Today’s Reading, Psalms 26-31
Focal Scripture: Psalms 28:3-4 “Do not drag me away with the wicked, with the evildoers, who speak in friendly ways with their neighbors while malice is in their hearts. Repay them according to what they have done — according to the evil of their deeds. Repay them according to the work of their hands; give them back what they deserve.”
Not wanting to be drug away with the wicked is a valid concern. Sometimes we are around people who act one way around certain people and change around others. This is what David is speaking about when he writes this Psalm. People who speak friendly to your face but have malice in their hearts.
David wants them to be judged because they have a duplicitous heart. David wants them to get paid back what they deserve. The question is why? Because people who act this way cause more damage than most. They manipulate and are dividers. They cause problems wherever they are planted.
The takeaway for believers is not to speak one way to someone’s face but have bad intent in your heart. I just left a situation where people would say one thing to your face but have plans and schemes to destroy and undermine people behind their backs. They would hug you and tell you everything is great. Have pleasant conversations to your face all the while have ill intent.
This causes a lack of trust. Especially when it comes from people who are leaders or you consider friends. So how should people act? If you have a problem with a person be honest and tell them. Share your thoughts and concerns. Don’t go tell others or apply an agenda to get your way.
Recently I experienced a person who would use people to get their way and accomplish their goals. However, behind closed doors they would talk horribly about others. Always remember if they will talk to you about someone one, they will talk about you to someone.
Don’t have a heart full of malice. Be the same publicly as you are privately. Don’t fake how you treat people. If you have suffered this experience allow God to deal with them and give them what they deserve. Our job is to be faithful among faithless people.
Tomorrow I plan on reading Psalms 32-35
