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Thursday, February 03, 2005

The Didache continued:

Chapter 3 “Forbidden Attitudes”
My child, flat out run away from what you know is evil, even stuff that just looks evil. Don’t live out of anger because anger is the catalyst for murder. Jealousy, bickering, being hot-tempered, these aren’t the things you want to live from, in fact; they’re also the seedbed of murder.

My child, don’t let lust run loose in your heart, because from there it will find action in sexual immorality. Be careful with your speech; don’t get in the habit of talking dirty. And watch your eyes; don’t let them roam around looking for someone to lust after. These things will end up growing into a garden of sexual sin if you allow for them.

My child, don’t get caught up in psychic phenomena, because that stuff leads to false worship practices. And stay away from any practice of magic or astrology, don’t even look at that stuff for fun; these kinds of things lead people to put their faith in false gods or false methods of spirituality.

My child, don’t speak the language of lies, lying is just like stealing trust. Don’t accumulate stuff out of selfish or arrogant greed, because this is the motive behind theft.

My child, don’t spend your day complaining, because it won’t take too long before you’re complaining against God. Don’t go chasing after your own will, and don’t spend your hours thinking about things you’re unhappy with, because these are the things that lead to a contempt for God’s will.

Here’s how you should live: Be a person whose strength is kept under God’s control, because, one day, that kind of person is going to be the owner of everything that money can’t buy. Be a person who can tolerate difficulty for a long time. Be a person who cares about others; someone who puts action behind that care, not for how it makes you look, but out of good motives. Don’t be quick to blurt out whatever comes into your head, but think about what you say and how it will affect others. You want to be a person who is respectful to the teaching you’ve heard.

Be a person who is content with being the little guy, and not the celebrity. Be the bouncer at the entrance of your soul, and keep over-confidence out. Be a person who hangs out with the good-hearted nobodies, and avoid rubbing shoulders with the upper-crust crowd.
And listen, as you walk through this world and stupid stuff happens to you, realize that God is in control of everything that comes your way, and He’s got a plan that has your best in mind.


I love that last part a lot! RC wrote a comment last time pointing out the timelessness of these instructions...as humans, we all go through the same stuff! I love the simplicity of what it means to be the church, and followers of Christ that is conveyed in this document. Wait until we get to the practical, how to, stuff! It's classic (literally)!

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