The Groans of Others
On a popular television quiz show the contestants are asked to complete a sentence the way they believe a panel of celebrities would. After one contestant completed the sentence given to her, a loud groan of disapproval came from the audience. The emcee turned to the audience and said, “Well, what would you have said?” to which came a loud garbled assortment of answers. They were vocally united in their groans of disapproval, but notably divided in their answers.
CONSIDER the groaning of others and how easy it is to do. Coming up with the right answers, well that is not so easy. Likewise, it’s easy to be persuaded by the groans of others, especially when they are so loud and unanimous. The groans of others have a way of making us feel inadequate and/or inferior. They can cause us to quit what we are doing if we listen to them long enough.
In a world filled with people who delight in groaning at others, we need to be able to listen to the Lord. He must be our counselor, for He never groans at us. He will quietly share the words of life with those who listen and will give encouragement to those who speak the truth and do what is right for His sake.
“But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children.” (Psalm 103:17)
Rev. Wendell Mettey
May 1978
Revised May 2013
