How can we guard against attitudes of contempt toward God in our culture? Tracing the Charge of Contempt • 2 Kings 19:22: “Whom have you taunted and blasphemed? Against Whom have you raised your voice and lifted your eyes in pride? Against the Holy One of Israel!” • Sennacherib’s insults were not merely political; they struck at God Himself. Any culture that belittles the Lord repeats that same arrogance. Why Contempt Rises in Every Generation • Forgetfulness of God’s acts (Psalm 106:21) • Intellectual pride that separates knowledge from worship (Romans 1:21) • Social pressure to mock what is holy (Psalm 1:1) • Comfort that dulls the fear of the Lord (Deuteronomy 8:11–14) Spotting the Subtle Signs • Casual use of God’s name as filler or punchline • Entertainment that normalizes sin and scoffs at righteousness • Self-reliance that says, “I’ve got this” without prayer • Cynicism toward Scripture’s authority or historicity • Dismissing conviction as outdated “guilt” Guardrails for the Heart 1. Daily Scripture Intake – Psalm 119:11: hiding His word stores reverence within. 2. Continual Gratitude – Hebrews 12:28-29: gratitude fuels “reverence and awe.” 3. Honoring His Name in Speech – Exodus 20:7 paired with Galatians 6:7: mocking God corrodes the soul. 4. Choosing Humility – 1 Peter 5:5-6: humility invites grace; pride invites opposition. Practices That Shape a Reverent Lifestyle • Corporate worship—regularly rehearse His greatness with others. • Confession—keep short accounts so contempt can’t gain a foothold. • Remember His works—journal answered prayers; retell testimonies (Psalm 145:4). • Mentor and be mentored—accountability multiplies vigilance. • Fast from contempt-breeding media—replace with content that magnifies Christ. Encouragement from Hezekiah’s Example • Hezekiah spread the blasphemous letter before the Lord (2 Kings 19:14). • He exalted God’s uniqueness: “You alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth” (v. 15). • Result: God defended His own honor, and the mocking army fell (vv. 35-37). • Lesson: when contempt surfaces, respond with worship, intercession, and unwavering trust. Living Distinct in a Derisive Age • Speak truth with gentleness (Ephesians 4:15), refusing both silence and spite. • Intercede for leaders and cultural influencers (1 Timothy 2:1-2). • Model integrity—even small compromises breed quiet contempt. • Celebrate holiness—remind one another that “Holy, Holy, Holy is the LORD of Hosts” (Isaiah 6:3). • Fix hope on Christ’s exaltation: “At the name of Jesus every knee will bow” (Philippians 2:10-11). Remaining vigilant is not heavy drudgery; it is the joyful safeguard of hearts that know God’s majesty and refuse to trade awe for scorn. |
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