The Question of Retreat: Good vs Evil
In the battle between good and evil, where do we retreat when pressed or distressed?
What is our default? What has dominion over us?
When the Battle Lines are met, and we face Trials and Temptations, which do we find more attractive: The arms of Jesus, or the arms of a stranger? The Word of God, or the wiles of the Devil?
On the battlefield of the heart, remember this verse. Wield it as often as the battle is joined against Satan and his seducers.
“Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.” - Romans 6:12 KJV
On the battlefield of the mind, beware ambush.
"While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage." - 2 Peter 2:19
When good or evil delivers a city, they rule it. Who is your king?
What scribes & experts call "syncretism," God calls "adultery." Beware doctrines that introduce error from the rudiments of this world.
This is particularly potent, when selling a cure for physical adultery, un-Christian psychologists promote spiritual adultery.
2 Peter 2:19
"That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." - Ephesians 4:22-24 KJV
Good and Evil fight quite differently.
Consider Romans 12:17-21; 20-21 shown here:
"Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good."
In the battle between Good and Evil,
on one hand we have the Trying of our faith, Tests,
and on the other hand we have Temptations.
What Satan intends for Evil, God can use for Good, if we obey Him.
Consider Joseph in Potiphar's house, or Daniel and Co.
We may see others like us on either side of Good vs Evil.
The temporary middle ground of choice and indecision can pull us or them either way.
"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;" - Colossians 3:23 KJV
"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."–James1:2-4
"In your patience possess ye your souls."–Luke21:19
In spiritual warfare, where do your heart and mind retreat?
Christ went into the mountain.
Peter went into his boat.
Where are you?
In the battle between good and evil, where do we retreat when pressed or distressed?
What is our default? What has dominion over us?
When the Battle Lines are met, and we face Trials and Temptations, which do we find more attractive: The arms of Jesus, or the arms of a stranger? The Word of God, or the wiles of the Devil?
On the battlefield of the heart, remember this verse. Wield it as often as the battle is joined against Satan and his seducers.
“Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.” - Romans 6:12 KJV
On the battlefield of the mind, beware ambush.
"While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage." - 2 Peter 2:19
When good or evil delivers a city, they rule it. Who is your king?
What scribes & experts call "syncretism," God calls "adultery." Beware doctrines that introduce error from the rudiments of this world.
This is particularly potent, when selling a cure for physical adultery, un-Christian psychologists promote spiritual adultery.
2 Peter 2:19
"That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." - Ephesians 4:22-24 KJV
Good and Evil fight quite differently.
Consider Romans 12:17-21; 20-21 shown here:
"Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good."
In the battle between Good and Evil,
on one hand we have the Trying of our faith, Tests,
and on the other hand we have Temptations.
What Satan intends for Evil, God can use for Good, if we obey Him.
Consider Joseph in Potiphar's house, or Daniel and Co.
We may see others like us on either side of Good vs Evil.
The temporary middle ground of choice and indecision can pull us or them either way.
"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;" - Colossians 3:23 KJV
"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."–James1:2-4
"In your patience possess ye your souls."–Luke21:19
In spiritual warfare, where do your heart and mind retreat?
Christ went into the mountain.
Peter went into his boat.
Where are you?
Faith and Fact ● Poem by Eric Druist
1/ Faith takes as fact that God cannot lie.
This flies in the face of the very first lie:
● Unbelief cost Adam and Eve paradise.
2/ “Yea, hath God said?” asked the devil so sly,
“That if you will eat it, you surely will die?”
● Is your faith equipped with answers?
3/ This most foolish question is truly absurd.
“Yea, God hath said!” I’ll not add one word.
● Even legalism finds its roots in Eden. “Don’t touch it,” is sound advice, but it is not the motivating principle. Promoting or blaming mere application (works) when tempted is deadly.
4/ Every truth is complete, even if it’s not heard.
You’ll find all the answers in God’s Holy Word.
● Sticking your fingers in your ears will not save you on judgment day. Faith does, and it comes by hearing the Word of God.
