thoughts

   "True instruction was in his mouth, and no wrong was found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and uprightness, and he turned many from iniquity. For the lips of a priest should guard knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts."

   I find these words, in the context around Malachi 2:6, during a time when I have not been properly fulfilling my priestly duties. Extinguished Scholar, priestly duties, what? That's a fair enough question, although I suppose a good number of my readers might already have some idea of where I'm coming from. Basically, back in B.C. times the priests served before God, lifting up sacrifices in the temple. When Jesus came, he fulfilled that burden in his death and resurrection. These years, Christ's Spirit dwells in those who put their trust in Him, changing their dead hearts into a sort of living temple. Believers are called to offer themselves wholeheartedly to God, and to minister to others in the church and outside it. That, more or less, is what I mean by "my priestly duties".
   But lately things haven't been going very well along that score. Not that what I do can earn me any points in God's eyes, because apart from Christ I am nothing. What I mean is that the direction of posts here has started to head seriously off course. Whether it be cutting down on the "Gripes" or realizing how little I know about the things I bring up, I need to pause at length to consider how my words will instruct, build up, and even turn from iniquity.
   Does this mean I'm throwing in the towel? Or am I going to turn this website into some sort of online Sunday School? Am I vowing never to complain again? No, nope and not likely. I still hope to dig as deep as I am enabled into things like the learning process, employment, the Internet, product design, computers, copyrights, music - or wherever else I am eventually led - and bring something to light here, where others can help me clean it off. There is no need for my idle chatter online, nor am I the final word on any topic. Yet, as (or when) I become better focused, I hope to keep posting. It is my prayer that I will continually remember on whose behalf I speak.