THE SUFFICIENCY OF GRACE
We have a new brother in Christ. Donnie Patterson was baptized this past Tuesday (February 26th) at the Grayson County Detention Center. Through the teaching of God's word Donnie came to realize his lost state due to sin, and in obedience to the gospel decided to put on Christ through baptism.
Thinking of this wonderful event and given the privilege of performing this baptism, my thoughts were captivated by the wonderful grace of God. But what does this grace that God supplies really mean? If we truly want to be thankful for receiving God's grace, we should seek to understand as much as possible about grace.
As we discussed last week concerning our good works, Paul
writes about grace to the Ephesians (2:8) and the fact that it is a gift
from God. No one denies this. But a close reading of the context of this passage
will reveal to us that the recipients of God's grace are those who are
His workmanship (2:10). What this means is that while we can't perform a
work to earn salvation, for it is God's gift to us, we are recreated through the working of God who creates the new man free from sin by removing the old man of sin through spiritual circumcision (Col. 2:11,12). Man has obeyed God's command regarding salvation but the work here is performed by God and not man. The Ephesians had done this as well (1:13,14).
Grace is then made even more sufficient in that it
helps to provide strength to us for our daily walk. When Paul is
praying for the thorn in his flesh to be removed, he is told that God's
grace is sufficient, for God's power is made perfect through
weakness (2 Cor. 12:9). The grace mentioned here is, "The favor of
Christ, assisting and strengthening his followers and ministers to bear their troubles (Joseph
Thayer, Greek-English Lexicon of The New Testament, pg. 666). Grace
then serves to help strengthen us through our Lord and His promises as
we contend with earthly struggles until our victory is complete.
Then there is the element of grace concerning instruction.
Titus was told by Paul that grace "appeared bringing salvation to all
men, instructing us to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly and righteously and godly in this present world (Titus
2:11,12; ASV). Grace then acts as a teacher helping us to understand
we can't live in sin and think that grace is going to cover ungodly
behavior (Ro. 6:1). God's love to us demands our love in return through obedient living as covenant children.
God's grace is truly sufficient for it serves many
functions in the life of God's children. Let us then walk in God's
light and live as recipients of His grace as we await the return of our blessed Savior and Lord. Rodger
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
OUR GOOD WORKS
We hear a lot about works in the religious world. Most of what is said is we can't earn our salvation through our own works or merit and that is true. There is really no disagreement on that point. Others want to make actions commanded of us by God a work because it does not agree with their interpretation of Scripture concerning salvation. Chief among this argument is the subject of baptism.
While disagreements may continue to abound concerning the subject of works, it cannot be denied that works are mentioned often enough in the Scriptures to warrant our attention. It also must be understood these works are not only important but necessary. Of course, we must be clear what defines a good work.
The most often mentioned Scripture associated with good works is Ephesians 2:10. Here we are told, "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them" (KJV). The reason this verse stands out is because of the mention of grace in verse 8, used by many to show baptism is a work and therefore not essential to salvation since we are saved by grace. Baptism is not a work unto salvation but obedience to a divine command, wherein we become recipients of God's grace (Col. 2:11,12).
Moving on from that argument we must address the good works we have been designed to perform. I was told some time ago of a preacher who told people he was off to do a "good work." It came to be known his deeds were sinful and therefore, not the good works of which Paul writes in Ephesians 2:10. However, our good works do serve a purpose.
Peter writes, "Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation" (1Pet. 2:12; KJV). Our works are to serve as a glory to God so others who observe them can also come to glorify God in obedience to the gospel. James speaks of our faith and the works that prove that faith (J. 2:17-26). Our works are not done to earn salvation but because of the gift of salvation (God's grace) we have received.
The following passages speak of doing good works. They are Colossians 1:10, 1 Timothy 3:1 (elders), 2 Timothy 2:21, and Titus 3:1. There are others besides but these will suffice to help us understand our walk with God is not a passive one. It is to be a life based on faith, while understanding true faith requires obedience to God's word. Then we are to glorify God in our daily walk so as to show to others through our deeds the love of God. This what Peter wrote of in the passage cited earlier. We were created to glorify God and this is done through our good (godly) works. Rodger
We hear a lot about works in the religious world. Most of what is said is we can't earn our salvation through our own works or merit and that is true. There is really no disagreement on that point. Others want to make actions commanded of us by God a work because it does not agree with their interpretation of Scripture concerning salvation. Chief among this argument is the subject of baptism.
