Lessons On Living

[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From Moses
Scripture: Exodus 20:14 Psalm 119:11 Matthew 5:8 Galatians 5:19-21 Hebrews 13:4 Matthew 5:27-28 1 Timothy 5:22

An Undefiled Bed

Exodus 20:14

You shall not commit adultery.

An Undefiled Bed

A newspaper publisher offered a prize for the best answer to the question, "Why is a newspaper like a good woman?" The winning answer was, "Because every man should have one of his own and not look at his neighbor’s!"

While the publisher’s contest may not have been in the best of taste, the winning answer certainly contains an important truth. As the Israelites moved out into pagan nations that worshiped fertility gods and goddesses, God knew they would face strong temptations to sexual immorality. Therefore He bluntly commanded them, "You shall not commit adultery."

This same command is repeated in a number of ways in the New Testament. The writer of Hebrews says, "Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge" (Heb. 13:4). The apostle Paul ranks adultery on the same level as idolatry, sorcery, murder, and drunkenness, among other sins of the flesh (Gal. 5:19-21). We must also remember that Jesus expanded the meaning of adultery beyond the physical act to include lusting in our hearts (Matt. 5:27-28). In fact, almost all adultery begins in the heart.

In our own day, when adultery and almost every other form of sexual immorality is accepted as commonplace, Christians need to walk carefully as well. Satan will use everything including the scantily clad person on the beach, the pornographic magazines sold at the local gas station or the suggestive shows on television to cause you to stumble.

If you struggle with sexual temptation, begin to memorize God’s Word, especially verses that talk about purity (such as Matt. 5:8 and 1 Tim. 5:22). If the problem begins in the heart, hide God’s Word there so you can nip temptation at the point of origin (Ps. 119:11). Share your struggle with a trusted friend who can both keep your confidence and keep you accountable. Whatever it might cost in terms of wounded pride and denied desires, it will be worth it all.

When adultery walks in, everything worth having walks out.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From Esther
Scripture: Esther 1:1-4

Happiness Is...

Esther 1:1, 3-4

"Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus (this was the Ahasuerus who reigned over one hundred and twenty-seven provinces, from India to Ethiopia), . . . that in the third year of his reign he made a feast for all his officials and servants--the powers of Persia and Media, the nobles, and the princes of the provinces being before him--when he showed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the splendor of his excellent majesty for many days, one hundred and eighty days in all."

Happiness Is . . .

A number of years ago a popular fad was to complete the phrase "Happiness is . . . ." Some suggested that happiness is a cuddly warm puppy; others said happiness is having good health, a comfortable home, money in the bank, a close family or loyal friends.

Had someone asked the Persian king Ahasuerus about happiness, he probably would have answered, "Victory in battle." Ahasuerus was gearing up to wage war against Greece. It wasn't that he needed more land; at its height the Persian Empire controlled nearly two million square miles. Nor did he need more wealth. It took 180 days for Ahasuerus to display all his possessions. None of this, however, made him happy.

Ahasuerus later failed in his attempt to conquer the Greeks. He was defeated at the battle of Salamis and retreated home to lick his wounds. It wouldn't have mattered anyway. True happiness can no more be found in military victory than in material possessions. Instead, as the children's song expresses it, "Happiness is to know the Savior, living a life within His favor, having a change in my behavior. Happiness is the Lord."

What are you looking to for happiness? Family, friends and sufficient material possessions are important. But knowing that your sins are forgiven and you're on your way to heaven is real happiness. If you haven't received Jesus Christ as your Savior, do so today. If you already have a personal relationship with the Lord, take a few moments to meditate on all your blessings.

Success is getting what you want; happiness is wanting what you get.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From Esther
Scripture: Esther 1:10-12

Standing Firm

Esther 1:10-12

"On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, seven eunuchs who served in the presence of King Ahasuerus, to bring Queen Vashti before the king, wearing her royal crown, in order to show her beauty to the people and the officials, for she was beautiful to behold. But Queen Vashti refused to come at the king's command brought by his eunuchs; therefore the king was furious, and his anger burned within him."

