Bible Thoughts

July 14, 2002

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“Butter and honey shall he eat, when he knoweth to refuse the evil and choose the good”(Isaiah 7:15).

The above passage has a reference to Immanuel(Christ). The portion that is addressed in this comment is that of his refusing the evil and choosing the good. In this statement, there is something that should gain the attention of each one of us. The very nature of our Lord and Savior is his refusal to follow the path of sin and his willingness to pursue only that which is right. The followers of Christ need to imitate the Master. Is it easy to refuse the evil that surrounds us? It may not be easy, but it is right. Sacrifice may be necessary: always remember that Christ gave His life for each of us. Too many of us(one is too many) have a very imperfect understanding of what it means to sacrifice. When called upon to give time and energy to the pursuit of righteousness, our interest in the affairs of this world take up so much of our day(or week, month or year) that we deny the Lord what we surely should give unto him. The faithful child of God learns to “refuse the evil and choose the good.” The choice is the responsibility of each person and what is chosen will determine whether one is saved or lost.

“But if to live in the flesh--if this shall bring fruit from my work, then what I shall choose I know not”(Philippians 1:22).

The apostle of Christ had a dilemma: he did not know whether it would be better for him to live or to die. If he died, he would be with Christ. If he lived, he could assist the brethren in their growth as disciples. It is not easy to make a choice when either choice would be right. Yet, Paul weighed the amount of good that he could accomplish and made his decision. Christians sometimes have choices to make. It is not unusual to find that either choice would be right. The way to reach the proper decision is to weigh the results(outcome) of what would follow in each case. In other instances, it is clear which is the proper choice for one who is faithful to God. The Lord was very pointed when he taught that one is to seek “the kingdom and his righteousness” first. There is no doubt, for one who desires to satisfy the Lord, that following a path of dedication to the Lord and His word is the choice of the faithful disciple.

“And if it seem evil unto you to serve Jehovah, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve Jehovah”(Joshua 24:15).

There was no doubt in the mind of Joshua as he addressed the people of Israel: he would serve the God who delivered them from bondage. The evidence for that service was plain: they had conquered their enemies, and now, they could serve the true and living God. The Lord does not make men serve him: he appeals to all men, without reservation, to accept His word and follow the truths contained therein. One has a choice: follow the commands of men or follow the Testament of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. There are many paths and many teachings, but there is only one way to the Lord and salvation: the commands of the New Testament. Multiple choices are not offered by the Lord, for he plainly said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no one cometh unto the Father, but by me”(John 14:6). Please note: he does not have ways, just the way!

“I have chosen the way of faithfulness...For I have chosen thy precepts”(Psalm 119:20, 173).

Even in the Old Covenant, the people understood that faithfulness required a Hebrew to choose to follow the precepts(rules) of the Law of Moses. Whether one chooses to serve the Lord in the present age is also up to the individual. No friend, no relative, no preacher, or anyone else, can make such a decision for you. It is up to the individual soul to decide and make that choice. Each person will stand in the presence of God and give an account for the deeds done in the body. The decision and sentence of God is for eternity. There will be no appeal in the day of judgment. Does it not make sense for one to prepare in this life, by being faithful for a few short years, to go to Heaven? The choice is up to you. Heaven or Hell? What shall it be?

The last two issues of Bible Thoughts focused on the power of choice in regard to one serving the Creator of all life. The Lord could have made men simple robots, programmed to go through the motions of service. He, however, desired that men would choose to serve him out of the goodness of their hearts and the willingness of their minds. Those who preach, teach, and/or practice the principles of the New Testament are concerned about the souls of men and attempt to persuade all men to make the choice to serve the Lord from the day they hear the gospel until they depart this life.

Sometimes it is not easy to be dedicated to Christ and His way. However, if I choose to serve the Lord, he will help me overcome any obstacle that may stand in the way of Eternal Life. Every right thinking person desires to go to Heaven. The route to that eternal abode is found only in making the choice to obey the gospel and live a righteous life. There will be hardships and adversities, but such can be conquered by the faith that one has in Jesus Christ. There will be disappointments, but they will disappear as one walks the way of truth. Will you walk with the Lord?

It is right to seek help in understanding scripture. Some have a better knowledge and can assist in knowing what is right. However, be sure the one who is helping knows the truth well enough to guide. Philip knew the word of God.

In seeking help, make sure the one seeking to guide you believes the Bible to be the word of God. A doubter would not be helpful in knowing what Jesus expects.

When studying the Bible carefully read the scripture. Do not rush through as when reading a work of men.

To understand the Bible, search out all the Bible reveals on a subject.

In a desire to understand a Bible subject, make up one's mind to accept only what the Bible reveals.

Philip understood the inspired message to him. We can understand the Bible.