While disagreements may continue to abound concerning the subject of works, it cannot be denied that works are mentioned often enough in the Scriptures to warrant our attention. It also must be understood these works are not only important but necessary. Of course, we must be clear what defines a good work.
The most often mentioned Scripture associated with good works is Ephesians 2:10. Here we are told, "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them" (KJV). The reason this verse stands out is because of the mention of grace in verse 8, used by many to show baptism is a work and therefore not essential to salvation since we are saved by grace. Baptism is not a work unto salvation but obedience to a divine command, wherein we become recipients of God's grace (Col. 2:11,12).
Moving on from that argument we must address the good works we have been designed to perform. I was told some time ago of a preacher who told people he was off to do a "good work." It came to be known his deeds were sinful and therefore, not the good works of which Paul writes in Ephesians 2:10. However, our good works do serve a purpose.
Peter writes, "Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation" (1Pet. 2:12; KJV). Our works are to serve as a glory to God so others who observe them can also come to glorify God in obedience to the gospel. James speaks of our faith and the works that prove that faith (J. 2:17-26). Our works are not done to earn salvation but because of the gift of salvation (God's grace) we have received.
The following passages speak of doing good works. They are Colossians 1:10, 1 Timothy 3:1 (elders), 2 Timothy 2:21, and Titus 3:1. There are others besides but these will suffice to help us understand our walk with God is not a passive one. It is to be a life based on faith, while understanding true faith requires obedience to God's word. Then we are to glorify God in our daily walk so as to show to others through our deeds the love of God. This what Peter wrote of in the passage cited earlier. We were created to glorify God and this is done through our good (godly) works. Rodger
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
SEEKING TRUE FREEDOM
Tim Hardin sang a song popular many years ago that said, "Come and sing a simple song of freedom; sing it you've never sung before.." Today we have a simple song of freedom that can be sung but there are those who are trying to complicate the simplicity of this freedom.
The song we sing is that of Moses and the Lamb (Rev. 15:3). These songs speak of deliverance. For Moses (Israel) it was deliverance from Egypt (Ex. 15). For us it is the deliverance from the bondage of sin. When God delivers His children it is a true freedom they enjoy, and no freedom is greater than that of being freed from our sins.
Some are seeking to destroy that freedom by telling us that no one church has a monopoly on truth. Of course the purpose behind this proclamation is to get us to believe that one church is as good as another, since all churches have at least a partial amount of truth associated with them. Some will go so far as to say it is impossible to know the perfect gospel.
There is a major problem with this supposition. The problem is that truth did not originate in any church. Truth comes from God so we must believe God's truth is perfect. Understanding that God's truth is itself perfect leads us to what our response is to be. We must accept God's truth and be obedient to it if we are to truly become free for the church was established on the truth of God's word. This is why only God can add us to the church (Acts 2:47).
Why people stumble over this is due to the lack of teaching concerning the covenants. Many want to hold to the old covenant (Law) under Moses while retaining portions of the new covenant established by Christ. This can't be done for Christ has taken the first out of the way, nailing it to the cross (Eph. 2:13ff; Col. 2:11-15). God alone establishes the covenant and its conditions, and man responds. Doing so is the basis of obedience and faithfulness.
Jesus said "You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free" (Jn. 8:32). John later writes we can know we have eternal life (1 Jn. 5:13), and that knowledge is based upon knowing God. Truly knowing God is possible only through obedience to His word (1 Jn. 5:2). When man seeks to change what God has set forth he has left the righteousness of God (Ro. 1:16,17) and, in turn, has established a righteousness of his own (Ro. 10:2-4).
It is possible to know the perfect gospel for the perfect God, our Father, has revealed it. It is simple and easy to understand for those seeking God's truth. Becoming truly free in obedience to that truth allows us to sing that simple song of freedom. Rodger
Tim Hardin sang a song popular many years ago that said, "Come and sing a simple song of freedom; sing it you've never sung before.." Today we have a simple song of freedom that can be sung but there are those who are trying to complicate the simplicity of this freedom.
The song we sing is that of Moses and the Lamb (Rev. 15:3). These songs speak of deliverance. For Moses (Israel) it was deliverance from Egypt (Ex. 15). For us it is the deliverance from the bondage of sin. When God delivers His children it is a true freedom they enjoy, and no freedom is greater than that of being freed from our sins.