Standing Firm

Thomas Jefferson wrote, "In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock." In other words, some things are not worth arguing about, while others are of such value they cannot be compromised.

Although a pagan queen, Vashti had principles she refused to compromise. When Ahasuerus called for her to present herself before his comrades and him, Vashti knew it was inappropriate in her culture for a woman to display herself to the leers of other men. To expose herself to such treatment implied an immodesty, even an unchastity, that was not true of her. She would not concede her principles and thus refused the king's command.

Standing for one's principles, however, can have costly consequences. Vashti was removed from her position as queen. Others have made similar sacrifices. Bubba Smith, regarded as one of professional football's greatest defensive ends, chose to end a lucrative contract to do beer commercials because he concluded that they encouraged the wrong kind of behavior.

Whether at work, in social relationships, or in the political arena, Christians face tremendous pressure to participate in activities and attitudes contrary to God's will. It's important, however, that we take an uncompromising position when it comes to our principles.

Ask God to give you the ability to discern between what is merely incidental and what is of eternal value. Then ask Him to give you the strength and courage to stand for your principles.

Tolerance is often championed by people who have nothing to stand for.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From Esther
Scripture: Esther 1:17-18

Keep Your Cool

Esther 1:17-18

"For the queen's behavior will become known to all women, so that they will despise their husbands in their eyes, when they report, 'King Ahasuerus commanded Queen Vashti to be brought in before him, but she did not come.' This very day the noble ladies of Persia and Media will say to all the king's officials that they have heard of the behavior of the queen. Thus there will be excessive contempt and wrath."

Keep Your Cool

Overreacting can have unexpected results. One mother related that she came home from a shopping trip to find her five children in a huddle. Curious as to what could be so intriguing, she slipped up behind them and peeked over their shoulders. To her horror she saw the kids had captured five baby skunks. "Quick, children, run!" she shouted. Thinking some disaster was about to happen, they scattered to all parts of the house--each with a baby skunk in his arms. The mother's overreaction insured that every room got its share of the spray.

When King Ahasuerus' advisors overreacted, they created an equally odious situation. What could have been merely a personal family matter was blown into an issue of national security. Consequently, their suggestion to remove Vashti as queen (v. 19) far exceeded the crime.

Often the intensity of the moment causes situations to loom far larger than they really are. When we overreact to such circumstances, sometimes justice gets trampled in the stampede. Then we regret our responses when we later view them more objectively.

Are there things in your life that seem unbearable? Does someone always rub you the wrong way? Before you overreact, ask God to show you His purpose in your frustrations. View them with eternity's telescope. Get God's viewpoint before you react.

A moment of prayerful reflection can prevent a lifetime of bitter regret.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From Esther
Scripture: Ephesians 5:33 Esther 1:20-22

Standing on the Inside

Esther 1:20-22

"'When the king's decree which he will make is proclaimed throughout all his empire (for it is great), all wives will honor their husbands, both great and small.' And the reply pleased the king and the princes, and the king did according to the word of Memucan. Then he sent letters to all the king's provinces, to each province in its own script, and to every people in their own language, that each man should be master in his own house, and speak in the language of his own people."

Standing on the Inside

A little boy misbehaved until finally his mother told him to go sit in the corner. Reluctantly he went to the corner, but he refused to sit. "David," his mother said firmly, "I told you to sit in the corner, not stand." David remained standing. "David, I said sit." The boy stood stubbornly.

Finally, the mother came over, placed her hands firmly on his shoulder and sat him in his chair. As she turned to leave, however, she heard him say softly to himself, "I may be sitting on the outside, but I'm standing on the inside."

Force can create outward compliance, but it can't change inward attitudes. King Ahasuerus was the most powerful man in the Persian Empire. His edict was law. No one dared disobey him outwardly. When the proclamation came demanding that wives respect their husbands, you can be sure there was outward obedience, but nothing changed on the inside.

Scripture says, "Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband" (Eph. 5:33). Notice that respect follows love. Unless a husband is satisfied with just outward conformity, he has to earn that respect by loving his wife, treating her fairly and kindly and exercising godly leadership in his family.

