For the past eight years and now into a new Presidential administration, I have noticed that there is a spirit of offense everywhere. The streets are filled with people who are angry, mad, upset and in a bad mood most of the time. We have seen riots, turmoil and trouble all over the land of America and it seems around the world. If you are of a political group or for a certain political figure, there seems to be such a spirit that people are at each others throat. You mention someone or a particular person, before long there is a debate, arguments, words fly and someone is offended.

We have seen for the past few years nothing but negative ads, negative billboards, negative political leaders and now it seems the leaders who have led this country for the past few years be reduced to a bunch of children playing in a sandbox. But you know what is really sad, is Christians acting like sandbox saints.

I don’t have to explain the sandbox and how kids get in there and if there is a certain toy another child wants, a fight breaks out and soon there is a power struggle. We expect this of children but not adults, yet there is something going on. Have those who name the name of Christ fell and become prey to this spirit? It seems like people are so offended these days no matter what. All you have to say is Boo and someone gets upset, hurt and soon friendships are broken.

We love Facebook and technology but it has hurt people and not only people it has hurt the cause of the Church. There was a day when people would sit down and write a letter to someone but that day is just about past. No longer do we write someone or send a letter out, we have messenger, Facebook, email, etc. For the most part, people don’t even call because we have a easy way to bypass that but even more now people get offended because it’s easy to sit behind a computer and voice your thoughts and not have a face to face conversation. Technology is a blessing but it also has become a curse.

Have you fallen under this spirit of offense that is in the land? Are you easily hurt these days? Do you feel overlooked? Are you in your sandbox and been reduced to fighting to keep your toys? I’m sure someone will be offended at this post but something evil has happened.

The Bible says: Ecclesiastes 7:21-22  Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee: 22 For oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others.

One way to guard your heart against offense, don’t take everything you hear to heart. Don’t be oversensitive. You may think that’s a gift but it could be the enemy out to destroy you and relationships.

Verse 22 lets us know that you are not always snow white because you have said and done things too. You know it, so be honest with yourself.

Are you a “contentious” person or “confrontational”? I can tell when someone is putting something on Facebook what spirit they are of. Purposefully trying to start something on Facebook just because you are sitting there upset over things around you, on the news, in the Church, in the homes and you feel you have to “address” it.

That’s not always a good thing. The Bible is clear about many things and this is one of them.

Proverbs 11:12 He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.

Sometimes, it’s best just to hold your peace and let GOD work it out. Voicing your thoughts is not always good. I hear people saying, “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind.” The problem is, you have given out so many pieces, you don’t have much left.

Colossians 3:13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

Have we forgot this scripture? What happened to “forbearing”? What happened to “forgiving”? I can tell you that we claim to have a forgiving heart but sit around and just watch. A person can do one good thing in life and it is quickly forgotten but you let someone do something bad and it is remembered for their lifetime. We say we forgive but you do not or you would.

Having hurt feelings and being easily offended is almost always a result of being too preoccupied with “self”: “No one liked my ideas.” “They hardly talked to me .” “He didn’t even thank me .” “No one ever asked for my opinion.” “Why wasn’t I considered for the position?” “Nobody paid any attention to me .” This is always a result of being focus on “Self.”

I am led to believe that many are falling under the spirits that have been created by the leaderships in this country for the past few years. Seriously, there is such negative people and faithless people now days that it’s sad. In the physical area, people are not getting enough sleep and we have many tired saints that need to turn the TV off, get some rest and pray.

I’m not going to say much more because people don’t like LONG post and most of the time won’t read it but examine yourself, have you fallen prey to the “spirit” of offense? Step back and take a breath, get some rest, pray and stop taking everything to heart.

So what if someone believes the earth is flat? Not my dog, not my fight. So what if someone believes something that is against what you believe? Talk like civilize people. God knows the people in D.C. are acting like kids in the sandbox but life is too short to dance with an ugly women 😉

The church should never be acting like kids in a sandbox. It’s not about “self” it’s about reaching people for Jesus.

Sorry for the ramble, I could write more on this subject it’s time we grow up again.

Just remember: Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

Ephesians 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.