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.
"6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:
7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
8 For my thoughts [are] not your thoughts, neither [are] your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
9 For [as] the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."
- Isaiah 55:6-9 KJV
"3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:
4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil."
- Proverbs 3:3-7 KJV
"9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? 10 I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings."
- Jeremiah 17:9-10 KJV
More obscure passages to consider, as we learn from the history of God's chosen people:
'We know better than God...'
Ezekiel 33:17-20
Does this sound like us today?
Speak smoothly, prophesy deceits...
Isaiah 30:9-13
Trusting in lies, premeditated sin...
Jeremiah 7:8-10
7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
8 For my thoughts [are] not your thoughts, neither [are] your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
9 For [as] the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."
- Isaiah 55:6-9 KJV
"3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:
4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil."
- Proverbs 3:3-7 KJV
"9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? 10 I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings."
- Jeremiah 17:9-10 KJV
More obscure passages to consider, as we learn from the history of God's chosen people:
'We know better than God...'
Ezekiel 33:17-20
Does this sound like us today?
Speak smoothly, prophesy deceits...
Isaiah 30:9-13
Trusting in lies, premeditated sin...
Jeremiah 7:8-10
THE SLINGSHOT MANEUVER
What course are you on?
Spacecraft use a technique called the "slingshot maneuver" to boost speed. This can also result in a change of direction. Consider the many people and institutions we learn from throughout life and consider how they are influencing your trajectory.
On the other hand, how do you affect others? What direction do you pull those who are within your sphere of influence? Are you drawing them closer to God, or sending them off in the wrong direction?
There are countless ways—planets and paths—you could draw in an illustration like this. I am highlighting only four. Starting at the bottom of the illustration, going from left to right, let me tell you about them.
The first rocket turns sharply left at the beginning. They might be born into a bad situation, or they are attracted by that yellow glow nearest their position. After that, they actually course-correct, and as straight as their trajectory may seem, they're actually dealing with a lot of peer pressure. But in the end, something doesn't sit well about the void on their left, so they choose to swing past the second blue planet and correct their course slightly towards God and truth at last.
The second rocket drifts off-course, and has a bit of a course-correction, but ultimately keeps going in the same direction. You could say they are lukewarm, but they are a bit more direct than that. Perhaps pride and self-conceit drive them. In the end, they fully commit to an idea that destroys them.
The third rocket seems to be headed in a good direction at first, but something about this world pulls them off-course.
The blue planet that follows could be anything, perhaps the internet, where they learn something that does set them on a better course.
But you know the internet, and soon they "learn" something else and end up getting sucked into a deadly "new" error.
In this illustration, you can see where the rocket is heading. They have not yet perished. You still have the chance to shine and draw them away from that darkness.
This variety of influences and opinions—choices—is part of the reason I chose the verse in the footer:
"…wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever."
- Jude 1:13b KJV
●
The more error we entertain, the longer and the farther we wander.
"Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth."
- 2 Timothy 3:7 KJV
●
We could chart a course of moral relativism that would wander "for ever," as eternal as the heavens, until God calls our bluff, ending either the spacecraft or the stars themselves.
We need to seek and find and spread the absolute truth of God's Word, so that men might see the true light, Jesus Christ, and follow Him, the Way, before it is forever too late.
The fourth rocket takes a sharp right, spinning so quickly around the nearest destructive idea, that they bring destruction, not only to themselves, but to the world around them. They may be fixated on one celebrity or celebrated thought, but when they abandon or are boosted by that orbit, they crash and burn.
I did not apply specific labels to these rockets immediately, so that people are not so quick to brush it off, or rush off, and point fingers. But perhaps someone may relate and realize, and course-correct, before it is too late.
●
The first rocket might apply to an atheist who turns to God through trials.
●
The second rocket might be a proud person gradually seduced by humanism.
●
The third rocket might be a very practical, down-to-earth person, but very easily manipulated, nonetheless.
●
The fourth rocket may be a follower of a cult, or the occult.
What course are you on?
Spacecraft use a technique called the "slingshot maneuver" to boost speed. This can also result in a change of direction. Consider the many people and institutions we learn from throughout life and consider how they are influencing your trajectory.
On the other hand, how do you affect others? What direction do you pull those who are within your sphere of influence? Are you drawing them closer to God, or sending them off in the wrong direction?
There are countless ways—planets and paths—you could draw in an illustration like this. I am highlighting only four. Starting at the bottom of the illustration, going from left to right, let me tell you about them.