If you are a wife, treat your husband with the respect desired by God. If you are a husband, prove you are worthy of your wife's respect by the way you treat her. You can never enjoy respect by demanding it, but you can earn it.

When respect is earned, it will first be evident on the inside.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From Esther
Scripture: Esther 2:1 Galatians 6:10

Vain Regret

Esther 2:1

After these things, when the wrath of King Ahasuerus subsided, he remembered Vashti, what she had done, and what had been decreed against her.

Vain Regret

A man never opened the car door for his wife nor did any of the other little niceties that wives appreciate. He felt such a show of chivalry was silly. "Besides," he said, "she doesn't have two broken arms." This went on for many years until finally his wife died. At the funeral, the family waited at the hearse for the pallbearers. When they came, the mortician called the husband by name and asked, "Open the door for her, will you?" The man reached for the door handle and suddenly froze. Regret came crashing in on him. He realized he had never opened the car door for her in her life; now in her death it would be the first, last and only time.

How painful such regrets can be. King Ahasuerus experienced them when he came to his senses and realized how foolish he had been in banishing Queen Vashti. His regrets were in vain, however, because the law of the Medes and the Persians could not be changed. For the rest of his life he would live with the remorse of having wronged his queen.

Rare is the individual who makes it through life without having said or done something he regrets. If it's within our power, we should right such wrongs. An apology, a change in behavior, even an offer of restitution may take the sting out of our regrets. But sometimes it won't happen; sometimes it's just too late.

As Christians, we must live so as to minimize regrets. And when we experience them, we should be quick to ask for God's forgiveness and for forgiveness from those we wrong. Let's live by the Galatians 6:10 principle: "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith."

Live thoughtfully today and you won't have to live regretfully tomorrow.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From Esther
Scripture: Esther 2:7 Joshua 1:8

Family Values

Esther 2:7

"And Mordecai had brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter, for she had neither father nor mother. The young woman was lovely and beautiful. When her father and mother died, Mordecai took her as his own daughter."

Family Values

One of the most monumental works in all the world is the Great Wall of China. It stretches more than 1,500 miles over mountains and deserts and is the only man-made structure visible from space. The Chinese built it to keep out barbarians, and for the most part they succeeded. Only three times was it ever breeched, and in all three instances the enemy gained access by bribing a gatekeeper. Even the strongest security system is worthless if those responsible do not have appropriate values.

It is evident that Mordecai had strong values. Scripture reveals that while Esther was still young, her parents died and Modecai took her into his home and raised her as though she were his own daughter. While in his home, Esther learned the values of loyalty, obedience and courage, all of which she would need to intercede for her people.

When values deteriorate, so does everything else. Former American President Ronald Reagan observed, "If we fail to instruct our children in justice, religion, and liberty, we will be condemning them to a world without virtue, a life in the twilight of a civilization where the great truths have been forgotten."

Take seriously your responsibility to teach those in your house the values that make life worthwhile. Share the Word of God with your children and grandchildren as the source of those values. Teach them to "do according to all that is written in it" so that it may go well with their lives (Josh. 1:8).

A life empty of values is a life without value.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From Esther
Scripture: Esther 2:8-9

Make Lemonade

Esther 2:8-9

"So it was, when the king's command and decree were heard, and when many young women were gathered at Shushan the citadel, under the custody of Hegai, that Esther also was taken to the king's palace, into the care of Hegai the custodian of the women. Now the young woman pleased him, and she obtained his favor; so he readily gave beauty preparations to her, besides her allowance. Then seven choice maidservants were provided for her from the king's palace, and he moved her and her maidservants to the best place in the house of the women."

Make Lemonade

Those who find the greatest joy in life are people who refuse to be discouraged by their circumstances. Author Zig Ziglar says, "If life hands you a lemon, take the lemon and make lemonade."

Esther was handed a lemon. King Ahasuerus decreed that all the beautiful young virgins in his kingdom should be brought to Shushan for his inspection. He was looking for a new queen, and a beauty pageant was his method of choice. Esther was part of these degrading procedures. But in spite of what must have been an ordeal for a young Jewish woman, she kept her sweet spirit. Her attitude so impressed Hegai, the custodian of the women, that she became a favorite.

