Bible Thoughts

February 6, 2000

It is much easier for one to overlook the fault of a friend than the fault of an enemy(or someone not particularly liked). It is much easier to understand the position of one who is close to us than to see why those who are distant could believe such a thing. We have a tendency to be more understanding of one who is considered a close friend than a casual acquaintance.

The above mentioned reactions find their way into religious practices and feelings. We will sometimes go so far as to tolerate error in our friends that we condemn, with much enthusiasm, in our enemies. However, error is error and truth is truth--wherever it may be found. Even though error has found its way into the life or teaching of a dear one to us, such does not remove its character.

We must be careful lest we permit our nearness or fondness toward a person blind us to reality. Paul did not permit the apostleship of Peter to interfere with his pointing out the unacceptable conduct of his brother(Galatians 2). Did he not show his concern for Peter by rebuking him and helping him recover from his wrongs? The true friend will point a man toward the truth(Galatians 4:16). In fact: How could one be really concerned for another as he sees one tottering on the brink of spiritual disaster and refuses to offer assistance?

We must not permit our responsibility to truth to be blinded by the friendship of others. One brother advised years ago, "Do not put too much confidence in men." Most of us have lived long enough to realize the truthfulness of those words.

Friends are wonderful. They should be earnestly cultivated. Do not forget, however, that the Christian owes his first responsibility and allegiance to God and to truth.

Great stock is put on the way a person feels in religion. Many will accept positions not taught in the Bible simply because they "feel it right here" as they pat the chest which contains the human blood-pump. Others will testify that miracles have been wrought because of how the feel (unfortunately, some do not even know what constitutes a miracle).

We readily admit that the person who is saved will feel a burden lifted from his heart, have his bowels of compassion moved toward the unfortunate, thrill to the gospel, and feel a closeness to God not experienced by unbelievers. All of this is a result of the knowledge, provided by the gospel, that one is right in God's sight.

Feelings by themselves, however, prove extremely unreliable in religion. Paul testified, "I verily thought with myself that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth"(Acts 26:9). He even said he had "lived before God in all good conscience until this day"(Acts 23:2). Paul's feelings did not save him; the gospel of Christ did(Acts 22:10). And even then--he had to obey the truth, including being baptized(Acts 22:16).

The emphasis upon human feelings has long been a problem among the denominations. Observing some of the activities and teachings of those who left the truth to follow the path of institutionalism, a major problem is arising among those churches who have embraced such errors. Noting their advertisement and articles being circulated in the last few months, there is an increasing emphasis upon practices that appeal to the feelings, including choirs and, yes, the approval of mechanical instruments of music. The social aspect, as well, enters into what is happening. While one may feel better after a "party" sponsored by a congregation, it does not make one right, whatever pleasant feelings are gained by such an experience. The church of our Lord is a spiritual institution designed to save souls. A true and dedicated disciple is led to "feel good" by knowing that the Word of God is being following in every aspect of the work of the church, the worship of the church, and the divine order set forth in the New Testament.

Human feelings are unsafe measurements in religion. The gospel is the means of learning what to do in order to be acceptable to God. Unless one's conscience and feelings are based on the teachings of Christ, his spiritual life will end in disaster.

It is appropriate to point out a person's fault. It is appropriate to discuss what that person needs to do to correct that fault. Once this has been done, the rest is up to the person who is at fault.

It I let a person's fault keep me from my responsibility to God, it is my soul that I am endangering. While the one who did me wrong may also be lost, I will be lost for holding a grudge in my heart and failing to meet my personal obligations to God.

Think about it.