September 10, 2000 Humble Messenger

THE "JOY" OF MISERY
In dealing with and observing people, and in reading the Scriptures, I've drawn the conclusion --- THERE ARE SOME FOLKS OUT THERE WHO ACTUALLY "ENJOY" FEELING MISERABLE! I'm not talking about indigestion, head aches or being "down in the back." I'm talking about being the victim of some injustice (real or imagined); being slighted, persecuted or misunderstood. I believe there are some people who derive some sort of mysterious, hidden pleasure from being a victim (or thinking they are a victim). I may have no definitive explanation as to why, but I'm convinced this is so. Some folks actually enjoy being in the place of the victim, the misunderstood, the persecuted.

There are some statements in the book of Proverbs that lead me to this conclusion. There is the person who "loves transgression" and "loves strife" in Proverbs 17:19. In 29:22, there is the type person who "stirs up strife;" a "furious man" who "abounds in transgression." Then, in 30:33, there is the characteristic of forcing wrath, thus producing strife. These passages portray a particular kind of mentality, that seems bent on misery - the creation and perpetuation of strife. "An ungodly man digs up evil, and it is on his lips like a burning fire. A perverse man sows strife, and a whisperer separates the best of friends," (Prov. 16:27,28).

In addition to these statements from the pages of Scripture, one can just look around and observe confirming evidence:

1. There are people who seek out trouble. If there isn't any trouble available, they will go trouble hunting. If the expedition doesn't yield a stinking brood of trouble, they resort to creating trouble. These kind of people are just not content to have some measure of peace and harmony. Serenity, good conditions and pleasant relationships are like huge, dreaded monsters ... to be shunned and denied. Thus, this kind of individual sets out - to wreck relations, tear things up, instill discouragement, bite and devour (Gal. 5:15; Jas. 4:1; 3 Jno. 10). Paul warned Timothy of those who "strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers," (2 Tim. 2:14).

2. There are people who are (chronologically) adults, but they can start a fuss just like a 6 year old. Some little ole' mess of nothin' can be suddenly blown up, expanded, re-interpreted and spotlighted ... like a little boy calling 911 cause his dog chipped his tooth on a bone. Sometimes, in the wrangles and tangles of adult battles, someone will come along with enough wisdom and patience to dig into the matter, clear away all the dust and locate the real problem ... only to find a rather simple misunderstanding, miscommunication, or some manufactured cause for war. Some "give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith," (1 Tim. 1:4). Not all controversy is necessary and honorable (See 1 Tim. 6:5 & 1 Cor. 10:29). "It is to a man's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel," (Prov. 20:3).

3. There are folks out there who refuse to take the obvious steps to resolve a matter, when it's clear they are obligated to do so. You get the impression, they are enjoying the tension so much, they want it to last as long as possible! If you figure someone has slighted you, the obvious thing to do (before calling a press conference and filing your case with the Supreme Court), is approach that person in the hope of promptly clearing the matter up (as in Matt. 5:21-26; Matt. 18:15-18 and Luke 17:1-4). Yet, there are folks everywhere who nurse a grudge for decades. They hang on to conflicts and alleged offenses, so they can accuse, charge, imply and complain every chance they get. It's one thing to stand firm on major issues and fundamental matters of divine revelation. It's another thing to pick fights over the jots and tittles of human opinions, feelings and childish conflicts.

4. There are some folks who are constantly and carefully watching ... as if motivated by the blessed hope of locating some injustice they can complain about. With this kind of attitude, you would take careful note of the fact that when sister so-in-so was ill, she received three casseroles, two baked chickens and a pie from the ladies in the church. But, when you were ill (just as ill as that sister!), you only got a salad, an over-salted ham and a banana pie. "For all day long I have been plagued, and chastened every morning," (Psa. 73:14). Sure seems like some folks are delighted with misery.

I understand that personal conflicts can be serious. And, I know that, due to an implacable spirit, there can be the unfortunate spectacle of long-standing separations. Too, I'm fully aware of the heart-ache of having to sever fellowship due to sin, or the sometimes tense consequences of upholding God's Word against error. However, in the above observations, I have reference to those childish, silly little feuds which, when objectively and scripturally measured, are entirely unnecessary.

