Monthly musings

YOU CAN NEVER KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON IN YOUR NEIGHBORS HOUSE.

                By James Baker,

         (minister, mt airy church of Christ)


We have a problem with sin and the definition is violation of the law of God. 1John 3.4.  The law of God has good traits which men if they live by, will make outstanding people.  The devil is the counterpart of God and he has horrible traits which people live by.  Very recently a woman and her boyfriend killed a young child that they had become parents of.  After they were arrested all the neighbors said those people kept to themselves and they weren't aware of any brutality against the child. When it was reported the child had been murdered, the neighbors freaked out, saying “ I didn’t know this kind of evil was so close to me!”That is indeed true, because people are truly evil you cannot know what is going on inside their homes.  The neighbors also said they often saw the couple with the child in the front yard but was totally unaware of any evil inside the house.  As I write this article it is being reported on the news that a man shot and killed his neighbor.  What was going on inside that shooters mind?    We cannot know because the shooter killed himself. Many neighbors do not speak to each other because both sides aren’t or one side isn’t friendly. When that happens it is tragic for those involve.  People need to get along with those who live beside them.  People need to be a good neighbor by not practicing evil deeds which place their neighbors in awkward situations. People need to get to know their neighbors and they can do so by making a step toward them.   No one can develop any bonds of friendships by failing to do so.  Yes living next door for many years beside a person and haven't even had a 5-minute conversation is bad.  When no effort is made to be friendly, you will have is a bunch of strangers living for years beside each other.   The commandment love thy neighbor (Matt 22.37-39) will never be carried out because no one is trying to know their neighbor; everyone runs and hides from their neighbors, peering through the window behind the curtain. They do this childless behavior because they are too ashamed or don't know what to say or they just don't want to meet their neighbors. Allow me ask the million dollar question. What if you had a heart attack?    And the closest person to helping you is that neighbor you hate that you despise and avoid.  Getting on the phone and calling a relative or ambulance to arrive might be too late.  That neighbor next door can be a life saver. For that reason all need to have a friendly relationship with those who are next door.Jesus Christ has good news and if people obey His gospel, Jesus will teach them a new way to live.    To love all men and seek peace as best as one can, to treat others as you would like for them to treat you. Luke 6.27-36. Rom 12.9-21. When a neighbor walks out into his yard and another neighbor sees him, they need to say hello, possibly engage in a conversation or assist with some issue that neighbors might be having.     Because of living arrangements, neighbors are supposed to have each another’s back.  God said “love thy neighbor” it's important to have a good standing because everyone is living close by. Prov 3.29    Loving a neighbor is one of the top commandments that God has given man, we love God first, and we love our neighbor as ourselves. Matt 22.36-40.   I wish everyone reading this would think very seriously about what you are doing. Are you making a deathbed for yourself?    I mean that literally, because if something should happen; can you call on your next-door neighbor to help? I hope you have great neighbors and that nothing shady is going on inside their home.  I know I don’t want to live beside a rapist, bomber, robber, etc. Unfortunately, one can never know for sure because your neighbors could hide something from you.  That's why it's important to be on speaking terms because at least with speaking terms you can get somewhat of a feel of the neighbor and you could come to some conclusion whether they're shady or they are very people oriented or whatever    When you don't speak to neighbors, you will have a sour taste in your mouth about them and that will give way to think about devious activities that could be going on next door.