Check Out Counter Foolishness

We’ve all seen them.  They are presented before us each time we check out at the grocery store or at CVS.  They are the “supermarket tabloids”.  They inform us that Kim Kardashian is not really pregnant….they tell us that Brad and Angelina are “on the rocks” with their relationship.  They give us the annual “guess who” issue showing us pictures of cellulite and big bellies of celebrities on the beach.   They tell us the “Bachelor” is really not a virgin and he’s not as nice as he looks.  These magazines spew forth bad news and made up stories on a regular basis.  Why?  In part, because most people do not heed Proverbs 17:4-5.  Let’s read that below: 

An evildoer gives heed to false lips;
A liar listens eagerly to a spiteful tongue.  He who mocks the poor reproaches his Maker;
He who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished.

If we devour the news of the National Enquirer and others like it, we are giving heed to false lips.  We are listening eagerly to a spiteful tongue.  We are glad at the calamity of others.  There is something within our sinful, human nature that “enjoys” hearing bad news of others; even if we suspect that most of it is untrue.  We must put away those desires and listen to the words of God.  Next time you go through the checkout, don’t read the headlines, instead just pray a prayer for the people whom you see on the cover.   I think that’s what God would want us to do.

In wisdom,
Eric

Share

Leave a Reply