Scorn is a word indicating lack of respect, or contempt for another, to find someone unworthy of proper consideration. It’s often expressed through laughter or ridicule at another’s behavior (Mt 9:24), as if what someone says or does makes them less valuable to God.
God Himself scorns the scornful (Pr 3:34), those who fail to esteem others better than themselves (Php 2:3), walking in pride. (Ps 123:4)
We may find others in error without feeling scorn by recognizing that if it weren’t for God’s grace in our lives (1Co 15:10) we’d likely be doing worse. (1Co 4:7) Grief is the appropriate reaction in the face of evil (Php 3:18), not disdain.
We’re to honor all people (1Pe 2:7), praying for and thanking God for everyone. (1Ti 2:1) Of course, some deserve more honor than others (Ps 15:4a), but we shouldn’t disrespect anyone, even in our hearts. It’s the way of the blessed. (Ps 1:1)
Each and every person is deeply precious to God; He’s handcrafted each soul uniquely (Ps 119:73) in His image, for His own pleasure and purpose. (Pr 16:4) It matters not what they’ve done: He’s willing to become sin for them. (2Pe 3:9) If we don’t love those we can see, who are the special handiwork of God, how then can we say we love their Creator? (1Jn 4:20)
So, when we find ourselves laughing at someone in contempt, the joke’s on us: the enemy has leveraged another’s fault to take us down again. This is war; when we’re laughing at sin and brokenness, there’s no victory. God chooses who to restrain from evil and when. (Ro 1:24) If He’s mercifully kept us from certain types of sin and let others go their way (Ro 9:16), we’ve nothing to glory in. (1Co 1:29-31)
Think of every single soul as family, brothers and sisters, relatives; we’re members one of another (Ep 4:25), all of the same blood (Ac 17:26), all part of the human race.
More than I’d like to admit, I’ve found myself holding those of differing political persuasions in contempt; especially those who I think should know better.
It’s hard for me to understand how a thinking person can be so blind; I find myself shaking my head and laughing in disbelief, right along with the world.
I’m also feeling real contempt and anger, perhaps even hatred, for those who are behind the scenes driving all this, and for the media who are covering for and enabling them. The maliciousness is over the top, best I can tell.
These emotions are inevitably rooted in a sense of moral and/or intellectual superiority, not love, and it isn’t godly.
This is the ultimate trap of the enemy; to leverage the sins of others to feed pride within ourselves. It’s so easy to mock and sneer along with my conservative leads, who seem to model this type of self congratulating pride incessantly. Sober humility is the only way out; no other response is acceptable.
God help me! Order my steps in thy Word, and let not any iniquity have dominion over me! (Ps 119:133)
Tim,
Reminds me of a friend I had years ago who told me, always assume that anyone you talk to is destined to be part of the bride of Christ — whether they do or don’t is not the issue – that is how I am to treat them from my heart.
Lot of failure there at times.
I felt grief for the American People today. At some point, perhaps we have to [leave it to the Almighty] to abase the proud. And our ownselves.
As Job learned:
Hast thou an arm like God? or canst thou thunder with a voice like him?
10 Deck thyself now with majesty and excellency; and array thyself with glory and beauty.
11 Cast abroad the rage of thy wrath: and behold every one that is proud, and abase him.
12 Look on every one that is proud, and bring him low; and tread down the wicked in their place.
13 Hide them in the dust together; and bind their faces in secret.
14 Then will I also confess unto thee that thine own right hand can save thee. [ponder those last few verses — some things we just are not called to do]
Some things are better left to Him such as abasing the proud. ie if we can not save ourselves… we are not qualified to abase the proud. Part of [His Calling] 🙂 — treading lightly here.
stephen
ps – it does tell us
The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
pss – regardless of how much anyone fasts and prays the book of Revelation will come to pass.
And one we should all rejoice in
Look UP for YOUR Redemption draweth nigh!!
Thanks Stephen!! Very helpful!