Volume 49 Number 11 November 2007
“This is the message which we have from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5).
Many of you who are reading this article know full well of the joys concerning this love. One only needs to taste a bit of it and the reasoning behind why David wrote the lyrics to
Psalm 133 becomes all too clear. The eyes of the saints are able to see a world where God reigns. I don’t believe it’s too implausible to say that they wish for all men to see this world. This is a sizeable reason why Christians are willing to share their faith with other souls.“For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared...He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:4-5).
With this willingness, however, comes an inherent danger. The seduction of this world does not disappear when we are born again, our former selves do, but not this world...not yet. We know that there is black and white, that is, good and evil. Yet we still must step foot in that vast sea of the everyday and there always seems to be an abundance of gray in our lives. It’s most difficult when we aren’t under the auspices of our brothers and sisters in Christ. When is it okay to associate with those who are outside the body of Christ and when is it not okay? It would please Satan if Christians were to keep their good news to themselves, but the last thing they want to do is to please Satan. They have something else in mind. Paul wrote in his epistle to the Romans:
“Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law...Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” (Romans 13:8,10). It’s okay to care not only for our Christian neighbors but for the rest of the world as well.“But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who spitefully use you.” (Luke 6:27-28).
In order to spread good things we must be in the presence of those who do not yet know of them. This is inevitable and God knows that we will face demanding obstacles in our lives. He instructs us to prepare for this. In the book of Jonah it reads that the Ninevites were unable to discern between their right hand and their left
(Jonah 4:11). This was a testament to the spiritual depravation which existed in that city. To this day, the saints walk among the dead but if we do not educate ourselves in knowing the difference between right and wrong, how are we going to show that to others? Before we can begin to help others we must first equip ourselves.“Should a wise man answer with empty knowledge, and fill himself with the east wind? Should he reason with unprofitable talk, or by speeches with which he can do no good?” (Job 15:2-3).
“For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” (Hebrews 5:13-14).
Consistent study of the Scriptures is an essential part of nurturing the godly mind. To those who are searching for Truth, our words and actions may be the bridle that they need. We would do well to be confident in our knowledge of the Scriptures. It does not go unnoticed. Now the question is, in the waters of men, where can I safely tread? How can I be an example without compromising my own faith? That question answers itself. Do not compromise your faith. Stand firm in your beliefs. This is a great test for the elect. Inside them resides a fantastic consciousness. A great peace that we want so much for the stray to know, but when we see people around us doing things contrary to the commandments of our Lord, we will do either one of two things. Either we will withdraw ourselves from the situation where sin exists or we will take part in it. A great worry for Christians is the obscurity of the latter. What line must we not cross in order to be found innocent of sin? This is where I stop writing because anything I write from this point on would simply be redundant.
“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light.” (Ephesians 5:11-13).
Sometimes, I ask myself this question, “Are you serious about your faith?” So many people in this world treat this life as a game. They can play at religion as they please. Even so, that’s if they are playing at all! The line we must not cross is the one we have already set for ourselves each time we partake in the Lord’s supper. It’s the same one we see each time we find comfort in our fellow believers. Each time we correct a brother. Each time we are corrected. When we call ourselves a Christian we must not feel the pang of dishonesty. If we are doing good in the sight of God, we will be at rest. If we can do this, we will have no ambiguous feelings of guilt in the presence of unbelievers. We will know our place and just as I was shown that night in the dining room, we will be able to help others find theirs.
“The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore.” (Psalm 121)