Honor in Challenging Circumstances

God desires for His people to be holy. Specific applications regarding holy behavior are found in 1 Peter. According to Peter’s instruction, God’s people are to submit to governing authorities including the king and governors. Peter wrote, “Honor the king” (2:17). That was a reference to the top ruling official in the land and applies to a president or prime minister or chairman (alternative titles of top leaders).

Many Americans give little or no thought to using harsh criticism, slanderous speech, and even hate speech against elected officials. They do so hiding behind ‘free speech.’ Unfortunately, some who claim to be Christians jump on the harsh speech bandwagon and in doing so intentionally dishonor the president. God does not guarantee free speech. He expects better.

The first recipients of Peter’s letter lived under the rule of the maniac emperor Caesar Nero. So, “honor the king” meant, “Honor Nero!”

What does it look like to honor a governing official who does not honor God? The Old Testament prophet Daniel provides a beautiful example.

King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, king of the first world empire, marched into Jerusalem and took many valuables, but also “some of the sons of Israel, including some of the royal family and of the nobles….” (1:3) Among those taken was Daniel. He, along with three other young men, was placed under the supervision of “the commander of the officials.” In general terms, this man governed over him.

Daniel and his friends were placed in a training program after which they would enter into the king’s personal service. They were appointed “a daily ration from the king’s choice food.” (1:5) However, Daniel believed the king’s food would make him unclean according to the Law of Moses. So, he determined not to defile himself. But, as a captive what could he do?

Daniel did not cross his arms in defiance and refuse to eat. He did not make a scene by vigorously protesting. He did not lash out or conspire with his friends by harshly criticizing their supervisor or the king. Rather, he asked permission to eat a different diet that he knew would not defile him.

Some time later, after having been placed in the king’s service, Daniel had the opportunity to interpret a dream that troubled King Nebuchadnezzar. God gave Daniel the interpretation of the dream, but it was not good news for the king. Nevertheless, Daniel delivered God’s message accurately and entirely. Surprising to some is the way Daniel prefaced the message: “My lord, if only the dream applied to those who hate you and its interpretation to your adversaries!” (4:8) Daniel had sincere respect for his pagan captor. Then, immediately after telling the king that God would bring him low and remove him from his throne, Daniel advised the king to turn from his sins by being righteous and by showing mercy to the poor.

Daniel’s examples teach us some things about submitting to authority:

• Daniel humbled himself and asked permission instead of protesting.
• Daniel told the truth, even though it was bad news.
• Daniel showed respect to his supervisor and to the king.
• Daniel displayed a genuine concern for the king and truly desired his welfare. He knew the king was a servant of God. (Cf. Romans 13:1-7.)

By honoring those in authority over him, Daniel drew attention to the God of heaven in a positive way. At all times he maintained his purity before God. By honoring the king he ultimately demonstrated honor toward God.

Honor those in authority. Your example and influence might save a soul.

Mark Stinnett

February 15, 2026

Deception: The Subtle Lie

It came as a cautionary warning and at the same time simple instruction. I had learned from my school friends that the aluminum foil on a gum wrapper could be separated from its wax paper backing and then pressed over a penny to make it look like a shiny dime.

I showed this neat trick to my mom and told her that a person could make a lot of money using the aluminum covered pennies as dimes. That's when mom's warning came, "You know, that is deceitful."

I was 11 years old and asked the meaning of this new vocabulary word.

Mom instructed, "It's a lie even though you didn't use words." She described the aluminum covered penny as a fake or counterfeit. (I knew those words.)

My disappointment was short-lived. After all, I realized that only a naïve person would be fooled. Fake, counterfeit, lie, deception; an unforgettable lesson.

People cleverly use a variety of words and phrases to mask the reality of their lie. At a very young age we all learned what it meant to tell a lie. We learned that lying is morally wrong and generally destructive. Nobody wants to be told a lie, and nobody wants to be labeled a liar. So, it is natural to try to mask a lie.

Many people think that 'white lies' are acceptable. Many people justify lying if it is for a good reason. It is not uncommon to hear people explain (rationalize) how their lie was not really a lie, it just wasn't the whole truth (deception).

Deceit might be the worst kind of lie because it is not as easy to evaluate as a 'boldfaced lie.' Deceit is most often subtle. As in my illustration above, deceit might not use words. Where words are used, cleverly crafted communication may obscure the full truth. Deceit often involves trickery. In whatever way it is described, however, deceit is always a lie.

Numerous passages in the Psalms and Proverbs describe a companion to deceit: destruction. Deceit is destructive because it violates trust. When trust is lost family relationships are broken, friendships are destroyed, work relationships are strained. Broken trust is difficult to repair.

It is no surprise, then, that Solomon issues a clear and strong warning:

Put away from you a deceitful mouth

And put devious speech far from you.

—Proverbs 4:24

Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil,

But counselors of peace have joy.

—Proverbs 12:20

Those who use deception in life carry a ‘toolbox’ full of techniques to shade the truth and manipulate the perceptions of people. Sadly, most deceivers have manipulated their perception of themselves: self-deception.

