Getting a Contempt of Court citation means a person has violated a judge’s order. Direct contempt is one that takes place in the presence of the judge. Indirect contempt is one that takes outside of the court—away from the judge. In both instances, contempt shows disrespect for the court and is subject to various kinds of punishment by the judge. But showing contempt is not limited to court proceedings. We may show contempt to another person or another group—or even to our Creator. That is the charge God leveled against ancient Israel. We read this in Numbers 14, “The Lord said to Moses, ‘How long will these people treat me with contempt? Will they never believe me, even after all the miraculous signs I have done among them?’” God leveled contempt charges against these people because despite all He had done for them, they refused to give him credit. Sadly, it is still true today. Despite all the blessings God gives us: food, shelter, a job, a measure of health—especially the gift of His Son to pay our sin debt, we often show Him contempt by taking His blessings for granted. May we show deep gratitude to God by trusting and obeying Him with all our hearts.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