There is this pitiful sight, of one who appears to enjoy misery. And, there are some folks out there like this.

But this I know ...God never intended His people to be miserable, bitter, hostile complainers. He never intended us to duplicate the hypocritical nitpicking of the Pharisees. He never intended us to love strife, collect grievances and bite and devour one another. And --- for every problem; for every injustice (real or imagined); for every conflict; for every silly fuss or little irritation ... THERE ARE TEN THOUSAND SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS IN CHRIST TO REJOICE OVER.
"For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing will be there ... Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up." (Jas. 3:16, 4:7-10).

Warren E. Berkley

NEWS
Elaine Cannon's tests showed no cancer . . .

Jim Porterfield had blood tests last Friday to monitor his white blood cell count as he takes the interferon for his hepatitis . . .

Gene Waldrop is waiting for x-rays before the doctors decide on more tests or procedures . . .

Kathy Wells has been experiencing problems with her heart rate . . .

Victoria Dickson's mother is still in the hospital . . .

One publication we have available is, "A Modern Babel?" It deals with the definition of "science" - is evolution "science"? It also has an interesting short article on Doctors Semmelweis and Lister, doctors the "scientific" medical community differed with, but they turned out to be right! "Where Did The Races Come From?" is another article in this publication. If any of these interest you, pick up a copy and read it. You may think of someone you could give a copy to that could be benefited by it . . .

Wednesday morning Bible class resumes this week, September 13, 10 A.M. . .

Visitation group two meets this evening.

Scheduled to preach/teach
Sep. 24, Class (Audit.) - John Whitehead
Sep. 24, AM Sermon - Larry Legg
Sep. 24, PM Sermon - Kris Emerson
Sep., 27, Wed. AM Class (Audit.) - Roena Legg
Sep., 27, Wed. PM Class (Audit.) - David Osteen
Oct. 1, Class (Audit.) - Rocky Rodriguez
Oct. 1, AM Sermon - David Osteen
Oct. 1, PM Sermon - Kris Emerson
Oct. 4, Wed AM Class - Sandra Bernard
Oct. 4, Wed. PM Class (Audit.) - Rocky Rodriguez
Teachers will teach subjects of their own choosing.

By the way, if you ever wonder what preachers do, count the number of lessons involved here, plus the newspaper articles, Humble Messenger, responses to questions via writing, other classes throughout the week (three scheduled this week), and other appointments.

New files at web site

The teacher's edition of "Answering Religious Error" is available at the web site. It has notes up to the topic we last studied in class. Possibly, if time permits, we will complete the notes and make the completed version available. If you would like to have the notes that are available, go to the web site, http://www.kingwoodcable.com/colblip/humblechurchofchrist/ . Click on "Class material." Now click on "Class Archives." Past class material is kept in this section. There will be two columns (You may have to scroll your window to the right or left.) Choose either WordPerfect or WORD format and click on "Answering Religious Error - Teacher's Edition."

If using the Windows platform, simply clicking on the file name should be sufficient to start the downloading process. However, sometimes that doesn't work. An alternative is to click on the file name using the right mouse button. This will bring up an Internet Explorer or Netscape menu. Select "Save Target As..." or "Save as.." from the menu, accept the file name presented and save the file.

If using the MAC platform, simply click on the file. It should download it to your computer. If you have Stuffit Expander by Aladdin on your computer, it should unstuff it and it will be available for use. (If you do not have it, you can get it FREE at http://www.aladdinsys.com/downloads/index.html.)

Marking notes for Ecclesiastes will also be available at the web site. If you had difficulty finding all the occurrences of the words and phrases suggested for marking in your lesson, the scriptures where these occur is in this file.

Transportation for Zelma Bobbitt
SEPTEMBER
Sun. 10 pm Legg
Wed. 13 pm WLO
Sun. 17 pm
Wed. 20 pm WLO
Sun. 24 pm
Wed. 27 pm Rocky

Wednesday Evening Close
Sep 13 - Johnathan Bernard
Sep 20 - Jeff Bogs
Sep 27 - John Cannon
Oct 4 - Eddie Crain

SCHEDULED TO SERVE

Lord's Table, AM & PM
Bread: Eddie Crain
Fruit of the Vine: Jim Crain
Contribution: David Dickey
Assistant: Mike Head