“As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:” (1 Peter 1:14).

Before one can obey he must know what to do to obey. Ignorance, whether in innocence or in willful rejection of the facts, has consequences to affect both the individual and those around the ignorant. Consider three products from ignorance.

1. Fears. A common expression that typifies an effect of ignorance is “fear of the unknown.” Humanity is often uncomfortable with matters of unfamiliarity. Not knowing what is in the dark or even not knowing how something will turn out has created all kinds of worry and irrational behavior. Ignorance is one of Satan’s greatest tools. It is quite interesting to note that a common expression in the Bible is “I would not have you to be ignorant” (1 Thess. 4:13). Read also these following passages along those same lines (cf. Romans 1:13; 11:25; 1 Corinthians 10:1; 12:1; 2 Corinthians 1:8; 2 Peter 3:8). Accurate knowledge dispels the fears that cripple the mind and life in anxiety. Peace and comfort come from the knowledge of the One who is always in control.
2. Fightings. Paul stated of his own conflict with Christ before his conversion, “I verily thought
   with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth” (Acts 26:9). He would later write to Timothy concerning that same time before his conversion, “Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief” (1 Tim. 1:13). Peter said to those Jews who sided with the crucifixion of Jesus, “And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers” (Acts 3:17). Wars and fighting have often been propagated due to ignorance. There are times in the heat of conflict that one would dare ask the question “What are we really fighting for?” There has often been internal conflict with oneself because of not knowing what to do. Since God is not “the author of confusion, but of peace” (1 Cor. 14:33), a thorough understanding of the will of God through the study of the Bible brings light to those in darkness (cf. 2 Cor. 4:4).
3. Falling. Hosea professed the Lord’s declaration to the nation, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children” (Hosea 4:6). When the psalmist stated, “But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked” (Ps. 73:2-3). He further states of such thinking, “So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee” (Ps. 73:22). Isaiah wrote of the ignorant, “Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge: and their honourable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst” (Isa. 5:13). When people do not like to retain the knowledge of God in their minds, depravity in all its forms is soon to follow (cf. Rom. 1:28-32). Therefore, Peter exhorts to the obedient ones, “For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men” (1 Peter 2:15).

Jimmy Clark

 

“And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside
thyself; much learning doth make thee mad. But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but
speak forth the words of truth and soberness” (Acts 26:24-25).

Luke records that there were two different perspectives concerning Paul’s words. What one called madness the other called truth and soberness. Is this not the way many things are in the world? The Bible states the facts as they are and the world sees things from a different perspective. Consider three topics found in the Bible that show a difference in perspective.

1. Message of the Gospel. Paul wrote, “But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a
   stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God” (1 Cor. 1:23-24). Unbelievers do not see the message of the gospel in the same way that believers see it. The fact is that all are capable of seeing the truth in the message (cf. Eph. 3:4; John 8:32) but prejudice and the like cause the mind to be blinded from the facts (cf. Eph. 4:17-21; 2 Cor. 4:4). The heart of the gospel is found in the death, burial and resurrection of Christ (cf. 1 Cor. 15:1-4). When people deny that they have sins to be forgiven and see life as a temporary time to enjoy all that one can in sinful ways, the message of the gospel does not have the same effect. When one realizes that sin is the root of all problems and that Christ is the answer for sin and the cemetery, then the message of the gospel takes on new light.
2. Mortality. Paul wrote, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most
   miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept” (1 Cor. 15:19-20). A purely materialistic view of life basically says, "let us eat and drink; for tomorrow we die” (1 Cor. 15:32). The resurrection of Christ asserts that this mortal life will be overcome by immortality (cf. 1 Cor. 45-57). This is how Paul could say “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21). Again, “But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope” (1 Thess. 4:13). The resurrection of Christ guarantees a judgment day (cf. Acts 17:31) by which all shall receive the recompense of their deeds (cf. 2 Cor. 5:10). Therefore, the believer does not see this mortal life and the end of it the same way as the unbeliever does.
3. Money. One of the most glaring differences in perspectives between the godly and the ungodly concerns money. The Bible does not say in vain, “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (1 Tim. 6:10). Timothy was exhorted to “flee these things” (1 Tim. 6:11). Some had the perspective “supposing that gain is godliness” (1 Tim. 6:5). The truth of the matter is found in the words “but godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content” (1 Tim. 6:6-8). Worldly materialism is one of the great dangers (cf. Luke 8:14; James 4:4). Being a good and faithful servant is the proper perspective of life (cf. Matt. 25:21-40).

