The Most Satanic Trait

Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy? Proverbs 27:4.
Their [Miriam’s and Aaron’s] accusations were borne by Moses in uncomplaining silence. It was the experience gained during the years of toil and waiting in Midian—the spirit of humility and long-suffering there developed—that prepared Moses to meet with patience the unbelief and murmuring of the people and the pride and envy of those who should have been his unswerving helpers. Moses “was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth,” and this is why he was granted divine wisdom and guidance above all others. Says the Scripture, “The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way” (Psalm 25:9). The meek are guided by the Lord, because they are teachable, willing to be instructed….
“And Jehovah came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam.” … “And the anger of the Lord was kindled against them; and he departed.” The cloud disappeared from the tabernacle in token of God’s displeasure, and Miriam was smitten. She “became leprous, white as snow.” … Now, their pride humbled in the dust, Aaron confessed their sin, and entreated that his sister might not be left to perish by that loathsome and deadly scourge. In answer to the prayers of Moses the leprosy was cleansed. Miriam was, however, shut out of the camp for seven days….
This manifestation of the Lord’s displeasure was designed to be a warning to all Israel, to check the growing spirit of discontent and insubordination. If Miriam’s envy and dissatisfaction had not been signally rebuked, it would have resulted in great evil. Envy is one of the most satanic traits that can exist in the human heart, and it is one of the most baleful in its effects…. It was envy that first caused discord in heaven, and its indulgence has wrought untold evil among men. “Where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work” (James 3:16).
Conflict and Courage p. 105
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Prayer Requests
—–B has a job possibility. Please pray that if it is God’s will that he will get it. L
—–Please pray for my friend Mica who broke her wrist and had to have surgery on it. Pray also for Kirby’s family as they mourn his passing. Rose
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Dear Friends,
A few years ago, we went on a little vacation to the Oklahoma panhandle within a few miles of the New Mexico border. We saw and photographed many of the animals we were hoping to see. Sunday morning we got up early and headed for home. Ronnie Jay and I decided that we would stop at a wildlife management area and also at Beaver Sand Dunes as Ron had always wanted to go there. Ron and Ronnie Jay decided to take the mile long nature hike.
With some misgivings, I decided to join them. Big mistake! The first half of the hike was fine. The path was wide and even though it had some hills they were not steep. I was enjoying it as much as they were. Ronnie Jay noticed a horned lizard on the path, so he and I took several photos of the little creature. It was such an enjoyable walk that I hardly noticed that the path was getting narrower and a little steeper.
About half way around, we came upon a grassy area with a wooden bench. We sat down and talked for a few minutes trying to decide what to do. The path for the rest of the hike was quite narrow and overgrown with weeds and sand-burs. In my usual “press on regardless” mindset, I decided that I could make it despite the fact that it was obvious that most people had turned around and gone back the way they had come.
Soon it became apparent why few people came on this half of the walk. The narrow path became steeper and steeper. Ron and I found ourselves getting hot and tired. Up one dune and down the other over and over again left me exhausted. I was puffing like a steam engine and sweating profusely. The path was not as firm as it had been and my shoes filled with scaldingly hot sand.
I reached the point where I felt like I couldn’t go any farther but I had no alternative but to keep going. By this time, Ron was very worried about his overweight , out of shape wife. I was worried about me too! About the last fourth mile, Ron pushed and Ronnie Jay pulled me up the dunes. After what seemed like an eternity, we came to the point where the two paths joined to go back to the parking lot. What a relief!
As I reflect upon that day’s dune hike, I feel gratitude to my husband and son for all their effort to get me over those miserable piles of sand. They were both sore and tired from the exertion. Each of us need someone to help us at one time or another. Indeed, there are struggling ones all around us who are as ready to give up as I was on the last half of the trail.
The Apostle Paul speaks of the necessity and privilege we have of helping our brethren in Christ. To do so, is to follow the example of Jesus. “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Rom 15:1, Phil 2:4-8
May we bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. Gal 6:2
Rose