1/ Faith takes as fact that God cannot lie.
This flies in the face of the very first lie:
● Unbelief cost Adam and Eve paradise.
2/ “Yea, hath God said?” asked the devil so sly,
“That if you will eat it, you surely will die?”
● Is your faith equipped with answers?
3/ This most foolish question is truly absurd.
“Yea, God hath said!” I’ll not add one word.
● Even legalism finds its roots in Eden. “Don’t touch it,” is sound advice, but it is not the motivating principle. Promoting or blaming mere application (works) when tempted is deadly.
4/ Every truth is complete, even if it’s not heard.
You’ll find all the answers in God’s Holy Word.
● Sticking your fingers in your ears will not save you on judgment day. Faith does, and it comes by hearing the Word of God.
"My Perspective" vs "Your Opinion"
The following is a specific observation, not a dogma to hound any and all users of these phrases.
This situation involves two people with opposing views, where one side calls the other a liar in very politically correct terms.
There is diplomacy, and then there is duplicity.
Some sly creatures use every synonym and slang in the book to accuse or excuse, while avoiding any accountability for their lies.
Proud people may contrast “my perspective” with “your opinion,” calling themselves true and all their opponents liars.
Don’t be this person; don’t let pride get the better of you.
#Truth #lies #Opinion
If it be truth, why spin it?
If it be truth, for what reason do we swear?
If it be truth, live it, and live with the consequences.
The following is a specific observation, not a dogma to hound any and all users of these phrases.
This situation involves two people with opposing views, where one side calls the other a liar in very politically correct terms.
There is diplomacy, and then there is duplicity.
Some sly creatures use every synonym and slang in the book to accuse or excuse, while avoiding any accountability for their lies.
Proud people may contrast “my perspective” with “your opinion,” calling themselves true and all their opponents liars.
Don’t be this person; don’t let pride get the better of you.
#Truth #lies #Opinion
If it be truth, why spin it?
If it be truth, for what reason do we swear?
If it be truth, live it, and live with the consequences.
GOD=TRUE | MAN=LIAR
(In Fools We Trust)
"The Fool" doth solemnly swear:
My Truth, Your Truth,
& Anything but The Truth
“There Is No God."
When man wishes to promote something counter or askew to the Word of God, he redefines truth.
#Truth
Just as the pagans of old created a pantheon of gods to displace the One True God, the pagans of this present era/error create a pantheon of “truths” to displace Absolute Truth.
In the beginning, Satan called God a liar, and Adam acted accordingly. No, let us affirm the opposite, “Yea, let God be true, but every man a liar.”
Yes, this illustration is a play on words, quite striking considering the state of the world with the rise of the anti-religion of Atheism.
#Atheism
Satan’s goal with the folly of Atheism is not only to proclaim “there is no God”–not only to remove God–but also to replace His Christ.
Read God’s Word for what comes next, for clarity in the coming conceits.
(In Fools We Trust)
"The Fool" doth solemnly swear:
My Truth, Your Truth,
& Anything but The Truth
“There Is No God."
When man wishes to promote something counter or askew to the Word of God, he redefines truth.
#Truth
Just as the pagans of old created a pantheon of gods to displace the One True God, the pagans of this present era/error create a pantheon of “truths” to displace Absolute Truth.
In the beginning, Satan called God a liar, and Adam acted accordingly. No, let us affirm the opposite, “Yea, let God be true, but every man a liar.”
Yes, this illustration is a play on words, quite striking considering the state of the world with the rise of the anti-religion of Atheism.
#Atheism
Satan’s goal with the folly of Atheism is not only to proclaim “there is no God”–not only to remove God–but also to replace His Christ.
Read God’s Word for what comes next, for clarity in the coming conceits.
THE MEEK
are they who do the will of God without pomp or protest. With humility and patience they walk, not fainting, nor taking occasion for the flesh.
2/The meek, like Moses, do not need the pomp of Egypt, nor its fleshly ambitions, but they walk humbly with their God.