Jimmy Clark

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Jesus had revealed several facts that could trouble the heart.  However, the troubles about to come would not create despair if the disciples held on to what Jesus said to them that very night.  The pressures or tribulation that would be true of the world could not overcome the peace that Jesus would provide in the coming days.  His resurrection from the dead would be the fact of all facts to turn cowardly disciples into courageous ones.  Nevertheless, they would need his words to sink deep into their memories for the crisis at hand.  Consider some of the encouraging words that were given to give courage in the middle of crisis.

1. Faith in Deity. “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me” (John 14:1).  The foundation of virtue or moral courage is faith.  Peter wrote, “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; . . .” (2 Peter 1:5).  John wrote in one of his letters, “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” (1 John 5:4-5).  Paul wrote of faith, “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked” (Eph. 6:16).  Too many in the world find themselves trying to deal with personal crisis with little or no faith in God.  Such does not have to be the case where the Bible is read and respected.
2. Faithfulness to the Word. Jesus said, “Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in the Father, and ye in me, and I in you. He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him” (John 14:19-21).  The love of God (cf. John 3:16) and the love of Christ (cf. John 15:13) were about to be fully shown in the death of Christ.  The love of the disciples is highly dependent upon their love for the word Christ gave and their keeping it.  How one treats the word has everything to do with dealing with crisis.  Jesus again stated, “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love” (John 15:10).
3. Focus Together on Their Love for One Another.  Jesus stated, “Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come: so now I say to you. A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another” (John 13:33-34).  After the death of Christ, they are going to need to stick together like never before.  Judas Iscariot will hang himself (cf. Matt. 27:5).  Peter will go out and weep bitterly having denied knowing Jesus (cf. Matt. 26:75).  All of the disciples will forsake him (cf. Mark 14:50) as Jesus foretold (cf. Mark 14:27).  However, the record shows that they stayed together through the hardest of times (cf. Luke 24:9).  The church is truly a remarkable group of people who band together in times of crisis due to the love of Christ within.                         

Jimmy Clark

“For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles – when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you” (1 Peter 4:3-4 NKJV).

The life of a Christian is as different as light is to darkness (cf. Rom. 13:12).  The world sees it and sometimes lets the Christian know that it is seen as distinctively different.  Peter addressed the fact that the unconverted world will not like such a distinctive lifestyle.  The Christian must clearly understand the nature of living the godly life in the midst of a “crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world” (Eph. 2:15).  The Christian’s pure life is not popular with the world.  Consider three thoughts from this distinctive yet unpopular lifestyle.

1. The Past. The Holy Spirit through Peter does not ignore nor deny that the lifestyle of a Christian before conversion is one of the world.  He specifically states, “For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles” (1 Peter 4:3).  Peter lists some of the former practices in that same verse.  It is interesting to note that the Gentile practices were a lifestyle mirrored in idolatrous activities.  Various works of the flesh (cf. Gal. 5:19-21) are given to paint the picture.  One interesting item of note is the listing of the terms “ drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties” (1 Peter 4:3 NKJV).  Sometimes the question is asked, “Where in the Bible is social drinking condemned?”  This is the passage that I reference to answer that question.  Drinking parties were just that.  Beverage alcohol as a social drink was and is a commonplace practice of the world.  The very phrase “let’s party” to someone of the world is considered to be synonymous with the presence of alcohol.  Today, alcoholic drinks are called “adult beverages.”  The list of practices in verse three are distinctive of a lifestyle of the world.
2. The Present. Verse four shows a stark contrast of lifestyle keenly noticed by the world.  “Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:” (1 Peter 4:4).  It must be clearly seen that a Christian lives a 180-degree change from its former lifestyle.  The Christian no longer runs with that crowd but it trying to show the unconverted a better life to live.  Paul knew the danger of Christians trying to mix the world with the Christian lifestyle (cf. 2 Cor. 6:14-16).  He wrote to the Corinthians, “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,” (2 Cor. 6:17).  Conformity to the world is forbidden (cf. Rom. 12:2).
3. The Perception. The world calls the lifestyle of the Christian “strange” (1 Peter 4:4), “speaking evil of you” (1 Peter 4:4).  Why would a Christian think that odd?  Ignorance and self-indulgence has never understood the converted life to Christ.  The perception of the Christian is seen in the words “That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God” (1 Peter 4:2).  A purified soul (cf. 1 Peter 1:22) does not desire to go back into sin (cf. 2 Peter 2:22).  While the Christian is persecuted for his lifestyle, he is not ashamed (cf. 1 Peter 4:16).  His life is for pleasing God.

Jimmy Clark

“He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost” (Acts 19:2).

