Punk!

I've heard people call someone "Punk!" usually in fun. For instance, I was wandering into my bedroom to go to bed, and on the way I was picking up random things off the floor. So, my head was down as I entered the room. As I turned into the room, my husband had placed a blanket over his head and was standing very still just around the corner. Need less to say, it startled me.

Perfect example of a "punk." It was a punk move and I might have to retaliate.

I wonder, however, if too often I give the label "punk" to too many undeserving people. Someone who cuts me off in traffic. The teller who might be moving a bit too slow. The person on the other line wanting to sell me something.

Feeling that someone is a punk or is being punk-ish shows us that we are being easily offended.

Now, that's not to say there aren't things to be offended by. What I'm talking about is the offense taken when it inconveniences us. I wonder if being offended all to often is simply an indication that we are feeding our ravenous flesh and those who get in the way or slow that self-gratification down are worthy then of being labeled "punk" in our book.

Consider then going after the things of the Spirit. Feeding the appetite of the flesh for things to go our way in our time will make us quick tempered, prideful and easily offended. Before you call someone a punk (either out loud or in your mind) consider this:

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. James 1:19,20

and

So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. Galatians 6:16