But know this: That in the latter days hard times will come: and men will be lovers of
themselves and lovers of money, boasters, proud, revilers, unyielding towards their own people,
deniers of grace, wicked, unloving, addicted to irreconcilable malicious gossips, ferocious,
haters of the good, treacherous, rash, inflated, attached to pleasure more than to the love of
Elohim, having a form of respect for Elohim but wide from the power of Elohim.
Them who are such, repel from you.
2 Timothy 3:1-5
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FLATTERY DIVIDES |
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There is a deceitful saying that "flattery will get you everywhere", and the opposite wise saying that "flattery will get you nowhere". It might be good for us to remember these sayings when someone wants to use flattery to our defenses and try to play games, and manipulate us to take something away that doesn't belong to them. Flatterers are takers. Flatterers are deceivers who tell lies and try to puff others up so they can exploit them, here's what Scripture has to say about flatterers.
Hebrew words for "flattering" or flattery"
Flattery is like witchcraft and sorcery in that the flatterer uses deception to gain an advantage over others. The flatterer lacks truth and sincerity, he or she is snared by the transgression of their own lips and they seek to ensnare others. The opposite of flattery is to have gratefulness towards others and use words to praise others for doing and saying righteous and appropriate things, but excessive praise can easily be seen as flattery and it can also become destructive. We either avoid the hazards of flattery, or risk being ensnared by the person who flatters.
A flatterer tells others what they want to hear to break down their defenses, like putting hooks into the weak areas of the soul to pull someone in their direction.
Indulging oneself in extravagance is self-flattery, putting out the impression that we have more wealth or popularity than we do, or trying to appear more sophisticated and capable that we are, is simply stroking the ego or indulging in self-flattery. Not long ago a wave of religious indulgence hit America through the indiscriminate use of "the prayer of Yahbetz (Jabez)".
Many became convinced into emphasizing their desire to seek materialism and so they tried to stretch the Word of YHWH to fit their covetousness. When the "blessings" don't come of course, they blame YHWH for not being their big "sugar daddy". Some think that because blessings never came that YHWH doesn't love them, that He doesn't care or even exist, otherwise they should be given more stuff, they see that even those who don't profess to live according to the Faith seem to get all their desires. A flattering spirit says, we should receive much more that we have because we deserve it.
On a community level we recognize the importance of designated offices for our leaders and we utilize titles such as, Doctor, Minister, Counselor, Pastor, Worship Leader, Rabbi, Board Member, Chairman, President, Mayor etc. to describe the office and/or qualifications. These offices carry the respect of the community and are necessary to provide order, structure and facilitate leadership. Those who hold positions in leadership are instrumental for developing the values and personality of the community, they represent their community to the outside world. However there is also a potential for those with influential leadership positions to become "self-important" and flatter themselves or become targets for flattery.
Job prays that he not "lift up any man's person", or give "flattering titles unto man", referring to not stroking the prideful flesh. He is not speaking against the office or titles of men since YHWH appointed the titles of Cohanim, Neviim, Leviim and Melekim for the purpose of distinguishing each one for positions and responsibilities. The adversary of YHWH does direct much resources towards YHWH's leaders to tempt them into being flattered and being manipulated by evil, or by flattering themselves and then reducing the value of others.
Those who take positions in leadership become targets for the flatterers, the Mashiyach Himself had to deal with this.
Many leaders like to flatter their congregations week by week, so as to make them feel that they are equipped, knowledgeable and prepared to go off to heaven. Those who are concerned about speaking the truth are not as concerned as how people might feel, as they are about being true to YHWH's Word and His Ways. When a leader crafts his sermons to accommodate his audience he becomes a follower, rather than YHWH's chosen leader, Scripture refers to these men as "hirelings".
Nations can also be trapped into flattering themselves or being flattered by others:
Our fathers Avraham, Yitzak and Ya'akov exemplify those who were called and blessed of YHWH as Covenant Keepers. Clearly we see in these men a common thread of values far different than the ordinary common or pagan values that were predominate of their day. First and foremost each was called to Keep Covenant and therefor each one sought to nurture righteousness of character.
David began as a shepherd boy, a commoner, not wealthy or famous, but David's greatness was that his Faith in YHWH superseded his own desires. David was preoccupied by sanctifying the Name of YHWH, he didn't appear to do much "risk analysis" before he went to meet with Goliath. David denied himself, he would rather have died than continue hearing the enemies of Israel mock the Elohim of Israel. David's motive was pure, he was ordained of YHWH and chosen to get the victory, and so it is with us who are in the Household of Faith, the ultimate test of our desires is to weigh them all in Mashiyach.
The Spirit of Mashiyach aims to accomplish Righteousness and Truth in the inward parts, when we compare our actions and desires to those of HaMashiyach we will recognize flattery for what it is, and not be entrapped by it. The desires to increase ourselves will transform into desires to increase the Kingdom of Elohim so we can live together as One Mishpocha (family) in YHWH.
We shall never allow others to flatter us, because in so doing we allow others to greatly damage their own souls, and we shall not flatter ourselves or others for this same reason.
Flattery is not something that is done within the Body of Mashiyach. Flattery is a carnal thing that can never produce any righteous fruits.
Many devastating experiences in private life or business can be avoided when we refuse to allow others to flatter us, and every child must learn the dangers of flattery or they will be vulnerable to all manner of abuse.
It is far easier to stop flattery before it begins than try to undo it after damage has been done.
"Open rebuke is better than secret love" Proverbs 27:5
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O YHWH, my strength, and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14
Shalom U'Vrachot,
Baruch ben Daniel
*It's an interesting coincidence that the Hebrew nasa refers to "lifting up" and of course the North American Space Agency is in the business of lifting rockets off the earth. |
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