Bible Thoughts August 19, 2001
"So give Your servant an understanding heart
to judge Your people to discern between good and evil. For who is
able to judge this great people of Yours?"(I Kings 3:9).
The prayer offered to God by Solomon indicates the correct attitude toward righteousness. While the new king was asking for an understanding heart, he did so that he might make wise judgments in regard to the difference between what is good and what is evil. The enormous responsibility upon the shoulders of Solomon provoked him to request that he be given the power of discernment. This would enable him to guide the people in the paths of righteousness.
The future actions of Solomon indicated his dedication to the work of leading God's people under the directions of the Law of Moses. While Solomon was not without faults, he was a great leader of God's people and his leadership brought peace to the nation. The king of Israel did know the difference between good and evil even when he did not make a full application to his own conduct and behavior.
The power of discerning between good and evil rests in the gospel of Christ. As Solomon sought to follow the directions under the Law of Moses, so disciples of Christ seek to have the power of discernment through the words of Christ and inspired men. Each thought and each action is weighed in the light of the truth contained in the New Testament.
In moral conduct, the Christian discerns between the behavior of a Christian and the behavior of the world. While the society in which one lives exerts a great influence upon all of us, the disciple must learn, as Solomon, to discern between good and evil. Failure to make such will result in a drift away from righteousness and the eventual destruction of the soul.
The television world recognizes its own ungodliness through warnings such as "use viewer discretion" or "viewer discretion is advised." Over the last few years, the boundaries of decency have been moved further and further away from the standards for disciples of Christ. Solomon learned to discern, so can Christians.
Association with others also comes under
consideration in discernment. Paul said, "Be not deceived: evil companionships corrupt good
morals"(I Corinthians 15:33).
Cultivating friends who are not interested in righteous behavior has
been the downfall of many. Young people: choose wisely those whom you
make close friends. Always be conscious of the power they can
exercise over you. As a Christian, always set an example in word and
conduct. You can influence them in the ways of Christ if you live the
life of a disciple before them.
"Moreover they shall teach My people
the difference between the holy and the profane, and cause them to
discern between the unclean and the clean"(Ezekiel 44:23).
The Levites were given this instruction because they were the leaders of God's people. They were to instruct the people in the difference between what is holy(pleasing to God) and profane(pleasing to men). Included in this teaching was the ability "to discern between the unclean and the clean." Such instruction is still most appropriate in our day.
The elders of a congregation are to instruct, and see to the instruction, of those whom they shepherd. Without the proper guidance, a congregation will drift away from God and die spiritually. Remember what has happened in the last few years among those churches of Christ who have innovated practices not found in the scriptures. The failure on the part of the elders and teachers in such congregations has led them into apostasy. Members must be taught the difference between truth and false teaching. Not only by word, but by example as well. It is the duty of leaders before the God of Heaven to speak the truth, live the truth, and see to the instruction of others in the truth.
The teaching of leaders must not only include such matters as the above, but instruction in moral behavior, treatment of others, dedication to Christ, and all other applications of the gospel to the life of a Christian. A grave responsibility rests upon the shoulders of those who would lead members of God's kingdom by example and by word. The future of the church of God is dependent upon dedicated, conscientious, and morally-upright leaders. In their absence, a congregation's future is in jeopardy.
Let each of us, as Christians, as
preachers and teachers, as elders and saints, stand firm for the
truth of God and discern between that which is evil and that which is
good. The morals and standards of our country have deteriorated over
the past few years. Let each of make up our minds that we will always
be in a position to "press on toward
the goal of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ
Jesus"(Philippians 4:14). How hard
are you pressing?
The language of the world adapts to the standards of the desires and
practices of the age in which one lives. Rather than ask couples,
"How long have you been married?" the acceptable social question is,
"How long have you been together?" Been together? If you have not
been together as husband and wife, you are together in fornication or
adultery! Get the question right! "How long have you been living in
sin?"
Who are your
heroes? The heroes of the Christian
are those great men and women we read about in the Bible. They stood
for truth; they practiced righteousness; they sacrificed for the
cause of faith; they set an example to others; they gave their lives
to prove they would not deny the Lord, nor his cause.
Have you looked at the world's heroes? Have you listened to their words? Have you observed their conduct? Have you noted their attitudes? Have you seen their actions? Compare them with the heroes of God.
One's heroes are often identified by those whom they imitate in their own lives. Speech, conduct, dress, and many other influences demonstrate what standard one upholds in life.
Take a look at what the world values in heroes. Does that tell you something? By the way, who are your heroes?