Others have learned this secret as well. Charles Goodyear's lemon was a prison sentence resulting from a contempt of court citation. Instead of complaining, he became an assistant in the kitchen. He then used this sour situation to work on an idea for vulcanizing rubber. His lemon became our lemonade. Because of Charles Goodyear, we have better tires, which means better travel and a better way of life.

God doesn't exempt us from experiencing sour fruit. We live in a fallen world and that means we may find ourselves in situations as tart as lemons. But God can help us keep our spirits sweet. Ask Him to help you. A sweet testimony can squeeze the juice out of a sour world.

Nothing is so sour that it can't be sweetened by a good attitude.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From Esther
Scripture: Esther 2:12 1 Thessalonians 4:17

Preparing for the King

Esther 2:12

"Each young woman's turn came to go in to King Ahasuerus after she had completed twelve months' preparation, according to the regulations for the women, for thus were the days of their preparation apportioned: six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with perfumes and preparations for beautifying women."

Preparing for the King

To many Nebraskans, football is king. Every game at the University of Nebraska takes a lot of preparation. Two days before the game 25 people meet to plan their strategies for ensuring that everything runs smoothly. Game day begins at 3:30 a.m. for a 1:00 p.m. kickoff. In the following hours concession deliveries provide for 10,000 slices of pizza, 20,000 hot dogs, 60,000 drinks and a half ton of popcorn. Security details make multiple sweeps of the stadium; electricians and plumbers activate the necessary systems; identification checkers take up their posts; and various police units prepare to respond to any emergency. Before the day is over, some workers will have put in more than 14 hours of preparation.

Yet all these preparations are nothing compared with those endured by the women chosen to meet the king of Persia. For six months they bathed in oil of myrrh. For another six months they soaked in perfumes just to be ready when their time came to meet Ahasuerus.

Christians also have an appointment with their King. The apostle Paul speaks of that moment when "we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord" (1 Thess. 4:17). What a glorious moment that will be!

But now is the time to prepare. Today is all we have to earn the right to be called "good and faithful servants." Yesterday is gone; tomorrow may never come. Seize your opportunities today.

You have eternity to enjoy the honeymoon, but only a short time to prepare for the wedding.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From Esther
Scripture: Esther 2:15 1 Peter 3:3-4 Proverbs 31:10

Inner Beauty

Esther 2:15

"Now when the turn came for Esther the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her as his daughter, to go in to the king, she requested nothing but what Hegai the king's eunuch, the custodian of the women, advised. And Esther obtained favor in the sight of all who saw her."

Inner Beauty

American culture puts a lot of emphasis on outer beauty. Each year, Americans collectively buy per minute 1,484 tubes of lipstick (at a cost of $4,566); 913 bottles of nail polish ($2,055); 1,324 mascaras, eyeshadows, and eyeliners ($6,849); and 2,055 jars of skin care products ($12,785). Marketing beauty products to both men and women represents an almost $17 billion-per-year business in the U.S.

This is far different from the example of Esther. Despite the fact that her future seemed to depend on making a favorable impression on the king, she did no more than what was necessary to appear appropriate. Without the distraction of the glitz and glamour of outer beauty aids, her inner beauty could be clearly seen. And it was this inner beauty that enabled Esther to obtain "favor in the sight of all who saw her," including the king, who eventually made her queen.

There is nothing wrong with wanting to appear attractive, but it should never be our primary concern. Developing inner beauty is far more important. The writer of Proverbs says, "Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies" (31:10). And the apostle Peter says, "Do not let your adornment be merely outward; arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel; rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God" (1 Peter 3:3-4).

If you want real beauty, spend as much time before the mirror of God's Word as you do before the mirror in your bathroom. Let God develop an inner beauty in you that will both outshine and outlast the glamour of the world.

Beauty without virtue is like a flower without fragrance.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From Esther
Scripture: Ephesians 6:5-7 Romans 13:1 Esther 4:15-16 Esther 2:20

The Habit of Obedience

Esther 2:20

"Now Esther had not yet revealed her family and her people, just as Mordecai had charged her, for Esther obeyed the command of Mordecai as when she was brought up by him."