The first rocket turns sharply left at the beginning. They might be born into a bad situation, or they are attracted by that yellow glow nearest their position. After that, they actually course-correct, and as straight as their trajectory may seem, they're actually dealing with a lot of peer pressure. But in the end, something doesn't sit well about the void on their left, so they choose to swing past the second blue planet and correct their course slightly towards God and truth at last.
The second rocket drifts off-course, and has a bit of a course-correction, but ultimately keeps going in the same direction. You could say they are lukewarm, but they are a bit more direct than that. Perhaps pride and self-conceit drive them. In the end, they fully commit to an idea that destroys them.
The third rocket seems to be headed in a good direction at first, but something about this world pulls them off-course.
The blue planet that follows could be anything, perhaps the internet, where they learn something that does set them on a better course.
But you know the internet, and soon they "learn" something else and end up getting sucked into a deadly "new" error.
In this illustration, you can see where the rocket is heading. They have not yet perished. You still have the chance to shine and draw them away from that darkness.
This variety of influences and opinions—choices—is part of the reason I chose the verse in the footer:
"…wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever."
- Jude 1:13b KJV
●
The more error we entertain, the longer and the farther we wander.
"Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth."
- 2 Timothy 3:7 KJV
●
We could chart a course of moral relativism that would wander "for ever," as eternal as the heavens, until God calls our bluff, ending either the spacecraft or the stars themselves.
We need to seek and find and spread the absolute truth of God's Word, so that men might see the true light, Jesus Christ, and follow Him, the Way, before it is forever too late.
The fourth rocket takes a sharp right, spinning so quickly around the nearest destructive idea, that they bring destruction, not only to themselves, but to the world around them. They may be fixated on one celebrity or celebrated thought, but when they abandon or are boosted by that orbit, they crash and burn.
I did not apply specific labels to these rockets immediately, so that people are not so quick to brush it off, or rush off, and point fingers. But perhaps someone may relate and realize, and course-correct, before it is too late.
●
The first rocket might apply to an atheist who turns to God through trials.
●
The second rocket might be a proud person gradually seduced by humanism.
●
The third rocket might be a very practical, down-to-earth person, but very easily manipulated, nonetheless.
●
The fourth rocket may be a follower of a cult, or the occult.
Whatever you think of this chart, please note it is a fairly arbitrary map, which brings up an important point about charts in general.
Other charts we create may be better structured, which makes people take them more seriously.
But ultimately, how we choose to show the "data" might as well be a poll, a shifty squirmy statistic, in comparison with the Word of God.
Consider how many sources of "special knowledge" or "science" today are just polls—dodgy relativistic "data."
An illustration, printed or spoken, can lie just as quickly as it can tell the truth. And charts as poorly mapped out as this one can really make people scratch their heads.
Vagueness can be a tool of liars, masquerading as nuance and spiritual depth.
And it really gets dodgy when you "try the spirits," Biblically speaking (1 John 4:1).
Many false prophets are in the world…many.
So, in this universe of dodgy devils and wandering stars, how can a Christian set and stay the course? Study the Word of God, and pray without ceasing.
Other charts we create may be better structured, which makes people take them more seriously.
But ultimately, how we choose to show the "data" might as well be a poll, a shifty squirmy statistic, in comparison with the Word of God.
Consider how many sources of "special knowledge" or "science" today are just polls—dodgy relativistic "data."
An illustration, printed or spoken, can lie just as quickly as it can tell the truth. And charts as poorly mapped out as this one can really make people scratch their heads.
Vagueness can be a tool of liars, masquerading as nuance and spiritual depth.
And it really gets dodgy when you "try the spirits," Biblically speaking (1 John 4:1).
Many false prophets are in the world…many.
So, in this universe of dodgy devils and wandering stars, how can a Christian set and stay the course? Study the Word of God, and pray without ceasing.
In case you missed it, many churches are adrift, completely unmoored, dying a death of apathy, with novelty chaotically attempting to play defibrillator. And the Lord have mercy when those novelties are pagan.
How did we get there? How can we chart the drift of compromise?
In this illustration, I use 3 parallel number lines to illustrate the relativistic drift that occurs generation after generation in a lukewarm "moderate" church.
Keeping their eyes on men, when men move the goalposts further and further away from God, the "middle of the road" will shift relative to that.
"0" represents the origin, the absolute, from which man goes astray.
I have included 2 variants, one which is in English reading order, left-to-right, which frankly represents the positive spin put on progressivism, forever forward, the eternal march of the indomitable and defiant, proud, devilish and doomed will.