Here is a clear example of ignorance about the Holy Spirit.  There is so much confusion in the religious world today about the Holy Spirit that there are times when such must be addressed.  Calvinistic teaching has led people to believe things about the Holy Spirit that do not harmonize with the teaching of the Bible.  Consider three areas concerning what the Holy Spirit does not do.

1. The Holy Spirit Does Not Contradict the Teaching of the Bible. There is no doubt that the Holy Spirit brought divine revelation into existence.  Peter wrote, “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1:20-21).  Paul wrote to Timothy, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Tim. 3:16-17).  Paul wrote previously to the church at Corinth, “Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual” (1 Cor. 2:13).  Since the Holy Spirit is “the Spirit of truth” (John 14:17) and the word of God is truth (cf. John 17:17), then it follows that the Holy Spirit cannot contradict the word of God.  Therefore, any doctrine or interpretation that clearly contradicts the Bible cannot be from the Holy Spirit.  Those who claim to be directly guided by the Holy Spirit today will find themselves in a self-contradictory position when their teaching is compared to what the Holy Spirit actually does say through the Scriptures.
2. The Holy Spirit Does Not Comfort Apart from the Scriptures. It is a common teaching among some that the Holy Spirit will bring comfort to people separate and apart from the Bible if one will let the Spirit come into their heart.  This is termed as a direct working of the Holy Spirit on the heart.  Passages like John 14:16, 26; 15:26 and 16:7 are abused to press the direct leading argument.  The context of those passages deals with the work of the apostles after Jesus had ascended into heaven.  The Holy Spirit would be the agent through the apostles to defend and bear testimony of the truth.  Paul wrote of comfort to the Thessalonians who were troubled about their dead.  At the close of the section he stated, “Wherefore comfort one another with these words” (1 Thess. 4:18).  Read also Psalm 119:50 to find a parallel thought.  It is the Holy Spirit’s words that comfort.
3. The Holy Spirit Does Not Continue to Perform Miracles Today Now That the Bible is Complete. Paul wrote, “For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away” (1 Cor. 13:9-10).  The Holy Spirit by miraculous power both revealed and confirmed the inspired words that were given in the days of revelation (cf. Mark 16:20; Heb. 2:3-4).  Once revelation was completed, then miraculous powers ceased (cf. 1 Cor. 13:10; Eph. 4:11-13).  “Modern day miracle” claims deceive ignorant people and produce confusion.

Jimmy Clark

“Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened” (Rom. 1:21).

The Holy Spirit through Paul is declaring the facts about a world that rejects the true and living God.  Rome was a haven for paganism and political power.  It was also a microcosm for the rest of the Roman dominated world.  If one were not a Jew or Christian who believed in one God (cf. Deut. 6:4; Eph. 4:6; James 2:19), then paganism in some form was the dominate worldview.  There are consequences that come with choices and rejecting God has its consequences.  Consider three points made about a world that knew about God but did not choose God.

1. They Pronounce Themselves Wise Anyway. The Bible clearly states that they “became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened” (Rom. 1:21).  In spite of all their lack of wisdom in rejecting God the Bible still states, “Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools” (Rom. 1:22).  Choosing not “to retain God in their knowledge” (Rom. 1:28) brought on a foolishness that they were not willing to accept.  Therefore, they would keep telling themselves and others like them that they were the wise ones of their day.  Pagan Egypt in the days of Moses had its education (cf. Acts 7:22) with its wise men (cf. Ex. 7:11) but such did not yield to the truth of the living God.  Babylon had its wise men (cf. Daniel 2:27) but such did not turn the nation unto the truth of the living God.  “Freethinkers” and those who believe that one is truly free and intelligent when unshackled from the trappings of religions abound in many corners of the world.  All, like Timothy, would be wise to continue in the Bible that truly makes one wise (cf. 2 Tim. 3:15).
2. They Produce Their Own Object of Worship and Service. Paul wrote further, “Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen” (Rom. 1:25).  Humans realize that there is some power greater than themselves (cf. Eccl. 3:11).  Whether that object become a tangible object like a man-made idol (cf. Rom. 1:23) or an ideology that is just as powerful as a tangible object (cf. 1 Sam. 15:23; Col. 3:5), adoration and service are turned unto some direction.  Rebellion often seeks to find an imaginary “god” to channel its affections and hopes.
3. They Pervert the True Morals of Life. The Holy Spirit disclosed the real reprobate mind (cf. Rom. 1:28) of a rejection of God in the characteristics of that thinking that magnifies fleshly gratification and fleshly lifestyles.  Their uncleanness of life was seen where they “dishonour their own bodies between themselves” (Rom. 1:24) with “vile affections” (Rom. 1:26-27) which today would be classed in the LGBTQ communities.  Beyond the sexual perversion would come “being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, implacable, unmerciful” (Rom. 1:29-30).  Is there any wonder today that the people who currently reject God turn to the same thinking and lifestyles that were present in the first century?  May all clearly see that a people who reject God do so to their own peril (cf. Ps. 9:17).