Some are seeking to destroy that freedom by telling us that no one church has a monopoly on truth. Of course the purpose behind this proclamation is to get us to believe that one church is as good as another, since all churches have at least a partial amount of truth associated with them. Some will go so far as to say it is impossible to know the perfect gospel.
There is a major problem with this supposition. The problem is that truth did not originate in any church. Truth comes from God so we must believe God's truth is perfect. Understanding that God's truth is itself perfect leads us to what our response is to be. We must accept God's truth and be obedient to it if we are to truly become free for the church was established on the truth of God's word. This is why only God can add us to the church (Acts 2:47).
Why people stumble over this is due to the lack of teaching concerning the covenants. Many want to hold to the old covenant (Law) under Moses while retaining portions of the new covenant established by Christ. This can't be done for Christ has taken the first out of the way, nailing it to the cross (Eph. 2:13ff; Col. 2:11-15). God alone establishes the covenant and its conditions, and man responds. Doing so is the basis of obedience and faithfulness.
Jesus said "You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free" (Jn. 8:32). John later writes we can know we have eternal life (1 Jn. 5:13), and that knowledge is based upon knowing God. Truly knowing God is possible only through obedience to His word (1 Jn. 5:2). When man seeks to change what God has set forth he has left the righteousness of God (Ro. 1:16,17) and, in turn, has established a righteousness of his own (Ro. 10:2-4).
It is possible to know the perfect gospel for the perfect God, our Father, has revealed it. It is simple and easy to understand for those seeking God's truth. Becoming truly free in obedience to that truth allows us to sing that simple song of freedom. Rodger
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
THE BLESSINGS OF BEING GRATEFUL
I have been reminded of the need to be thankful several times recently. Reasons for people's jealousy has been addressed, and brethren are always commenting on our need to be thankful. But the last reminder came from a most unexpected place. There I was at the Grayson County Detention Center getting ready for a study session.
I was thankful first that eight inmates would be in attendance, though one was not able to come. As the first few came into the room to get ready to start, we had a conversation about their lives and current events taking place around them. Several in the group are members of the church which helps in talking about certain subjects. Still you don't expect people in this environment to be thankful for anything. Wrong again.
As the conversation progressed the inmates began to talk about how to get more than what you currently possess. The key is to be grateful for what you have. Neither the ASV or KJV mention the word grateful, and the NASB speaks of gratitude. Of course gratitude is being thankful, and you'll certainly find words associated with thankfulness sprinkled generously throughout Scripture. It was a blessing to listen to the inmates. Even here they spoke of blessings they received.
As one remarked, if you want more time, be grateful or thankful for the time you have. It must be noted he was not speaking of time in reference to his sentence but in being able to accomplish certain tasks or goals. If you want more money, be thankful for the money you have. The Lord can give you more of what you already have since He has given what you currently possess. Tell the Lord thank you.
As an illustration another inmate spoke of something given to him by his father as a young boy. He ran around and shouted to all who would listen, "Look what my father gave to me!" So thankful to receive something that gift needed to be shared. Our heavenly Father blesses us richly everyday, and we should be thankful He provides as He does.
If you want more of something, first be thankful for what you have, not sorrowful for what you don't have. Use your blessings to God's glory and allow Him to bless you even more. While going with the thought of teaching others, I was taught another lesson myself. If these people can find reason to be thankful, certainly I can too.
The joys of life can be found in the most unlikely places. For that I am grateful. Rodger
I have been reminded of the need to be thankful several times recently. Reasons for people's jealousy has been addressed, and brethren are always commenting on our need to be thankful. But the last reminder came from a most unexpected place. There I was at the Grayson County Detention Center getting ready for a study session.
I was thankful first that eight inmates would be in attendance, though one was not able to come. As the first few came into the room to get ready to start, we had a conversation about their lives and current events taking place around them. Several in the group are members of the church which helps in talking about certain subjects. Still you don't expect people in this environment to be thankful for anything. Wrong again.
As the conversation progressed the inmates began to talk about how to get more than what you currently possess. The key is to be grateful for what you have. Neither the ASV or KJV mention the word grateful, and the NASB speaks of gratitude. Of course gratitude is being thankful, and you'll certainly find words associated with thankfulness sprinkled generously throughout Scripture. It was a blessing to listen to the inmates. Even here they spoke of blessings they received.
