FLATTERY DISTORTS THE TRUTH.
In trying to persuade people, we may be tempted to alter our position just enough to make our point more palatable or to use flattery or praise.
FLATTERY HIDES REAL MOTIVES.
It’s disgusting to hear a person “butter up” someone. Flattery is phony and a false cover-up for a person’s real intentions. Christians should not be flatterers. Are you honest and straightforward in your words and actions, while at the same time courtious and kind? Or do you tell people what they want to hear in order to get what you want or to get ahead?
FLATTERY DESTROYS INTEGRITY.
When we witness for Christ and serve Him, our focus should not be on the impressions we make. As true ministers of Christ, we should point to Him, not to ourself.
Showing posts with label Flattery. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Flattery. Show all posts
Friday, June 12, 2009
Flattery (Part 2)
WHAT ARE THE DANGERS IN BELIEVING FLATTERY?
BIBLE READING: Luke 20:20-26
KEY BIBLE VERSE: And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor. (Luke 20:20)
FLATTERY IS AN ATTEMPT TO DECEIVE.
Jesus turned his enemies’ attempt to trap him into a powerful lesson: As God’s followers, we have legitimate obligations to both God and the government. But it is important to keep our priorities straight. When the two authorities conflict, our duty to God always must come before our duty to the government.
These spies, pretending to be honest men, flattered Jesus before asking him their trick question, hoping to catch him off guard. But Jesus knew what they were trying to do and stayed out of their trap. Beware of flattery. With God’s help, you can detect it and avoid the trap that often follows.
BIBLE READING: Luke 20:20-26
KEY BIBLE VERSE: And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor. (Luke 20:20)
FLATTERY IS AN ATTEMPT TO DECEIVE.
Jesus turned his enemies’ attempt to trap him into a powerful lesson: As God’s followers, we have legitimate obligations to both God and the government. But it is important to keep our priorities straight. When the two authorities conflict, our duty to God always must come before our duty to the government.
These spies, pretending to be honest men, flattered Jesus before asking him their trick question, hoping to catch him off guard. But Jesus knew what they were trying to do and stayed out of their trap. Beware of flattery. With God’s help, you can detect it and avoid the trap that often follows.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Flattery (Part 1)
WHAT ARE THE DANGERS IN BELIEVING FLATTERY?
Psalm 12:1-8
The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. (Psalm 12:6)
FLATTERY IS AN ATTEMPT TO MANIPULATE OTHERS.
Sincerity and truth are extremely valuable because they are so rare. Many people are deceivers, liars, flatterers; they think they will get what they want by deception. There are people like that even in the Lord's churches today.
As a king, David certainly faced his share of such people, who hoped to win his favor and gain advancement through flattery. When we think sincerity and truth have nearly gone out of existence, we have one hope-the Word of God. God’s words are as flawless as refined silver. So listen carefully when He speaks. And don't listen to the flatterers; they sound good at first, but they are poisonous!
Psalm 12:1-8
The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. (Psalm 12:6)
FLATTERY IS AN ATTEMPT TO MANIPULATE OTHERS.
Sincerity and truth are extremely valuable because they are so rare. Many people are deceivers, liars, flatterers; they think they will get what they want by deception. There are people like that even in the Lord's churches today.
As a king, David certainly faced his share of such people, who hoped to win his favor and gain advancement through flattery. When we think sincerity and truth have nearly gone out of existence, we have one hope-the Word of God. God’s words are as flawless as refined silver. So listen carefully when He speaks. And don't listen to the flatterers; they sound good at first, but they are poisonous!
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