learning DAILY



1 John 2:15-17, Do not love the world or the things of the world.  If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  For all that is in the world – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life – is not of the Father but is of the world.  And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

Okay, this is being used again.  But, my friend, D. C. Adkisson wrote in his daily writing (Echoes from the Campfire) a great explanation for what this Scripture is about.  Check it out.

I used to keep a sign in my classroom:  NO WHINING!  Whining is one of those things I cannot tolerate.  That's one reason I don't watch professional sports much anymore--they're a bunch of whiners.  Especially when it comes to money.  My kids learned real quick not to whine.

There is a difference between crying and whining.  Crying usually indicates some kind of need.  When a baby cries it has a need, but soon the parents must learn between crying and whining.  What we are seeing in the streets of our cities right now is what happens to whining.  They let it out by throwing a tantrum.  The thing is, when a child throws a tantrum usually no one is hurt, but when older "children" throw tantrums people may die. The kid laying on the floor throwing a tantrum if not dealt with becomes a hoodlum. Someone, because they don't get their own way becomes a threat to society.

A baby cries--I'm hungry."  An adult-baby whines--"I want my way."  A child gets hurt and cries; a hoodlum thinks he is getting picked on and he throws a brick when no one is looking.  It is distinguishing between "needs" and "wants."  What is it that you really "need" versus what is it that you "want"?  
What we need is Jesus Christ.  But the devil promises to fulfill what your evil heart desires.  He promises to fulfill all your wants:  lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, and the pride of life.  Paul says, "And my God shall supply all your NEED according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19, NKJV, emphasis added).  Some version make it plural--"needs"--but what do we really need?  Jesus Christ!  Back to one of my pet peeves--whining.  There is nothing worse than a Christian whining.  "Woe is me, I need a blessing."  God doesn't necessarily want to make you comfortable.  What that person is really whining is that "I'm spoiled, and I deserve it."  
The destruction of other people's property and the endangerment of their lives is the result of a permissive society.  A society where the parent(s) would not or could not say "NO" to their little darlings.  Pampering leads to whining and whining leads to a selfish person.  A person who believes that he is entitled.
I pity those who are caught up in themselves.  If they do not come to the realization that they need Christ; one day the whining will stop and the crying will be for real.
                           Ira Paine

If you would like to get this blog sent to you automatically when new posts are posted please leave your email address with “Follow by email.” Don’t forget to check Follow as well.

Remember – if you receive this blog through email, you can go to the regular blog page by moving your cursor to the top of the page and click on LEARNING DAILY header.  Then you can see the archived articles and comment section.  You can also leave a comment by clicking on the date in the Comment Section.