Sermon Central
-
Do You Have A "chip On The Shoulder"?
Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Jan 15, 2020 (message contributor)
Hebrew scholar Gensenius, says that the meaning of the Old Testament word for "meekness" involves "a lowly, pious, and modest mind, which prefers to bear injuries rather than return them." Meekness is not only the opposite of pride, but of stubbornness, fierceness, and vengefulness. It is the opposite of self-will toward God, and of ill-will toward men. The meek person will not expect to be always treated with respect and reverence. He will do his duty in the station where God has set him gently and lovingly, seeking not honor from men, ambitious only to be well pleasing unto the Lord.
Meekness is also patience in reception of injuries with a belief that God will vindicate us. The heart of the meek is too great to be moved by little insults. The person who is constantly ruffled, who suffers at every little insult or injury to throw him off his guard, and to raise a storm of passion within, is at the mercy of every mortal that chooses to disturb him. He is like the troubled sea that cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. We may acknowledge our own bankruptcy (Mt 5:3) and mourn (Mt 5:4), but to respond with meekness when others tell us of our spiritual bankruptcy and weaknesses is far harder.
In the pioneer days of the state of Colorado, when men came from hundreds of miles to have jobs as loggers in the Rocky Mountains, many times they could not get away from the workplace because of heavy snowfall. with nowhere to go and nothing to do, many of the loggers would find ways to amuse themselves the wrong way -- through fighting and drunkenness. It would all get started when one of the loggers would take a chip and put it on his shoulder. He would then rub shoulders with some of his co-workers to see who wanted to fight. If another logger knocked the "chip off of his shoulder", then the fight was on!
Do you carry a "chip on your shoulder"? Are you so sensitive to the comments of those around you that you are easily offended and ready for a verbal fight? Do you over-think little comments of those around you and turn make mountains out of mole hills? That is not the evidence of the Spirit-controlled mind. How many marriages, relationships, business and ministries have been destroyed by such a sensitive spirit. Jesus said, "Blessed are the meek". Those who walk in meekness and gentleness allow God to fight their battles and do not need to carry a "chip on their shoulder".
- Matoon, Petton, Precept Austin
Related Sermon Illustrations
-
What Is Sin? PRO
Contributed by David Schaal on Sep 4, 2003
What is Sin? · Man calls it an accident; God calls it an abomination. · Man calls it a blunder; God calls it blindness. · Man calls it a defect; God calls it a disease. · Man calls it a chance; God calls it a choice. · Man calls it an error; God calls it an enmity. · Man calls it a ...read more
-
Marine Corps Boot Camp Lasted 18 Weeks When I ... PRO
Contributed by David Schaal on Sep 4, 2003
Marine Corps Boot camp lasted 18 weeks when I was in the Corps. During those 18 week, we were never, ever called Marines. The very last week of Boot Camp was so exciting because we new we were going to graduate. Then our Drill Instructors handed us a patch to iron on our camouflaged uniform. The ...read more
-
The Rock
Contributed by Philip Harrelson on Feb 8, 2007
The Rock A man was sleeping at night in his cabin when suddenly his room filled with light and the Savior appeared. The Lord told the man He had work for him to do, and showed him a large rock in front of his cabin. The Lord explained that the man was to push against the rock with all his ...read more
-
The Movie Rudy PRO
Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Oct 20, 2004
Video Illustration: The Movie Rudy The Movie: Based on the true story of Rudy Ruettiger, this film is about friendship, courage, and sacrifice. Rudy (Sean Austin) grew up in a small steel town with the dream of someday playing football for Notre Dame. Despite many obstacles, he refused to give ...read more
-
Martin Luther Had Visitors For Dinner One Day. ...
Contributed by Dan Mahan on Jan 7, 2007
Martin Luther had visitors for dinner one day. His puppy happened to be at the table, looking for a morsel from his master. The puppy watched with open mouth and motionless eyes. Martin Luther said, "Oh, if I could only pray the way this dog watches the meat! All his thoughts are concentrated on ...read more
Related Sermons
-
The Seed Of Promise Series
Contributed by Jeff Strite on Dec 31, 2017
Jesus came to do 2 things: save the lost and build His church. But how was He going to build His church and what tool did He give us to use to help Him do that?
-
Be Angry, But Do Not Sin
Contributed by Melvin Newland on Aug 1, 2015
God is saying that there is love that is good, & that there is love that is not good. In the same way, He also says that there is anger that is acceptable, & anger that is not acceptable. (Powerpoints Available - #447)
-
-
The Fires Of Anger Series
Contributed by Jeff Strite on Nov 30, 2015
God hates it when we lose our temper. But how do we stop doing that? What does God tell us we can do to get rid of our anger?
-
Standing Side By Side Series
Contributed by Jeff Strite on May 6, 2018
It is a constant theme in Scripture - God calls His church to be "united". What does this mean, and how can we get it done?