Whenever you are tempted to deceive someone, you should remember:

• God hates a lying tongue (Proverbs 6:17). It has no part in His kingdom.
• One of the most common strategies of the devil is deception. After all, he is the father of lies. (John 8:44) Do you really want to be like the devil?!

Be wise. No lies.

Mark Stinnett

February 8, 2026

Who Draws Your Attention?

What a struggle we humans must overcome.

Think about the ways we sometimes think. 

Imagine passing by a neighborhood just up the road. Thoughts wander…

I wish we could afford that kind of property. I’d like to get to know those people. Maybe they could provide some good contacts for my business. I’ll bet we could get our kids on their ball team, one of the best in the area.

I would never live in a house of that size with only two kids. They are no better than my family, they don’t even live a godly lifestyle.

They should rename their address ‘Easy Street.’ They take lavish vacations. I wish they would invite me along just to take care of their dog. It must be nice to take off and travel whenever and wherever you want.

How easy it is to ‘size up’ other folks. Everyone has a different scenario, but we (humans) often look at those around us and wish we had what they had: possessions, position, lifestyle, etc. Many people wish to ‘rub elbows’ with those who are perceived to be important people. Yet, to what end?

Do not be envious of evil men,

Nor desire to be with them;

For their minds devise violence,

And their lips talk of trouble.

--Proverbs 24:1-2

It is easy to rationalize this proverb backward. In other words, we can easily evaluate whether a person is ‘evil’ on the basis of whether they obviously ‘devise violence’ or their ‘lips talk of trouble.’

However, the proverb was not written to define evil people, but rather to illuminate the way of evil people. Proverbs 2 describes the ‘evil’ man as one who leaves the paths of uprightness. So, the reality is that a person who has left the path of uprightness will ‘devise violence’ and ‘talk of trouble.’ That is their nature.

Now, it would be wrong to assume that all those who have money, or possessions, or position, or power, or a certain lifestyle, etc. are evil. That is not what is being said. Rather, there are many people that have left the path of uprightness and yet have acquired money, possessions, position, power, etc. The question we must ask ourselves is whether those desirable things justify our natural human desire to be like them or be with them.

Consider God’s view of the evil man:

For the crooked man is an abomination to the LORD;

But He is intimate with the upright.

--Proverbs 3:32

Before glancing toward those with riches, possessions, power, position, a desirable lifestyle, etc. we should recognize that those things do not define goodness. Those things do not define godliness. Those things do not make a person a friend of God. Many evil people have acquired desirable things.

Whenever a person envies the evil man and desires to be with him, he declares a desire to align himself with one who is detestable to God. It is better to be drawn, not to riches, power, position, etc. but to be drawn to goodness, righteousness, purity, and the things of God.

Train your eyes to desire to be like those who are beautiful to God.

Be wise.

Mark Stinnett

February 1, 2026

Brother to Destruction

There are people who are busy. There are busybodies. And then there are people who work.

Work is good. Work is generally productive. Work is most often tiring.

Many people naturally equate ‘work’ with physical effort, maybe some grunting and huffing and puffing, and weary muscles at the end of the day. Of course, not all work wears a person out physically. Some work is mentally exhausting. ‘Work’ is a broad term that describes human effort to accomplish things. Sometimes, our ‘play’ involves work.

We all have our opinions about ‘my’ work, ‘their’ work, and all the things that people call work that aren’t work at all. Set your opinions aside for a moment and listen to Solomon. He wrote something quite practical.

He also who is slack in his work

Is brother to him who destroys.

—Proverbs 18:9

I think the proverb speaks for itself, but if not, re-read the proverb and then pause...think of the results.

• What is the result of the one who is slack in his work?
• What is the result of the one who destroys?

Solomon presents us with a fact about work. He approaches the fact from a negative standpoint but makes no judgment, offers no admonition, and gives no advice. He just leaves it out there for you and me to consider.

I suppose someone might want to contest Solomon’s conclusion. Someone else might want to issue a personal declaration justifying their work or lack of it. Surely someone will quip in agreement, “Well, isn't that the truth!”

Solomon doesn’t target anyone in particular. Again, he just leaves this truth out there for us to consider.

I immediately thought about a few lingering projects at my house. I pictured the ‘unfinished’ work and then recognized that while it is unfinished, it looks similar to destruction. I can rationalize that it is a ‘work in progress.’ But to be honest, I’ve been ‘slack in my work’ on those projects.

Now I have a choice.

As with other proverbs, do you see how this proverb works?

Solomon did not tell his reader what to do. He simply helps his reader face a truth in life. For this proverb, it doesn’t matter if you are a Christian or a criminal. You must decide what you will do with the truth presented.

It is the kind of proverb that motivates me to do better. And it also reminds me of some other teachings about work in the Bible. Consider…

If anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. 

(The full passage in 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 is quite interesting.)

Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you, so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need. 

--1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with the one who has need.

--Ephesians 4:28

God expects His people to work so that they are not a burden on others but rather, so they can help others. So, don’t be a slacker. Be wise.