The second variant shows the "progression" in its true direction, negative, in pursuit of Utopian Babel, away from God.
How did we get there? How can we chart the drift of compromise?
In this illustration, I use 3 parallel number lines to illustrate the relativistic drift that occurs generation after generation in a lukewarm "moderate" church.
Keeping their eyes on men, when men move the goalposts further and further away from God, the "middle of the road" will shift relative to that.
"0" represents the origin, the absolute, from which man goes astray.
I have included 2 variants, one which is in English reading order, left-to-right, which frankly represents the positive spin put on progressivism, forever forward, the eternal march of the indomitable and defiant, proud, devilish and doomed will.
The second variant shows the "progression" in its true direction, negative, in pursuit of Utopian Babel, away from God.
The numbered labels on this chart are some of the arbitrary labels that people will apply to those left or right of themselves.
Overall, I want you to observe how the moderate position (in rather poetic yellow) shifts in pursuit of peace with the ever-more-damnable lies they encounter.
In the 1st Generation, where truth is squarely known and practiced, along comes Satan with that classic deceptive question, "Yea, hath God said?" That question is relentless and restless; it scarcely lets off the gas; it will drive you as far as it possibly can. If you are not going to God for the answers, the Devil will be happy to provide solutions. This question is advertisement for Satan's solutions. Beware the rudiments of this world.
In the 2nd Generation, we see the perception of what is normal, moving away from the absolute.
What was once seen as true is now outdated.
What was once "lukewarmness" is now the center of "common sense" solutions.
At the far end of the line, something new and "controversial" looms.
The patronizing and "tolerant" peacemaker tells us not to fear. We should simply "go along to get along."
Do not believe the lies of those who proclaim "peace when there is no peace" as in Jeremiah 6:14 and surrounding verses.
In many ways, we are in the 3rd Generation already, and it is very confusing.
What was once considered outdated or even true is now considered legalism.
We label Christ a Pharisee in our unrighteousness, and the true legalists are left smirking, because the label is being applied to somebody else.
Common sense is borderline outdated.
And the passive legacy of poisoned "peacemakers" has placed us in a relativistic "reality."
The worst of lies are now labeled "progress."
And the modern "moderates," somewhat discontent with "reality" are keen to sample the fruit of the tree of "progress."
I must warn you. When everyone does "what is right in their own eyes," as in the book of Judges, lacking sound judgement, they will certainly face the judgement of God, Whose judgement is sound and Whose enforcement is sure.
Scriptures Next...
Overall, I want you to observe how the moderate position (in rather poetic yellow) shifts in pursuit of peace with the ever-more-damnable lies they encounter.
In the 1st Generation, where truth is squarely known and practiced, along comes Satan with that classic deceptive question, "Yea, hath God said?" That question is relentless and restless; it scarcely lets off the gas; it will drive you as far as it possibly can. If you are not going to God for the answers, the Devil will be happy to provide solutions. This question is advertisement for Satan's solutions. Beware the rudiments of this world.
In the 2nd Generation, we see the perception of what is normal, moving away from the absolute.
What was once seen as true is now outdated.
What was once "lukewarmness" is now the center of "common sense" solutions.
At the far end of the line, something new and "controversial" looms.
The patronizing and "tolerant" peacemaker tells us not to fear. We should simply "go along to get along."
Do not believe the lies of those who proclaim "peace when there is no peace" as in Jeremiah 6:14 and surrounding verses.
In many ways, we are in the 3rd Generation already, and it is very confusing.
What was once considered outdated or even true is now considered legalism.
We label Christ a Pharisee in our unrighteousness, and the true legalists are left smirking, because the label is being applied to somebody else.
Common sense is borderline outdated.
And the passive legacy of poisoned "peacemakers" has placed us in a relativistic "reality."
The worst of lies are now labeled "progress."
And the modern "moderates," somewhat discontent with "reality" are keen to sample the fruit of the tree of "progress."
I must warn you. When everyone does "what is right in their own eyes," as in the book of Judges, lacking sound judgement, they will certainly face the judgement of God, Whose judgement is sound and Whose enforcement is sure.
Scriptures Next...
SCRIPTURES
"And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that [were] on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." - Joshua 24:15 KJV
What things are meant to be separate, keep separate, no syncretism, no spiritual adultery. Make a choice.
"14 They have healed also the hurt [of the daughter] of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when [there is] no peace.
15 Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall: at the time [that] I visit them they shall be cast down, saith the LORD.
16 Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where [is] the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk [therein].
17 Also I set watchmen over you, [saying], Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said, We will not hearken.