"By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;
Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God,
than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt:
for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward."
Hebrews 11:24-26 KJV
"(Now the man Moses [was] very meek, above all the men which [were] upon the face of the earth.)" Numbers 12:3 KJV
"He hath shewed thee, O man, what [is] good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"
Micah 6:8 KJV
are they who do the will of God without pomp or protest. With humility and patience they walk, not fainting, nor taking occasion for the flesh.
2/The meek, like Moses, do not need the pomp of Egypt, nor its fleshly ambitions, but they walk humbly with their God.
"By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;
Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God,
than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt:
for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward."
Hebrews 11:24-26 KJV
"(Now the man Moses [was] very meek, above all the men which [were] upon the face of the earth.)" Numbers 12:3 KJV
"He hath shewed thee, O man, what [is] good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"
Micah 6:8 KJV
3/The meek do not protest that they think their way is best, but seek to do the will of God on earth as it is in heaven.
Patience and long-suffering are buoyed by rejoicing in the cross of Christ, so that they do not faint by the way.
"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls."
Matthew 11:29 KJV
"Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done."
Luke 22:42 KJV
"For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds."
Hebrews 12:3 KJV
"But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world."
Galatians 6:14 KJV
"And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name."
Acts 5:41 KJV
4/ "If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will [my] Father honour."
John 12:26 KJV
"For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth."
2 Corinthians 10:18 KJV
Patience and long-suffering are buoyed by rejoicing in the cross of Christ, so that they do not faint by the way.
"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls."
Matthew 11:29 KJV
"Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done."
Luke 22:42 KJV
"For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds."
Hebrews 12:3 KJV
"But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world."
Galatians 6:14 KJV
"And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name."
Acts 5:41 KJV
4/ "If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will [my] Father honour."
John 12:26 KJV
"For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth."
2 Corinthians 10:18 KJV
The Nature of UNBELIEF
We do not believe God when He warns us, and when it happens, we do not believe that He can save us.
From arrogance to despair we go, without a thought for our All-Knowing and Almighty God.
Because if I can't handle it, then surely God can't handle it either, for I have perceived my God to be no bigger than myself.
God knows the effect of our actions, good or bad.
He knows when our hearts desire to do foolish things; and He warns us of the consequences.
But we, trusting in our "good intentions," wise in our own conceits, disregard His counsel.
And as surely as we disobey the God Who cannot lie, what He has foretold comes to pass.
And now we're stuck. We didn't believe God when things were going well, and now they're not.
If we only trust God when things go well, what is our trust in, our circumstances, ourselves?
"Oh for grace to trust Him more."
Tis’ So Sweet to Trust in Jesus
https://library.timelesstruths.org/music/Tis_So_Sweet_to_Trust_in_Jesus/
We do not believe God when He warns us, and when it happens, we do not believe that He can save us.
From arrogance to despair we go, without a thought for our All-Knowing and Almighty God.
Because if I can't handle it, then surely God can't handle it either, for I have perceived my God to be no bigger than myself.
God knows the effect of our actions, good or bad.
He knows when our hearts desire to do foolish things; and He warns us of the consequences.
But we, trusting in our "good intentions," wise in our own conceits, disregard His counsel.
And as surely as we disobey the God Who cannot lie, what He has foretold comes to pass.
And now we're stuck. We didn't believe God when things were going well, and now they're not.
If we only trust God when things go well, what is our trust in, our circumstances, ourselves?
"Oh for grace to trust Him more."
Tis’ So Sweet to Trust in Jesus
https://library.timelesstruths.org/music/Tis_So_Sweet_to_Trust_in_Jesus/
To the proud and unbelieving, beware:
What we sow in arrogance, we will reap in despair.
In our arrogance, we dismiss an all-knowing God's warnings.
When the direct result of our actions comes back to bite us, we need to consider outside counsel.
At some point, we will become disillusioned by our own devices (methods, life-hacks).
I submit that our Creator knows a lot more than we give Him credit for—a lot more than we do.
