Wednesday, July 29, 2015

On The Road

Each of us are on a different location on the narrow road to the Celestial Kingdom. Some are forging ahead nearing the finish line; others are straggling behind being distracted by worldly glitter. Pilgrims Progress is a classic book personifying the travelers and the pitfalls.

No matter where any of us are in the journey, we need one another's assistance along the way. The more mature Christian needs to help the weaker, less experienced, member of the body of Christ. It is so easy today to get the attitude "every man for himself," but that is not God's way. We are our brothers' keeper.

Priscilla and Aquila demonstrated the right response when they came upon Apollos, one who loved God but didn't have it altogether in his understanding. 

"When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately." - Acts 18:26

We're also instructed to "accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions." - Rom 14:1

I think it is more difficult today than in those days to follow these principles, though we must try our best. We're always trying to figure out if someone's incomplete faith is valid or not. Those who have 30 years of grounding in the Word might look at a baby Christian with feelings of superiority, doubting their testimony if it doesn't fit a theological pattern they think it should. 

Someone recently on facebook read my testimony and told me my salvation process missed the mark. He couldn't be sure whether it was suitable or not. He was offended that I was assisted by someone from a Calvary Chapel since he figured none of their converts were valid. Maybe if they didn't give out the "four spiritual laws" they fell short or something.

We're not all going to be in agreement in the application of biblical principles in our walk. Yet we need to not grow weary in encouraging one another to good works. I love the way the late Walter Martin used to put it:

"If two people agree on everything all the time, one of them isn't thinking."

Social media like Twitter and Facebook may actually work against this as it is easier to take something the wrong way when it is in print, since you cannot hear the others tone of voice or see the expression on their face. Yet somehow we need to learn to reason together in the new medium without conveying aggression. 

I doubt if they offer such a class in the 'School of the Prophets.' (eye roll)

“Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy." - Rev. 3:2-4

"Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men." Rom 12: 9-18


No comments:

Post a Comment