Reviews and Views

…in my opinion.

Advice – Disagreements with Neighbors


When a disagreement arises with your neighbor, don’t rush to action in a court of law. First, go to your neighbor and try to reconcile your differences. If you are unsuccessful, then consider the following questions:

  • Is this disagreement trivial? How substantial is this disagreement?
  • How do you intend to manage it before taking him to court?
  • How much will your out-of-pocket expenses be in court costs?
  • What level of certainty do you have of success?
  • How much stress are you willing to endure, and for how long?
  • How will you move forward if the court rules against your charges and in favor of your neighbor?

You might consider prayer. Ask the Lord to change your neighbor’s heart and your heart to do what is best for both parties. God may be gracious to you both with the dispute resolved. Whatever agreement is made in secret, it must never be divulged or made known to others. A man that cannot keep a secret will be forever known as a blabber and gossip and cannot be trusted to do what he says he will do.

November 15, 2022 Posted by | advice, Hope, Life | , , | Leave a comment

Neglect

Now and in the days ahead, people will need our help somehow. They may need a listening ear, a hug of sympathy, a word of encouragement, a grocery bag of food, or an explanation of understanding. We should not ignore those around us nor neglect our duty to serve and help as we can.

Alexander MacLaren, a Baptist preacher and expositor (1826-1910), wrote about many things and subjects. Still, the Crime of Negligence got me thinking about those in my orbit of life. I share a portion of his writing below. 

The Crime of Negligence
We are to use any power we possess to help others. Not doing so is a sin. Whether we intentionally or forgetfully neglect to do anything we can is a crime. To withhold help we can render or provide is to participate in the authorship of all the misery we have failed to relieve. He who neglects to save a life; kills. Our cities and communities are led by incompetent, inept, and bungling men or women in high positions. The indolent, lazy, and slothful ones in lower places of authority are responsible for the suffering of many. It is their blundering blindness that allows any suffering to continue. Misery is caused by their selfishness. Violence slays its thousands, but tens of thousands are destroyed by a failure to act or protest due to one’s moral weakness or laziness. Where the conditions are fatal to life, the guilt of blood lies on these people.

The Excuse of Negligence
We are obliged to know things. Even the most ignorant of us know. We cannot help knowing which condemns our neglect. Basically, there are no excuses for being negligent. To say, “We didn’t know,” is really a lie of a coward. Pretending ignorance is partly a false excuse. To neglect those in trouble and need around us is to be callous of heart to the woe and loss that other men suffer.

The Condemnation of Negligence
God watches the hearts of men and women with great diligence. This contrasts with our lazy and superficial looks. If God ‘takes pains’ to see after His children, we are bound to look with great care on each of our brethren. God seeks to know each of His children. Are we not bound or obligated to know one another? Are we too busy with our petty personal concerns to take an interest in helping the sorrows and fighting against the sins of the world? The strongest motive for seeking to save others is that God has saved us.

The Judgment of Negligence
Let us not forget that our works follow us in this life and the future. There is a judgment both presently and in the future for all men. Not only what they do but what they inconsistently fail to do. Deliver those that are appointed or sentenced to be slain unjustly. Don’t hesitate to help them with your faithful witness.

November 13, 2022 Posted by | advice, Culture, Religion | , , , | Leave a comment

Advice from an Old Man to a Younger One

What wisdom I have comes from the Word of God as I study the Bible. This advice today comes from the book of Proverbs 24:27 as the father instructs his son on how to proceed as he is about to leave home.

First, give attention to the things most necessary for your survival in making a living in this world. Don’t shy away from hard work, but be diligent in preparing yourself physically, mentally, and spiritually. You may choose a path toward more education or to develop a trade skill, but whatever path you choose, it should provide enough income to support youself and save a little. After that, you may consider marriage and building a family. But always be prudent in counting the costs before proceeding.

“The Lord bless you, and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance on you, and give you peace.”
Numbers 6:24-25

November 10, 2022 Posted by | advice, Bible, Culture, Life | , , , | Leave a comment

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