Before you despair, go to God in prayer. Read His Word. Submit to His Will. Sow and reap a better crop.
But this is more than just DIY morality motivation.
Just as God's ways are beyond our understanding, walking in His ways is beyond our power.
Unless we are born again, not only will we fall short of His standards, but that which we have done before is still on our record.
We need someone who can pay the penalty.
We need a Savior, the Son of God from Heaven.
Romans Road | GotQuestions.Org
https://www.gotquestions.org/Romans-road-salvation.html
__________ __________ __________
To believers tempted with Anti-Semitic ideas:
"For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office: ...
Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.
Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in.
Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:
For if God spared not the natural branches, [take heed] lest he also spare not thee.
Romans 11:13, 18-21 KJV
As Gentiles, we forget our own unbelieving histories. Some will use the unbelief of Israel less as historical lessons encouraging humble repentance, and more as the proud "comparing themselves among themselves."
There was a time when Jews did not believe the Gentiles could be saved.
Today, there are Gentiles who do not believe the Jews can be saved.
Both are wrong.
"For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
Romans 10:12-13 KJV
__________ __________ __________
Pride and Unbelief:
Arrogance - We do not believe God when He warns us.
Despair - We do not believe He can deliver us.
Humility and Faith:
Recognizes and seeks the All-Knowing, Almighty God.
What we sow in arrogance, we will reap in despair.
In our arrogance, we dismiss an all-knowing God's warnings.
When the direct result of our actions comes back to bite us, we need to consider outside counsel.
At some point, we will become disillusioned by our own devices (methods, life-hacks).
I submit that our Creator knows a lot more than we give Him credit for—a lot more than we do.
Before you despair, go to God in prayer. Read His Word. Submit to His Will. Sow and reap a better crop.
But this is more than just DIY morality motivation.
Just as God's ways are beyond our understanding, walking in His ways is beyond our power.
Unless we are born again, not only will we fall short of His standards, but that which we have done before is still on our record.
We need someone who can pay the penalty.
We need a Savior, the Son of God from Heaven.
Romans Road | GotQuestions.Org
https://www.gotquestions.org/Romans-road-salvation.html
__________ __________ __________
To believers tempted with Anti-Semitic ideas:
"For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office: ...
Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.
Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in.
Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:
For if God spared not the natural branches, [take heed] lest he also spare not thee.
Romans 11:13, 18-21 KJV
As Gentiles, we forget our own unbelieving histories. Some will use the unbelief of Israel less as historical lessons encouraging humble repentance, and more as the proud "comparing themselves among themselves."
There was a time when Jews did not believe the Gentiles could be saved.
Today, there are Gentiles who do not believe the Jews can be saved.
Both are wrong.
"For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
Romans 10:12-13 KJV
__________ __________ __________
Pride and Unbelief:
Arrogance - We do not believe God when He warns us.
Despair - We do not believe He can deliver us.
Humility and Faith:
Recognizes and seeks the All-Knowing, Almighty God.
How would you say it? 👇
"Don't let the observation of a present fault become the excuse for a future failure."
(Leave a Comment on Social Media.)
😐 Don't let your parent's mistakes become your own.
😬 Don't make excuses that will harm others later.
🙂 Change is possible!
👑 Repent!
Longer quote:
Don't let the observation of a past or present fault—yours or someone else's—become the excuse, the justification, for a future failure.
#quote #quotes
"Don't let the observation of a present fault become the excuse for a future failure."
(Leave a Comment on Social Media.)
😐 Don't let your parent's mistakes become your own.
😬 Don't make excuses that will harm others later.
🙂 Change is possible!
👑 Repent!
Longer quote:
Don't let the observation of a past or present fault—yours or someone else's—become the excuse, the justification, for a future failure.
#quote #quotes
True justice is guided not only by a knowledge of what is good, but by a love of that which is good.
Otherwise, it is but ruthless legalism.
Justice also expresses hatred towards that which is proven to be evil.
Otherwise, it is prone to tolerance of cronyism—respected persons and protected interests.
