GLOATING

From My Perspective - - -

At times, we have all had to struggle with an inner urge to “gloat” over someone or some matter. When a person has been arrogant towards another and then miscues, it would be so easy to gloat because that one has performed in an otiose (ineffective or futile; superfluous or useless) manner. Gloating is: “a feeling of great, often malicious, pleasure or self-satisfaction.” We attribute such moments to our “human nature” which, if left unchecked, can be very harsh or cruel in response to another’s floundering. The older generation can remember a phrase: “That one will get his comeuppance (a punishment or retribution that one deserves; one's just desert) someday.” When that day eventually arrived, it allowed for a time of gloating over another’s misfortune or difficulty.

There is no question about our world being in the midst of a major correction and transition. The Economics are just a part of the whole. There are the advocates of Global Warming who ignore the natural cycles through which the world passes on a regular basis. The area of Politics has received considerable notice and a considerable amount of ridicule. When one major party makes such a sweeping indictment against the other major party by campaigning against “the culture of corruption” only to face the reality that some members of their own political party are a real part of the very “culture” that was part of their campaign talking points – it is in juxtaposition to what was espoused and desired. When a Political Figure is targeted by a Federal Prosecutor and the evidence mounts that there is corruption that must be exposed, the natural tendency is to gloat, opine, and conclude – “there’s another one that is getting his comeuppance.” Some would even allow, it is a case of “be sure your sins will find you out.” When Automobile Manufacturers are reprimanded in public for their mismanagement, etc., it is too easy for one to gain satisfaction over the turmoil in an Industry, as well as in individual lives. Once again, the gloat factor becomes a reality.

In Biblical History (II Samuel 16), Absalom has decided to be King and to overthrow his father, King David. As David flees Jerusalem, he is met by a man who loathes him and who sets out to ridicule and gloat over him. We read is II Samuel 16:5-14, “As King David approached…a man from the same clan as Saul's family came out from there. His name was Shimei…and he cursed as he came out. He pelted David and all the king's officials with stones, though all the troops and the special guard were on David's right and left. As he cursed, Shimei said, Get out, get out, you man of blood, you scoundrel! The Lord has repaid you for all the blood you shed in the household of Saul, in whose place you have reigned. The Lord has handed the kingdom over to your son Absalom. You have come to ruin because you are a man of blood! Then Abishai…said to the king, Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and cut off his head. But the king said, What do you and I have in common, you sons of Zeruiah? If he is cursing because the Lord said to him, Curse David, who can ask, Why do you do this? David then said to Abishai and all his officials, My son, who is of my own flesh, is trying to take my life. How much more, then, this Benjamite! Leave him alone; let him curse, for the Lord has told him to. It may be that the Lord will see my distress and repay me with good for the cursing I am receiving today. So David and his men continued along the road while Shimei was going along the hillside opposite him, cursing as he went and throwing stones at him and showering him with dirt. The king and all the people with him arrived at their destination exhausted. And there he refreshed himself.”

Consider these things with me - - - The attitude and perspective of King David is outstanding. This is the one who penned the words of Psalm 23 – “…even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me…” When ridicule and gloating is most severe, it is time to put into practice the fact of our Savior – Emmanuel – is with us. He cannot fail and He will never leave us or forsake us. Political bluffing and/or bloviating are what they are – exaggerations and empty words. Living in the reality of Emmanuel, becomes very practical as one lives a life in the presence of God, as well as knowing the presence of the Lord wherever one goes. Emmanuel – God Is With Us!