Headstrong

259 - Today's Prime Time Devo comes from 2Ti 3:1-4, But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, (2Ti 3:1-4,) Next on the list of strength sapping influences and behaviors in the church is that of being headstrong. The King James says, “heady.” Interesting word. In the Greek it is propetes (prop et ace') It means “falling forward” the idea being falling headlong. A synonymn for this word is “rash.” You know the type “Ready! Fire! Aim! Instead of Ready! Aim! Fire! They are marked by impulsive vehemence or passion! A couple of biblical examples come to mind. Samson in the Old Testament, (just read his story beginning at Judges 13 and you will see what I mean) and in the New Testament we have the rashness of Peter, who sliced off the ear of one of the arresting party in Gethsemane. The headstrong act without thinking and speak without thinking and usually no amount of talking to them will change their mind. They are ever right and everyone else is ever wrong. Unless the Lord gets a hold of them, and gives them a dose of meekness, they remain unteachable, unmoldable, and you can see the problems that will cause in a congregation. To be honest, I cringe at some of the posts I see on Facebook from people who claim to be followers of Christ. They take everything they see on line as gospel truth then pass it along adding their own virulent comments to the mix. This has become very evident in the political arena for example and both sides are guilty! Stop it! Respect the authorities that God has placed in office, or have you forgotten: Ro 13:1 Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. And then in Ro 13:7 Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.” And before you rashly decide to hit that share button, make sure the story is true! Ex 23:1 says, "You shall not circulate a false report. Do not put your hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.