The Habit of Obedience

A Roman centurion was instructed to deliver a message. In order to reach his destination he had to go through some very dangerous territories. One of his soldiers approached him and said, "Sir, if you try to deliver this message, you'll be killed." The centurion looked at the young man and replied, "Soldier, it's not necessary for me to live--it's only necessary for me to obey."

The Bible stresses the virtue of obeying those who are in authority (Rom. 13:1). But respect for authority begins in the home. Mordecai raised Esther to be obedient--a trait that she carried into adulthood. It was her habit of obedience that made the difference when she needed to put her life on the line for her people (Esther 4:15-16).

This kind of obedience needs to carry over to our spiritual lives as well. If we do not respectfully obey those whom we can see, how can we expect to obey God, whom we cannot see? How we respond to our parents, teachers, employer, pastor, and elected officials is an excellent indicator of our attitude toward God.

Cultivate the habit of respectful obedience. When asked to do something that is not unethical or immoral and is consistent with godliness, respond cheerfully as "to the Lord" (Eph. 6:5-7). Your obedience to those in authority will set an example for others to follow, especially your children. Your obedience in daily matters also lays a foundation for those times when God calls you to obey in difficult circumstances. Make obedience a habit and you'll be prepared to face anything, large or small.

The key to godliness is not more knowledge but more obedience.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From Esther
Scripture: Esther 2:21-23

Because It's Right

Esther 2:21-23

"In those days, while Mordecai sat within the king's gate, two of the king's eunuchs, Bigthan and Teresh, doorkeepers, became furious and sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. So the matter became known to Mordecai, who told Queen Esther, and Esther informed the king in Mordecai's name. And when an inquiry was made into the matter, it was confirmed, and both were hanged on a gallows; and it was written in the book of the chronicles in the presence of the king."

Because It's Right

John Stuart Mill (1806-1873) created a code of morality based on self-interest. He believed that only individuals and their particular interests were important, and those interests could be determined by whatever maximized their pleasure and minimized their pain.

This stands in stark contrast to the philosophy by which Mordecai lived. When Mordecai learned that a plot against the king's life was being planned, he immediately informed the king through Queen Esther. He risked everything, including the retaliation of the conspirator's families after the men were executed. And for what? His name was written in a book. No reward, no thanks. Although God eventually brought Mordecai's valor to the king's attention, for the moment the loyal Jew's only satisfaction was knowing he did what was right. But for Mordecai, knowing he had done the right thing was sufficient.

Our society in general lives by the standards expressed by John Stuart Mill. Someone summarized it in the expression "Get all you can. Can all you get." But God calls Christians to live selflessly. Today we may have to settle for the satisfaction of knowing what we have done is right; in the future, the God who keeps impeccable records will take care of the rewards.

Are you facing a thankless task? Are your efforts going unsung and unpraised? Don't be concerned. Do what you know is right and remember that, someday, your Heavenly Father will see to your rewards.

A man all wrapped up in himself makes a pretty small package.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From Esther
Scripture: Esther 3:2-4

Not Ashamed

Esther 3:2-4

"And all the king's servants who were within the king's gate bowed and paid homage to Haman, for so the king had commanded concerning him. But Mordecai would not bow or pay homage. Then the king's servants who were within the king's gate said to Mordecai, "Why do you transgress the king's command?" Now it happened, when they spoke to him daily and he would not listen to them, that they told it to Haman, to see whether Mordecai's words would stand; for Mordecai had told them that he was a Jew."

Not Ashamed

Frederick the Great invited some notable people, including his top-ranking generals, to a royal banquet. One of them, Hans von Zieten, declined the invitation because he wanted to partake of Communion at his church. Sometime later, at another banquet, Frederick and his guests mocked the Lord and the general for his religious scruples. Despite the peril to his life, the officer stood to his feet and said respectfully to the monarch, "My lord, there is a greater King than you, a King to whom I have sworn allegiance even unto death. I am a Christian, and I cannot sit quietly as the Lord's name is dishonored and His character belittled."

Instead of flying into a rage as the guests feared, the king grasped the hand of this courageous general and asked his forgiveness. He promised that he would never again allow a travesty to be made of sacred things.

