Three Challenges that require repentance and asking the Spirit of God to help make changes. (These remarks were addressed to students, but with a little adaptation, "if the shoe fits" make the changes.)
1) Cutting down
others. There have been numerous comments made to other students such as
“What happened to your hair?”, “You dress old”, How could you be so dumb?”,
“Don’t you know that?” and others that make the other person lose self-esteem
and feel bad and inferior. God has
called us out of the world, meaning to not do like the pattern of worldly
criticisms and cut downs obvious on social media.
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only
such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace
to those who hear.” – Ephesians 4:29
“Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace
and the things by which one may edify another” – Romans 14:19
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another
up, just as you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
2) Many have demonstrated
little or no integrity, only doing what is right when authority forces them
to do it. For example: Being like the way of the world in doing whatever one
can get by with, whether it is only partially doing homework, answering a
question with brief comment rather than taking the time and effort to think out
the answer, glancing over the chapter rather than reading the content, using
the sites on the Internet to get answers rather than looking them up in the
text, taking answers from someone else who has done the work, ignoring rules
that you know but figure you won’t get caught, not giving truthful or complete
answers so you look good or can get away with some questionable action.
Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you
teach me wisdom in the secret heart. – Psalm 51:6
And be not
conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind,
that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
-Romans 12:2
3) Always have an
excuse or way of blaming others rather than admit responsibility for
mistakes and wrong choices. For example:
“It wasn’t my fault”, “I didn’t really cheat, I was just checking my answers
with someone else”, “Other people are wearing hoodies”, “the Boss won’t notice” “I
was busy on my phone” Justifying why I can talk during class or during a
test. Thinking I can spend time in the
hall or bathroom as long as I want, even during my class.
Therefore, you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who
judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you,
the judge, practice the very same things. Romans 2:1
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all
ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress
the truth. Romans 1:18