Injustice is either compromised by a love of evil or corrupted by a hatred of that which is good.
One of the observations that I made regarding the original chart was with regard to justice and injustice.
(And this topic may well be extended into the area of what the end goals of a "correctional" facility ought to be.)
But for now, let’s look deeper at justice and injustice.
JUSTICE
In Micah 6:8, we are commanded to, "do justly, love, mercy, and to walk humbly with God."
As this applies in the general sense, we might do well to consider it with regard to justice. For instance, are we not to consider mercy?
Justice, ultimately, is in divine hands. As David pointed out in Psalm 51:4, all sin is ultimately an offense against God, Who is our ultimate judge.
"Do Justly" - God's Law
If we are too "do justly," our law needs to be of the same nature as God's law.
When we go astray from God's principles of justice, we do ourselves and others grave injustice.
"Love Mercy" - God's Love
If we are to "love mercy," then we must have the love of God in our hearts, and not simply some lawless tolerant streak.
"Walk Humbly" - God's Spirit
If we are to "walk humbly," we need to mind the spirit of God in our proceedings,
pulling the mote out of our own eye,
not proudly and malevolently pursuing personal vendetta,
but resting when there is a conflict of interest.
"With God" - God's Power
And if indeed, we want God’s blessing as we pursue what is good and right and just, we need to act soberly—clearly and honestly—in the sight of God.
For with whatever measure we use of others, it will be used on us at the last day.
If we are just, and if we are merciful,
we will obtain the reward of the just and the merciful,
but if we are unjust and ruthless, we will receive no mercy.
#justice #injustice #love #humility #good #evil #mercy #tolerance
Otherwise, it is but ruthless legalism.
Justice also expresses hatred towards that which is proven to be evil.
Otherwise, it is prone to tolerance of cronyism—respected persons and protected interests.
Injustice is either compromised by a love of evil or corrupted by a hatred of that which is good.
One of the observations that I made regarding the original chart was with regard to justice and injustice.
(And this topic may well be extended into the area of what the end goals of a "correctional" facility ought to be.)
But for now, let’s look deeper at justice and injustice.
JUSTICE
In Micah 6:8, we are commanded to, "do justly, love, mercy, and to walk humbly with God."
As this applies in the general sense, we might do well to consider it with regard to justice. For instance, are we not to consider mercy?
Justice, ultimately, is in divine hands. As David pointed out in Psalm 51:4, all sin is ultimately an offense against God, Who is our ultimate judge.
"Do Justly" - God's Law
If we are too "do justly," our law needs to be of the same nature as God's law.
When we go astray from God's principles of justice, we do ourselves and others grave injustice.
"Love Mercy" - God's Love
If we are to "love mercy," then we must have the love of God in our hearts, and not simply some lawless tolerant streak.
"Walk Humbly" - God's Spirit
If we are to "walk humbly," we need to mind the spirit of God in our proceedings,
pulling the mote out of our own eye,
not proudly and malevolently pursuing personal vendetta,
but resting when there is a conflict of interest.
"With God" - God's Power
And if indeed, we want God’s blessing as we pursue what is good and right and just, we need to act soberly—clearly and honestly—in the sight of God.
For with whatever measure we use of others, it will be used on us at the last day.
If we are just, and if we are merciful,
we will obtain the reward of the just and the merciful,
but if we are unjust and ruthless, we will receive no mercy.
#justice #injustice #love #humility #good #evil #mercy #tolerance
INJUSTICE
Lawless vs God's Law
As we consider what is unjust, we can draw many contrasts.
On one hand, you have God's law which extends mercy out of a heart of love for that which is good, humbly offered in God's name.
On the other hand, you have the lawless heart, which is tolerant of evil, hating what is good, particularly when it offends our pride and selfish ambition.
In the end of history, the consummation, we have the man of lawlessness who sets himself above God, and then declares himself to be God, much after the pattern of the proverbial fool. We are foolish to set or to raise a standard, as if it were above God's standard.