As one remarked, if you want more time, be grateful or thankful for the time you have. It must be noted he was not speaking of time in reference to his sentence but in being able to accomplish certain tasks or goals. If you want more money, be thankful for the money you have. The Lord can give you more of what you already have since He has given what you currently possess. Tell the Lord thank you.
As an illustration another inmate spoke of something given to him by his father as a young boy. He ran around and shouted to all who would listen, "Look what my father gave to me!" So thankful to receive something that gift needed to be shared. Our heavenly Father blesses us richly everyday, and we should be thankful He provides as He does.
If you want more of something, first be thankful for what you have, not sorrowful for what you don't have. Use your blessings to God's glory and allow Him to bless you even more. While going with the thought of teaching others, I was taught another lesson myself. If these people can find reason to be thankful, certainly I can too.
The joys of life can be found in the most unlikely places. For that I am grateful. Rodger
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
THE ROCK OF AGES
We are familiar with the song Rock of Ages. The lyrics read, "Rock of Ages, cleft for me; Let me hide myself in Thee.." I thought about these words in light of recent news events, and how Scripture relates to them. Again sin has reared its ugly head with the news of the Boy Scouts of America deciding to lift the ban of homosexual leaders and members of the scouting program.
I'm sure there are many who will hail this as a huge step forward and yet through ignorance the consequences are being pushed aside as inconsequential. But the consequences are far reaching. It is these consequences that tie us to the words, "Rock of Ages, cleft for me." These words are directly linked to the foundations upon which our life should be based as well as the standard by which all men will be judged.
The psalmist states, "In the Lord put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to the mountain?" (Ps. 11:1) It is the rationale of man to simply say this is life and there is nothing we can do about it. So if the foundations be destroyed (vs. 3) what can the righteous do? The righteous must do what the psalmist has proclaimed. Put your trust in the Lord, for He is the foundation.
In verse 4, the psalmist brings it home to the mind of those who told him to run, "The Lord is in His holy temple." From where the Lord sits He sees all and from His throne issues the judgments of life. Many will say there is nothing we can do, but the truth of the matter is we must put our trust in God and stand on His foundation. The Lord's countenance beholds the righteous (vs. 7).
This thought is also brought home to us in Paul's words to Timothy (2 Tim. 2:19). Concerning the sin of Hymenaeus and Philetus, Paul says in spite of such false teaching the foundation of God standeth sure. Furthermore there is the seal of this foundation, "The Lord knows those who are His." So if you name the name of Christ, i.e. if you stand truly on the firm foundation of God's truth, you must depart from iniquity.
One principle taught by Jesus that must be remembered is found in Matthew 12:30, "he that is not with Me is against Me.." Either we stand with God in all things or we do not stand with Him at all. For this reason we must stand on the firm foundation of truth without wavering.
The world at large is seeking to destroy the foundations of God but they will one day have to stand before Him. The Lord is still in His holy temple, and we must keep silent before him (Hab. 2:20). When we do we can speak those words, "Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in thee." Rodger
We are familiar with the song Rock of Ages. The lyrics read, "Rock of Ages, cleft for me; Let me hide myself in Thee.." I thought about these words in light of recent news events, and how Scripture relates to them. Again sin has reared its ugly head with the news of the Boy Scouts of America deciding to lift the ban of homosexual leaders and members of the scouting program.
I'm sure there are many who will hail this as a huge step forward and yet through ignorance the consequences are being pushed aside as inconsequential. But the consequences are far reaching. It is these consequences that tie us to the words, "Rock of Ages, cleft for me." These words are directly linked to the foundations upon which our life should be based as well as the standard by which all men will be judged.
The psalmist states, "In the Lord put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to the mountain?" (Ps. 11:1) It is the rationale of man to simply say this is life and there is nothing we can do about it. So if the foundations be destroyed (vs. 3) what can the righteous do? The righteous must do what the psalmist has proclaimed. Put your trust in the Lord, for He is the foundation.
In verse 4, the psalmist brings it home to the mind of those who told him to run, "The Lord is in His holy temple." From where the Lord sits He sees all and from His throne issues the judgments of life. Many will say there is nothing we can do, but the truth of the matter is we must put our trust in God and stand on His foundation. The Lord's countenance beholds the righteous (vs. 7).