Mark Stinnett

January 18, 2026

Abominable

The word ‘abomination’ doesn’t come up much in casual conversation. In the Old Testament, however, you will find the word over 100 times. The Hebrew word was also translated loathsome or detestable on a few occasions. Even if you do not know the precise meaning of the word, you probably get the sense that it is a bad thing. You might say that it is worse than the things you usually think of as bad.

The word appears first in reference to the brothers of Joseph who were loathsome to the Egyptians. Later, we read that “every shepherd is loathsome to the Egyptians.” (Genesis 46:34) So, it is most likely that this extreme prejudice was rooted in their occupation, not their race.

The next mention of something abominable is found in the book of Leviticus in reference to homosexuality. The pagan nations of Canaan were guilty of this and other abominations. When reading Leviticus 18, you get the idea that God was not simply giving Israel a gift when He promised them the land of Canaan. Rather, He was cleansing the land of people who were so far removed from His holiness that they had become an abomination. So, God cleansed the land by purging it of the evil nations and bringing in His holy nation to possess it.

‘Abomination’ is sometimes used in the context of things that God hates, but it is worse than ‘hate.’ Someone in our day might say something like, “If there’s one thing I hate, it is….” Or, “The thing I hate more than anything else is….” The way God expressed His extreme hatred for something that He hates the most was by using the word abomination.

When you start looking into the things that were an abomination to God you might notice that you begin to feel dirty. You might even begin to turn your mouth downward like you would when you feel nauseous. You read about things like the worship of false gods, bowing to idols, child sacrifice, and homosexuality. It should not be surprising that it is detestable to God when someone causes strife among friends.

When writing this article I realized that at this point I was literally feeling a little queasy. Let’s be straightforward. Things that are an abomination to God make Him feel like vomiting.

I also noticed that unlike some of the laws found in the Law of Moses, things that are an abomination to God are always an abomination. For example, there were food restriction in the Law of Moses that no longer applied in the new covenant. Jesus declared all food to be clean. The same is not true about abominations. You could say that anything abominable to God in the Old Testament is abominable in the New Testament. That said, did you know…

A false balance is an abomination to the Lord,

But a just weight is His delight.

—Proverbs 11:1

The balance scale has been used for millennia to ensure fair trade. Yet people have found ways to cheat by using a false balance. Solomon was teaching that God delights in fairness, justice and equity. If you wish to please God you will be fair, ethical and law abiding.

In our day many people live by a code of ethics that allows them to be unfair as long as they don’t break a law. They say, “It might be unethical, but it is not illegal!” That is an abomination. It makes God want to vomit!

Do you need to rethink your ethics? 

Be a delight to God.

Be wise.

Mark Stinnett

January 11, 2026

Listen, Watch, Walk

Parents make sacrifices for their children. They want to make sure their children have a good life. Of course, parents have different ideas about what makes life good. Ideas range from wealth to a good career to ownership of property; or perhaps, a loving family, good health, comfortable living, a good education, good standing in the community, and so on.

For wise Solomon, the best thing he could give his son was wisdom. And while much of the wisdom of Solomon came from careful observation of life, his God-given gift of wisdom transcended the wisdom of the world. He saw the value of honoring and revering God, living a life of righteousness, and being devoted to integrity and equity toward his fellow man. These were among the things he had in mind when he pleaded:

My son, give attention to my words;

Incline your ear to my sayings.

Do not let them depart from your sight’

Keep them in the midst of your heart.

For they are life to those who find them

And health to all their body.

—Proverbs 4:20-22

Solomon recognized that wisdom guided the human spirit and provided health to the human body. Someone recently commented to me that even an unbeliever would live a better life by following the wisdom of Solomon.

If only written, you can still sense the stress in Solomon’s voice as he urged his son to listen. Continuing in verse 23:

Watch over your heart with all diligence….

The heart refers to the human spirit where the human will, emotion, and intellect reside. Solomon knew that the spirit can be deceived and can itself affect the perceptions and decisions of the soul. So, the soul must take responsibility and guard the heart (spirit). This is primarily about watching what influences come into the heart and mind. In the verse that follows, Solomon urges care regarding what comes out of the heart:

Put away from you a deceitful mouth

And put devious speech far from you. (24)

How is all this accomplished?

The answer is found in the final three verses:

Let your eyes look directly ahead

And let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you. (25)

First, your soul makes a resolute decision. The direction of one’s gaze is to be trained toward God, fixed (set) on His written revelation, Scripture.

Watch the path of your feet

And all your ways will be established. (26)

Once your soul is locked in on God and His word, look at your feet, that is, examine yourself, to ensure that you are walking according to God’s way.

Do not turn to the right nor to the left;

Turn your foot from evil. (27)

Verse 26 is the positive instruction that is to be followed while verse 27 is more defensive. It is instruction in what is to be avoided.

This is wisdom from above. Trust it and it will make your life on earth good. It will also help to prepare you for life to come. 

So, be wise.

Mark Stinnett

January 4, 2026