Tolerance vs Mercy
Tolerance is a lawless mercy.
(See previous posts.)
Pride vs Humility
Pride believes in my own "good intentions" as prosecutor, but
humility actually extends the benefit of “innocent until proven guilty" to the defense.
Hate-Fueled vs Love
Since God is love, love propels God's sense of justice, and it is love that extends that mercy to sinners that they may be reconciled to Him.
Injustice does harm to those who God loves, therefore this malice—this hate-filled motivation—must not corrupt our search for justice.
Self-Empowerment +/- God's Name
(Self-serving knockoffs of the Almighty's endeavors.)
At last, we step on the toes of the antihero. There are those who are very self-driven, self-empowered, and otherwise self-seeking, operating outside of God-ordained authority to seek and enforce "justice."
Some of these individuals may do so by invoking the name of God, while others may leave Him out of it.
Bonus: The lawless are like atheists; both will deny the authority or even the existence of that which they oppose.
The difference is, are you willing to personally suffer an injustice, though you dearly love justice, until the day you stand before the Lord, the Righteous Judge, and there find your vindication or condemnation?
Are you willing to deny self in the short run, suffering injustice, so that others may find justice in the long run?
And will you extend mercy as you have been shown mercy by God?
Or are you untouchable, unstoppable, unaccountable, and ungracious?
#injustice #good #evil #tolerance
Lawless vs God's Law
As we consider what is unjust, we can draw many contrasts.
On one hand, you have God's law which extends mercy out of a heart of love for that which is good, humbly offered in God's name.
On the other hand, you have the lawless heart, which is tolerant of evil, hating what is good, particularly when it offends our pride and selfish ambition.
In the end of history, the consummation, we have the man of lawlessness who sets himself above God, and then declares himself to be God, much after the pattern of the proverbial fool. We are foolish to set or to raise a standard, as if it were above God's standard.
Tolerance vs Mercy
Tolerance is a lawless mercy.
(See previous posts.)
Pride vs Humility
Pride believes in my own "good intentions" as prosecutor, but
humility actually extends the benefit of “innocent until proven guilty" to the defense.
Hate-Fueled vs Love
Since God is love, love propels God's sense of justice, and it is love that extends that mercy to sinners that they may be reconciled to Him.
Injustice does harm to those who God loves, therefore this malice—this hate-filled motivation—must not corrupt our search for justice.
Self-Empowerment +/- God's Name
(Self-serving knockoffs of the Almighty's endeavors.)
At last, we step on the toes of the antihero. There are those who are very self-driven, self-empowered, and otherwise self-seeking, operating outside of God-ordained authority to seek and enforce "justice."
Some of these individuals may do so by invoking the name of God, while others may leave Him out of it.
Bonus: The lawless are like atheists; both will deny the authority or even the existence of that which they oppose.
The difference is, are you willing to personally suffer an injustice, though you dearly love justice, until the day you stand before the Lord, the Righteous Judge, and there find your vindication or condemnation?
Are you willing to deny self in the short run, suffering injustice, so that others may find justice in the long run?
And will you extend mercy as you have been shown mercy by God?
Or are you untouchable, unstoppable, unaccountable, and ungracious?
#injustice #good #evil #tolerance
CHRIST
Consider the actions of Christ in this matter of justice and injustice:
"For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:"
- 1 Peter 3:18 KJV
But this is not an article primarily about suffering.
It is about having the mind of Christ regarding justice and injustice.
See also: 1 Peter 2:19-20.
Let's deal with some counterfeits. In the king's English, we call this reproof.
Compromise vs Grace
Those who seek justice may well extend mercy. They seek the betterment of all persons involved.
They do not believe it is a zero-sum game.
They believe God‘s grace is sufficient, and
they extend that grace to raise others up.
But injustice seeks for compromise, which pulls people down, back into the ditch, back into the gutter, back into ways that are worse and worse.
Be an agent of justice and grace, not an agent of injustice and compromise.