This thought is also brought home to us in Paul's words to Timothy (2 Tim. 2:19). Concerning the sin of Hymenaeus and Philetus, Paul says in spite of such false teaching the foundation of God standeth sure. Furthermore there is the seal of this foundation, "The Lord knows those who are His." So if you name the name of Christ, i.e. if you stand truly on the firm foundation of God's truth, you must depart from iniquity.
One principle taught by Jesus that must be remembered is found in Matthew 12:30, "he that is not with Me is against Me.." Either we stand with God in all things or we do not stand with Him at all. For this reason we must stand on the firm foundation of truth without wavering.
The world at large is seeking to destroy the foundations of God but they will one day have to stand before Him. The Lord is still in His holy temple, and we must keep silent before him (Hab. 2:20). When we do we can speak those words, "Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in thee." Rodger
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
A MOST UNCOMFORTABLE MEETING
There is a lot of noise filling our airwaves and public places. That noise stems from the multiple viewpoints being espoused by people from all walks of life. This noise centers around political speeches, religious thought and beliefs, and social issues. This noise will grow louder and will not go away. So we have been placed in a position of deciding how we will deal with it.
In the days of the early church, there was a lot of noise as well. This noise was being advanced by a zealot known as Saul who was out to destroy the Lord's church. This led Saul to a most uncomfortable meeting. While traveling to Damascus shortly after the stoning of Stephen, Saul was introduced to someone he didn't want to meet. It was Jesus Himself. It became pretty obvious to Saul Jesus really had been raised from the dead, and now there was this accountability issue to deal with.
Interestingly, Jesus did not have Saul cast into prison for the murder of Stephen, but there was something else to be done. As Jesus instructed Saul what to do, we read of the conversion of one who truly hated the church and all it stood for, only to become a leading voice of God's grace and salvation.
Many today are heading for this most uncomfortable meeting with Jesus in a much different way. We can read words of Scripture such as Luke quoting the words of Peter, "we ought to obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29). We can also read where Luke quotes Paul (formerly Saul) on Mars Hill, "And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent" (Acts 17:30).
These words cannot be allowed to be weakened. Either they mean something or they don't. Either we believe them or we don't. The noise I made reference to at the beginning of this article is largely looking to silence the voice of God by silencing those who claim to follow Him. There are those who have joined the forces of Satan by advocating this God of love will not punish evil doers who practice things contrary to His word, regardless of what those things are.
The good news is this. The power of God's word cannot be weakened. Another baptism is in the process of taking place in our jail ministry. God's word will not return to us void if we stand for what is right. Those who think God's word will not be upheld, either in the church or out, are heading for a time when they must stand before the Lord and give an account. For them it will be a most uncomfortable meeting. Rodger
There is a lot of noise filling our airwaves and public places. That noise stems from the multiple viewpoints being espoused by people from all walks of life. This noise centers around political speeches, religious thought and beliefs, and social issues. This noise will grow louder and will not go away. So we have been placed in a position of deciding how we will deal with it.
In the days of the early church, there was a lot of noise as well. This noise was being advanced by a zealot known as Saul who was out to destroy the Lord's church. This led Saul to a most uncomfortable meeting. While traveling to Damascus shortly after the stoning of Stephen, Saul was introduced to someone he didn't want to meet. It was Jesus Himself. It became pretty obvious to Saul Jesus really had been raised from the dead, and now there was this accountability issue to deal with.
Interestingly, Jesus did not have Saul cast into prison for the murder of Stephen, but there was something else to be done. As Jesus instructed Saul what to do, we read of the conversion of one who truly hated the church and all it stood for, only to become a leading voice of God's grace and salvation.
Many today are heading for this most uncomfortable meeting with Jesus in a much different way. We can read words of Scripture such as Luke quoting the words of Peter, "we ought to obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29). We can also read where Luke quotes Paul (formerly Saul) on Mars Hill, "And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent" (Acts 17:30).
These words cannot be allowed to be weakened. Either they mean something or they don't. Either we believe them or we don't. The noise I made reference to at the beginning of this article is largely looking to silence the voice of God by silencing those who claim to follow Him. There are those who have joined the forces of Satan by advocating this God of love will not punish evil doers who practice things contrary to His word, regardless of what those things are.
