only kind of love I regularly see is eros, the Greek word for sensual or sexual love.  Every time I go to buy groceries, magazines surround the checkout counter, filling your mind with unwholesome thoughts if you’re not careful.  Philia, the Greek word for brotherly love pops its head up from time to time.  People like Tim Tebow, Bethany Hamilton and communities like Ocean City, New Jersey keep this kind of love alive.  However, agape, translated unconditional love is even vanishing from churches.  Grudges, power hungry individuals and unforgiveness is stripping Christianity from its main attraction.

Instead of living in a land of love, crushed spirits continue to reign, Proverbs 17:22.  In the absence of a cheerful heart, the medicine people seek is missing, awol, absent without love.  If there ever was a time for the fulfillment of Ezekiel 22:30, the time is now.  Who will stand in the gap of a unloving world and love the unlovable?  If someone doesn’t act quickly, we might all become comfortably numb.  Developing a Philippians 4:8-9 mindset is a good place to start.  The rest depends on how well people live out the Bible.  Choose agape love today!

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Take the High Road

Posted on January 3, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Wes King crafted his song Sticks and Stones to unravel the childhood saying, “Sticks and stones will break my bones, but names will never hurt me!”  While the originator of this expression was likely attempting to encourage young people to develop “thick skin” toward words, King uses a biblical approach to form his lyrics.  Quoting James 3:1-12, this skilled writer exposes the dangers words can have on your soul.  The group Fan Mail take words one step further in their song Messed Up, claiming “we all get away with murder, the things that we say could kill!”

Whether you agree with these artists or not, words just don’t roll off people’s shoulders, dropping to the ground void of any damage, harm or pain.  In fact, like a feeding frenzy, words can cause an adrenaline rush in which you can get caught up in.  The urge to throw someone under the bus, gossip about someone you don’t like or trash someone with the rest of your friends is difficult to resist.  At a recent party, God convicted me of the very thing that I despise, taking the easy road with cheap and low blows by opening my mouth.

The term class is dying breed, a lost art in this age of Facebook, Twitter and instant messages.  Instead of following the Matthew 18:15-20 principle, most wimp out, hanging their dirty language out in the open for all to see.  Whether you like Andy Reid or not, former NFL head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles for 14 seasons, he consistently protected his players during post-game press conferences even if some played like dogs.  Thus, its time for me and others in the body of Christ to grow up spiritually.  Join me in my quest during 2013 to take the high road, declining to focus on the negative by dwelling on wholesome words which are helpful in building up others, Ephesians 4:29-30.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.
←
Newer Posts →