18 Therefore hear, ye nations, and know, O congregation, what [is] among them."
- Jeremiah 6:14-18 KJV
There is no rest for the wicked (Isaiah 59:20), no concord with Christ and Belial (2 Corinthians 6:15).
So do not proclaim peace with spiritual darkness while we are at spiritual warfare with it.
"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
All this, that man might walk with God.
If we do justly, extending love and mercy, and showing humility, this brings reconciliation between God and man, bringing man from darkness to light, redemption, not mixture, "separated unto" God.
Peace with God, a true Gospel of Peace.
"Blessed [are] the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
- Matthew 5:9 KJV
"18 And all things [are] of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech [you] by us: we pray [you] in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God."
- 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 KJV
See also: Romans 10:15 and Ephesians 6:15.
History repeats itself.
"In those days [there was] no king in Israel: every man did [that which was] right in his own eyes."
- Judges 21:25 KJV
"And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold."
- Matthew 24:12 KJV
"1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away."
- 2 Timothy 3:1-5 KJV
Addressing the root of the "moderate" position, relativism.
"For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise."
- 2 Corinthians 10:12 KJV
Everyone is “moderate” in their own eyes:
3. Moderates, between “what is” and what could be;
2. “tolerant” Peacemakers, between law and lawless; and
1. the Lukewarm, who simply refuse to care.
But for the grace of God, we all, comparing ourselves among ourselves, would embrace lies.
"And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that [were] on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." - Joshua 24:15 KJV
What things are meant to be separate, keep separate, no syncretism, no spiritual adultery. Make a choice.
"14 They have healed also the hurt [of the daughter] of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when [there is] no peace.
15 Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall: at the time [that] I visit them they shall be cast down, saith the LORD.
16 Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where [is] the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk [therein].
17 Also I set watchmen over you, [saying], Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said, We will not hearken.
18 Therefore hear, ye nations, and know, O congregation, what [is] among them."
- Jeremiah 6:14-18 KJV
There is no rest for the wicked (Isaiah 59:20), no concord with Christ and Belial (2 Corinthians 6:15).
So do not proclaim peace with spiritual darkness while we are at spiritual warfare with it.
"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
All this, that man might walk with God.
If we do justly, extending love and mercy, and showing humility, this brings reconciliation between God and man, bringing man from darkness to light, redemption, not mixture, "separated unto" God.
Peace with God, a true Gospel of Peace.
"Blessed [are] the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
- Matthew 5:9 KJV
"18 And all things [are] of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech [you] by us: we pray [you] in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God."
- 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 KJV
See also: Romans 10:15 and Ephesians 6:15.
History repeats itself.
"In those days [there was] no king in Israel: every man did [that which was] right in his own eyes."
- Judges 21:25 KJV
"And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold."
- Matthew 24:12 KJV
"1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away."
- 2 Timothy 3:1-5 KJV
Addressing the root of the "moderate" position, relativism.
"For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise."
- 2 Corinthians 10:12 KJV
Everyone is “moderate” in their own eyes:
3. Moderates, between “what is” and what could be;
2. “tolerant” Peacemakers, between law and lawless; and
1. the Lukewarm, who simply refuse to care.
But for the grace of God, we all, comparing ourselves among ourselves, would embrace lies.
How do we navigate the advice given to us by clearly opposing sides? We all know people who lean one way or the other on spiritual or political issues. What is the truth? Why might it evade us?
On the left we have Bunyan's ox. What is the context of this bull's advice? Does it aim off-center to begin with?
You could reframe this as a game of dodgeball. If you always throw wide left or wide right, downrange, they probably dodge the other direction frequently, if they need to move at all.
So how's your aim? Is your mentor off the mark to begin with?
Context is a wiser and wider view of the situation than mere "perspective."
If we set the best of our intentions as "true north," as if everything is relative to us, our perspective may well be askew.
If we fail to see the full picture as God frames it, preferring personal perspectives over Scriptural context, we are deceiving ourselves and those who hear us.
On the left we have Bunyan's ox. What is the context of this bull's advice? Does it aim off-center to begin with?
You could reframe this as a game of dodgeball. If you always throw wide left or wide right, downrange, they probably dodge the other direction frequently, if they need to move at all.
So how's your aim? Is your mentor off the mark to begin with?
Context is a wiser and wider view of the situation than mere "perspective."
If we set the best of our intentions as "true north," as if everything is relative to us, our perspective may well be askew.
If we fail to see the full picture as God frames it, preferring personal perspectives over Scriptural context, we are deceiving ourselves and those who hear us.