The good news is this. The power of God's word cannot be weakened. Another baptism is in the process of taking place in our jail ministry. God's word will not return to us void if we stand for what is right. Those who think God's word will not be upheld, either in the church or out, are heading for a time when they must stand before the Lord and give an account. For them it will be a most uncomfortable meeting. Rodger
Monday, November 26, 2012
DOING THE RIGHT THING
It is amazing how one can go through life and never hear a popular saying uttered or a word used in the course of a conversation. Then once sayings or a word are spoken, it seems you hear it repeatedly from that time on. One saying that comes to mind is, "It isn't hard to know what the right thing to do is, the hard part is doing it." That may not be the exact quote but it's close, and you may have heard it spoken in other ways. But it is true.
We were all raised, or are being raised, to know the difference between right and wrong. Our parents were hoping to teach us how to be honest in all things and always seek to do the right thing. Often times the right thing can be known and still not be done. For instance, how many of us who are possessors of a driver's license don't know to pull over or off the road when an emergency vehicle is approaching from the rear. Yet while driving this past week no less than two state patrolman were driving with lights flashing and even a siren blaring, only to have a vehicle refuse to move over and let them pass. Lives may have been in danger but it mattered not to this particular motorist.
I have no doubt this motorist knew the right thing to do. It just wasn't done. We are much the same way in our walk with the Lord. Israel was told by God, "And thou shalt do that which is right and good in the sight of the Lord: that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest go in and possess the good land which the Lord sware unto thy fathers" (Deut. 6:18). When the Lord speaks of doing that which is right and good, the reference is to the commandments that Israel had received from God. Israel's claim to any land promised by the Lord was based on their obedience to His word.
With that in mind, how many of us are struggling daily with choices we need to make? And why are those choices so difficult? For the most part we know what the right thing is to do, we just seem to be having trouble doing it. We all struggle with the weakness of the flesh in certain areas of life, but the truth is we know what God desires for us and we know what is the right thing to do based on His teachings.
Amos spoke of heathen nations who did not know what was right for they were not taught the word of God (Amos 3:10). If parents are upholding their God given responsibility then children should be learning what God's word says concerning them. What are the right things to do? Simply read Philippians 4:8 and you will be given a good list based on divine instruction. While there may be areas where our knowledge is lacking, we can still learn and grow as we come into contact with that knowledge.
If we want to pursue after what is right, then our heart must be right with God. We don't need to live our lives in order to please men. We should desire to live in such a way so our life is pleasing to God. That above all else is the right thing to do. Rodger
It is amazing how one can go through life and never hear a popular saying uttered or a word used in the course of a conversation. Then once sayings or a word are spoken, it seems you hear it repeatedly from that time on. One saying that comes to mind is, "It isn't hard to know what the right thing to do is, the hard part is doing it." That may not be the exact quote but it's close, and you may have heard it spoken in other ways. But it is true.
We were all raised, or are being raised, to know the difference between right and wrong. Our parents were hoping to teach us how to be honest in all things and always seek to do the right thing. Often times the right thing can be known and still not be done. For instance, how many of us who are possessors of a driver's license don't know to pull over or off the road when an emergency vehicle is approaching from the rear. Yet while driving this past week no less than two state patrolman were driving with lights flashing and even a siren blaring, only to have a vehicle refuse to move over and let them pass. Lives may have been in danger but it mattered not to this particular motorist.
I have no doubt this motorist knew the right thing to do. It just wasn't done. We are much the same way in our walk with the Lord. Israel was told by God, "And thou shalt do that which is right and good in the sight of the Lord: that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest go in and possess the good land which the Lord sware unto thy fathers" (Deut. 6:18). When the Lord speaks of doing that which is right and good, the reference is to the commandments that Israel had received from God. Israel's claim to any land promised by the Lord was based on their obedience to His word.
With that in mind, how many of us are struggling daily with choices we need to make? And why are those choices so difficult? For the most part we know what the right thing is to do, we just seem to be having trouble doing it. We all struggle with the weakness of the flesh in certain areas of life, but the truth is we know what God desires for us and we know what is the right thing to do based on His teachings.
Amos spoke of heathen nations who did not know what was right for they were not taught the word of God (Amos 3:10). If parents are upholding their God given responsibility then children should be learning what God's word says concerning them. What are the right things to do? Simply read Philippians 4:8 and you will be given a good list based on divine instruction. While there may be areas where our knowledge is lacking, we can still learn and grow as we come into contact with that knowledge.
If we want to pursue after what is right, then our heart must be right with God. We don't need to live our lives in order to please men. We should desire to live in such a way so our life is pleasing to God. That above all else is the right thing to do. Rodger
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