Bible Thoughts

June 20, 2004

Spiritual blindness was an affliction of those who, in their ignorance and ungodliness, practiced the commandments of men while lacking an understanding of the ways of God. Not only were the Gentiles afflicted with this malady, but those who were following the corrupted teachings of many of the Jewish leaders of that day. Those who were supposed to be God's people had not properly studied and applied the messages of Jehovah in the Old Testament and were rejecting the teachings of Jesus Christ. They were blinding themselves to the truth because they followed the ways and teachings of men, rejecting the revelations that came from the Almighty.

All of the spiritually blind are not dead. When the spectacles of error shut out the light of the gospel, men are unable to see the truth. The rose colored glasses of denominationalism shut out the true light of the gospel. Even Jesus pointed out that the teachers of His day were blind as well as those who would listen to the instructors of error. The Lord said, "Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch"(Matthew 15:14).

The religious teachings of men that do not reflect the will of Jesus Christ will cause those who follow, in their blindness, to be lost. One can see the light only through a full dedication to the commands of the New Testament. Are you walking in the light of the gospel?

Men are no different in our day than those who were living during the days of Christ and the apostles. Some heard the word and believed; some heard and refused to believe the message. It is still our responsibility to continue to speak the truth at every opportunity. Not all will listen and believe the message of the gospel. However, there will be those who respond out of a true and sincere heart, believing and obeying what God has commanded.

We are always searching for those who are honest and willing to follow the commands of the Almighty. Do not be discouraged, however, when one does not respond to the gospel. There were many more who did not obey the truth in the apostolic days than accepted the words of inspired men. It is no different in our day. How many sermons does it take to convince one to accept the ways of God? Only one--but it often takes a great deal of encouragement in stirring up one enough to be interested in the salvation of one's soul. Let each of us live a life that is faithful to God and there will be, through such an example, some who will be interested in the truth of the gospel. Even of the people who heard the truth during Jesus' time on earth, only a few listened to the apostles: let each of us continue to search for the few who want to be saved in eternity.

Where will we find those who are interested in the truth? They may be in your family; they may be your close friends; they may be your neighbors; they may be those you work with; they may be casual acquaintances; they may be one who needs help in some way. Whatever be the situation, there can be an opportunity, through one's life and actions, to influence those you contact to think about their own spiritual condition. The examples they see in the actions that are mentioned above can certainly open up windows of opportunity. Be alert to the occasion when it arises.

Hezekiah was a great king of Israel. His leadership was an excellent example not only for the people over which he reigned, but for all of the kings that would follow after him. He based his reign upon righteousness in contrast to the majority of the earthly kings in Judah and Israel. The example he set is not only for those in authority, but can also be each one of us.

Hezekiah "did what was good..." This king could have taken an entirely different stance and used his power to satisfy the flesh. Doing good takes effort and sacrifice. The good heart of this man was evident in his thoughts and in his actions. Doing good is the major part of the life of a Christian. Good is determined by the New Testament of Jesus Christ. One practices good when he/she is guided by the principles contained therein. Want to know how to be good? Read the scriptures and apply what is taught therein. What to know how to continue to do good? Note: "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him"(Colossians 3:17).

Hezekiah did what was "right..." Right is decided by the standards that are set forth in the Lord's word. Hezekiah treated others right in his decisions and his guidance. Yet, there are others, in every generation apparently, who "pervert the right ways of the Lord"(Acts 13:10). Paul taught that children are to obey the parents "for this is right"(Ephesians 6:1). Yet, there are those who would forsake "the right way"(II Peter 215).

Hezekiah did what was "true..." Following what is true is conditioned on whether one is willing to accept the commandments of the Lord(only they contain religious truth). Paul was dedicated to following the truth, whatever the cost. While there were those who would pervert the truth during the days of the apostles, the faithful used the truth to expose such false teachers. The attitude of Paul was to hold up the truth under all circumstances. When those in that day would change the truth, Paul pointed out, "To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you"(Galatians 2:5).

Our religious world is saturated with error, not truth. If the denominations followed the truth of the gospel, they would put aside the commandments of men and stick to the New Testament in all that is said or done, denominationalism would not exist! Only by following the truth messages found in Christ's gospel can one be true to the Master.

If the preacher were to go places and do things that most church members do, those same church members would want to get rid of him and get a better man.(The Old Paths)from Gospel Advocate, November 3, 1932

Truth does not conform itself to us, but we must conform ourselves to it.-M. Claudius