DO NOT MURDER

Three words that most of us do not struggle with, right? Go to the Watermark's website or iTunes store and download the teaching from yesterday. And then lets talk. WOW. I will never look at those three words the same way again.

We are in the middle of a series called Life is Waiting. It is a study of the ten commandments. It has been great, challenging and eye opening.

I once worked with a guy who was nicknames "brother loop-hole". He was looking for a loop-hole in everything. I have learned a great deal of good things from him.

So here is the the thought of the day. At the risk of looking for the loop-hole, i ask the question "when is it murder or just sharing ones burdens?" You need to listen to the teaching because what i am about to write is a huge paraphrase and i will not do it justice. The word murder has a much deeper meaning. The fact of the matter is words have a powerful effect of people. The thing that we heard on Sunday is that back biting, calling people names etc. is considered murder.


Matthew 5:21 (from the Message)
21"You're familiar with the command to the ancients, "Do not murder.' 22I'm telling you that anyone who is so much as angry with a brother or sister is guilty of murder. Carelessly call a brother "idiot!' and you just might find yourself hauled into court. Thoughtlessly yell "stupid!' at a sister and you are on the brink of hellfire. The simple moral fact is that words kill.


Wow. how many times in my life have i called someone a name? sarcasticm, anger, just off color -- just trying to be funny??? I am sure i could not tell you how much i have done it in the last month let alone a lifetime. Yesterday's teaching was a difficult one to hear. An area i really need to work on.

I used to work for an "interesting" person/company. Most everyone that worked there would agree. In fact, there was a website created while the company was going out of business. the purpose was for former employees to comment on their experience there. Some of these comments were not good. And it was attended. For the record, i had nothing to do with the site. I was told about it in a blind email. I did read it and thought about making comments.

I have two guys i am close to. I value their option HIGHLY. Some conversations go great and others i leave totally tick off. But it is all good. While i was working for the company that went out of business, i vented ALOT to these guys about things that were going on there and the owner.

I guess to make the blog alot longer than it needs to be -- where is it sharing a burden or "murder"?

I am certain i will be replaying this and praying my way thru.

Thoughts?
Carter