Bible Thoughts January 10, 1999
The standards of men are not the standards of God. What men may approve could be acceptable to God, but only if such agrees with God's revelation, the New Testament. Unfortunately, what most humans condone in their hearts is not the same thing that God approves for mankind. The liberties of humanity are often far removed from the standards of God. From morals to honesty and integrity to religious service worldly minded people allow behavior that is far removed from the standard set forth in the Law of Christ. If all of one's friends and/or society approves ones (mis)behavior, such does not make it right "in the sight of God." "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good"(Romans 12:21).
The standards of brethren are not always the standards of God. Even among Christians, there would be those who allow the patterns of the world to rule their lives rather than the patterns of God's word. Allowances may come in the form of approval of gambling, drinking, carousing, cursing, modern dancing, immodest dressing, and other behaviors that our liberal society finds acceptable. Or, as Jesus put it, "what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God." Even if brethren condone worldly activities, that does not make such right. Remember that Paul said, "Demas forsook me, having loved this present world"(II Timothy 4:10).
The approval of one's friends/relatives does not insure that the person is all right in God's sight. Again, Jesus pointed out that one could be justified "in the sight of men," and be unacceptable in the "sight of God." Too often, a Christian who is close to a person is fearful of "offending" that one by pointing out misconduct in the individual's life. In some cases, afraid of ruining the friendship of an acquaintance, silence becomes the escape from dealing with ungodliness in the life of a close friend or relative. Understand, one does not have to be unkind, sarcastic, or abrasive in order to point out what is wrong in the life of a person. A very effective approach in teaching that person is to live a righteous life in his/her presence and refuse to engage in any behavior that would endanger the soul. The opportunity will arise to teach that person when the disciple is fully dedicated to the service of the Lord as the friend/relative observes the righteous life. However, if one walks the same path with someone who is not pleasing to God, there will be little hope(if any) of ever leading that person(s) to the Lord. "...but be thou an ensample to them that believe, in word, in manner of life, in love, in faith, in purity"(I Timothy 4:12).
It seems to be a human trait that each one of us will try to justify ourselves through our excuses. We have learned that lesson well in our dealing with other folks. Our children have learned it well from friends and relatives. When we are caught in an unpleasant situation, one of our first reactions is to say, "Well...:" followed by a rather lengthy explanation as to why we did or did not do something. Self-justification. Works well in the house, doesn't it--husbands? Sometimes works well with the teacher--students? Even works well with the brethren, does it not? It will not work with God! Jehovah knows what men do not--He knows our hearts. All of the lame excuses men may offer for misconduct, failure to meet responsibilities, neglect, laziness, indifference, etc., will not pass the standard of God. "For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity; that they may be without excuse"(Romans 1:20). God does not accept excuses.
In the passage at the beginning of this article, the Lord is dealing with the Pharisees. Their heart was focused on "money" and they "scoffed" at the teachings of Christ(Luke 16:14). By scoffing, they thought they could justify themselves. Jesus, who knew their hearts, could reveal how that love for money kept them from the approval of God. Their long robes, their pretentious speeches, and their pious actions would not hide their hypocrisy. What the Pharisees needed was an understanding of Jehovah and a respect for His law. Their behavior did not change what Jesus taught. Their behavior did not justify their souls. What was acceptable to them was not acceptable to the Creator of all men. Those of today who "scoff" at the gospel while possessing the love of money, the love of the world, and the love of oneself to the rejection of the words of the Lord are no better than the Pharisees of Jesus' time. Jesus had just told those of His time, "Ye cannot serve God and mammon"(Luke 16:13). Who and what do you love most?