Corruption vs Redemption
You are here to seek for people‘s redemption, not their corruption.
In Conclusion
Seek what God has to say about what is good.
Love what is good. Hate what is evil.
Wherever you are, and by whatever means God gives you,
do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly…
use that to call sinners to repentance.
#justice #injustice #love #humility #good #evil #mercy #tolerance
Consider the actions of Christ in this matter of justice and injustice:
"For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:"
- 1 Peter 3:18 KJV
But this is not an article primarily about suffering.
It is about having the mind of Christ regarding justice and injustice.
See also: 1 Peter 2:19-20.
Let's deal with some counterfeits. In the king's English, we call this reproof.
Compromise vs Grace
Those who seek justice may well extend mercy. They seek the betterment of all persons involved.
They do not believe it is a zero-sum game.
They believe God‘s grace is sufficient, and
they extend that grace to raise others up.
But injustice seeks for compromise, which pulls people down, back into the ditch, back into the gutter, back into ways that are worse and worse.
Be an agent of justice and grace, not an agent of injustice and compromise.
Corruption vs Redemption
You are here to seek for people‘s redemption, not their corruption.
In Conclusion
Seek what God has to say about what is good.
Love what is good. Hate what is evil.
Wherever you are, and by whatever means God gives you,
do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly…
use that to call sinners to repentance.
#justice #injustice #love #humility #good #evil #mercy #tolerance
3. Justice vs Injustice
Justice
https://t.me/Edify_LIVE/74
Injustice
https://t.me/Edify_LIVE/76
Christ
https://t.me/Edify_LIVE/78
1. Love Good, Hate Evil
https://t.me/Edify_LIVE/7
2. Why Was Jesus Hated? Hate of Good
https://t.me/Edify_LIVE/9
Justice
https://t.me/Edify_LIVE/74
Injustice
https://t.me/Edify_LIVE/76
Christ
https://t.me/Edify_LIVE/78
1. Love Good, Hate Evil
https://t.me/Edify_LIVE/7
2. Why Was Jesus Hated? Hate of Good
https://t.me/Edify_LIVE/9
Getting a Bearing on Truth
Just as spinning in circles physically can be disorienting to people physically,
so chasing every wind of doctrine, twisting and turning about like a madman, can be disorienting to those seeking a bearing on truth.
You need to have knowledge of God’s Word, and by following it, gain experience in your relationship with God…there find your bearing, there find your peace, and clarity, and compass, your Friend and Guide.
Seek others who have this relationship with God and learn from them what you may have missed or misunderstood,
but always with God’s authority at the center, His Word the foundation of faith and practice.
Just as spinning in circles physically can be disorienting to people physically,
so chasing every wind of doctrine, twisting and turning about like a madman, can be disorienting to those seeking a bearing on truth.
You need to have knowledge of God’s Word, and by following it, gain experience in your relationship with God…there find your bearing, there find your peace, and clarity, and compass, your Friend and Guide.
Seek others who have this relationship with God and learn from them what you may have missed or misunderstood,
but always with God’s authority at the center, His Word the foundation of faith and practice.
Reversing this classic quote blew my mind.
It is a searing indictment of the spirit of lawlessness at work in the church today.
True:
A Christian who DEFENDS sin in any form has lost the FEAR of God.
False:
A Christian who OPPOSES sin in any form has lost the LOVE of God.
Choose:
Either call sinners to repentance
(like Jesus did),
or affirm their lawlessness
(like the Anti-Christian do).
Entire books have been written about less. Don't hold your breath on my account.
God's Word is sufficient. Read 1st John.
It is a searing indictment of the spirit of lawlessness at work in the church today.
True:
A Christian who DEFENDS sin in any form has lost the FEAR of God.
False:
A Christian who OPPOSES sin in any form has lost the LOVE of God.
Choose:
Either call sinners to repentance
(like Jesus did),
or affirm their lawlessness
(like the Anti-Christian do).
Entire books have been written about less. Don't hold your breath on my account.
God's Word is sufficient. Read 1st John.