Mordecai demonstrated the same courage. While he did not flaunt his Jewish heritage, neither was he ashamed of it. When push came to shove, he chose to be true to his faith rather than sacrifice it for the convenience of the moment. Even though it meant earning the enmity of the powerful Haman, Mordecai felt it was more important to stand for his beliefs than to be well-liked by his contemporaries.

Once it was Mordecai. Then it was Hans von Zieten. Now it's your turn. Are you willing to stand and be counted for your faith. Do your coworkers know you are a Christian by what you say and how you live? This is a time for action, not a time to be ashamed.

God has no place for undercover agents.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From Esther
Scripture: Esther 3:5 Esther 5:13 Esther 3:1

Focus on the Positive

Esther 3:5

"When Haman saw that Mordecai did not bow or pay him homage, Haman was filled with wrath."

Focus on the Positive

A group of people were shown a large sheet of white cardboard with a small, black dot in the center. The leader of the group asked them, "What do you see?" Everyone responded that they saw a black dot. "Yes," replied the leader, "but what about all the white cardboard around it?"

It's easy to focus on the "black dot" and forget the rest. Haman did. We aren't told why, but he was elevated above all the other princes in the land (Esther 3:1). Since it took place shortly after the plot on the king's life was discovered, he may have taken credit for uncovering the scheme. Authority, wealth and recognition rolled into his coffers. He enjoyed having others bow and scrape before him, and it bothered him extremely when Mordecai refused to join the group. In fact, after sharing with his family and friends about all his wealth and honors, he concluded, "Yet all this avails me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king's gate" (Esther 5:13). One negative outweighed all the positive.

How foolish we are when we allow a single flaw to destroy the many blessings that God has brought into our lives. We discredit our family when all we can see are their faults. We show disrespect for our pastor when we focus on his weakness and forget his many strengths. Most of all we do a disservice to God when all that is negative engulfs us and all that is positive escapes us.

Are you letting the negatives in your life outweigh the positives? Try focusing on all the good that comes from your circumstances and thank God for that. You may be gratified to discover that the "white space" in your life is far greater than the "black dot."

Concentrate on counting your blessings and you'll have little time to count anything else.

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[nChrist]

Author: Woodrow Kroll
Source: Lessons on Living From Esther
Scripture: Hebrews 12:15 Ephesians 4:31 Isaiah 1:11-16 Esther 3:8-9

A Root of Bitterness

Esther 3:8-9

"Then Haman said to King Ahasuerus, 'There is a certain people scattered and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of your kingdom; their laws are different from all other people's, and they do not keep the king's laws. Therefore it is not fitting for the king to let them remain. If it pleases the king, let a decree be written that they be destroyed, and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver into the hands of those who do the work, to bring it into the king's treasuries.'"

A Root of Bitterness

In his book Feelings: Our Vital Signs, Dr. William Gaylin points out that "resentment often arises when we believe we aren't getting what is due us from another person. We feel unfairly cheated or betrayed. And brooding leads to all kinds of trouble."

Gaylin's description fits Haman perfectly. Because Mordecai refused to bow to him, Haman's resentment grew into bitterness. He became embittered not only with Mordecai but toward all those of Jewish descent. His bitterness festered until he was willing to pay 10,000 talents (about $20 million) of silver to extract his revenge.

Bitterness, however, costs much more than money. It robs us of our health. Medical doctors link harboring resentments to such physical maladies as ulcers and high blood pressure.

But more than that, in the life of a Christian, bitterness destroys our intimacy with the Lord. The Bible teaches that bitterness is a sin (Eph. 4:31, Heb. 12:15). Unconfessed sin blocks our access to the Father and becomes a hindrance to our prayers (Isa. 1:11-16).

If you have allowed a spirit of bitterness to grow in your heart, confess it at once. Share your struggle with someone you trust. Do something kind for the one toward whom you've harbored bitter feelings. Whatever you do, don't allow a grudge to become a stumbling block in your walk with the Lord. Rip out every root of bitterness in your life and rediscover the joy of the Lord.

When the root is bitterness, imagine what the fruit might be.

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