Jimmy Clark

“For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed” (James 1:23-25).

Mirrors are a commonplace item.  Shops even have mirrors so that the customer can see himself or herself when trying on the product.  James describes the Bible as a mirror for man to see himself.  It is written in another place, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Heb. 4:12).  Consider three spiritual concepts of looking at the Bible like one is looking in the mirror.

1. Capacity of Time While Looking in the Mirror. How much time does the average person look into a mirror on a daily basis?  That probably varies from survey to survey.  How much time does the average person read the Bible to truly see himself as God sees?  That is a much more important question.  The Holy Spirit through James uses words like “beholding” (James 1:23), “beholdeth” (James 1:24) and “looketh” (James 1:25).  These words denote more than just a casual glance.  The word in verse 23 is in the tense that means to continually look as in a long look in the mirror.  The longer one looks into the pages of the Bible the more likely one is exposed to the truths God wants man to know about himself.  Some may not look long due to the fact that they are seeing things they may not like (cf. John 3:20).  Regardless of what the Bible may reveal to a person, looking within from the reflection of the Bible over time is a good thing.
2. Consideration When Looking in the Mirror. The references to looking as in a mirror entail some interesting thoughts from the original words.  The word translated “beholding” (James 1:23) and “beholdeth” (James 1:24) is from the word meaning “to consider attentively, fix one’s eyes or mind upon” (Thayer, p. 334).  The word translated “looketh” (James 1:25) means “to look carefully into, inspect curiously” (Thayer, p. 484).  Looking into a mirror involves the intent to see what is really there.  One may not like what he sees but the mirror does not lie.  The Bible speaks the truth (cf. Ps. 119:160).  Man who deceives his own heart by denying what the Bible says does such to his own ruin.  One who seeks to know the truth will see things like God says in the Bible (cf. Prov. 28:5).
3. Conviction After Looking in the Mirror.  Once one looks at his reflection in the mirror of the Bible, he then has a choice.  The blessed man is not forgetful of his need and is a doer of the work (cf. James 1:25).  The deceived man quickly forgets what he has learned about himself and goes his way living life on his own terms (cf. James 1:24).  Most people would quickly fix something out of place in their physical appearance when exposed to the reality in the mirror.  The convicted, contrite child of God wants to come to the light and see accurately so that life may be beautiful inside and out (cf. John 3:21).

Jimmy Clark

“Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the Lord are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein” (Hosea 14:9).

Here are the last words of Hosea to the people.  He appeals to their best thinking to ponder some simple truths.  One who is wise and prudent as the Bible defines it would understand and know.  Consider the three principles found in this simple passage.

1. The Practice of the Lord with Man. Hosea simply states, “the ways of the Lord are right” (Hosea 14:9).  Moses told the generation that was to enter into the promised land about “the name of the Lord” (Deut. 32:3), “He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he” (Deut. 32:4).  Abraham was very familiar with the character of God when he asked in view of the judgment of God, “That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” (Gen. 18:25).  All wise and prudent know that God will always do the right thing when dealing with man even though man may not fully understand all the details.  Secret things belong to God (cf. Deut. 29:29).  God has, however, revealed how he judges and that is according to his righteousness found in divine revelation.  David wrote, “Righteous art thou, O Lord, and upright are thy judgments. Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful” (Ps. 119:137-138).  Again, “Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth” (Ps. 119:142).
2. The Path of the Just. The second affirmation Hosea makes is “the just shall walk in them” (Hosea 14:9).  Habakkuk will later write, “Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith” (Hab. 2:4).  Paul wrote of how faith comes to the individual, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17).  Jesus said, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4).  All of these passages paint a picture that the just know that they do not live by their own thinking (cf. Jer. 10:23) but by every word that comes from God.  The walk of the just is in the revealed way of God that is pure and undefiled (cf. Prov. 30:5).
3. The Problem with the Transgressors. The last affirmation Hosea makes is “the transgressors shall fall therein” (Hosea 14:9).  The word translated “fall” literally means, “to stumble, stagger, totter” (Brown, Driver, and Briggs, p. 505).  God’s word to the transgressor only incites rebellion.  Hosea stated, “Woe unto them! for they have fled from me: destruction unto them! because they have transgressed against me: though I have redeemed them, yet they have spoken lies against me” (Hosea 7:13).  Hosea stated earlier, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children” (Hosea 4:6).  These do not respect Scripture.  They will do what they want to do in spite of what God has stated.  The wise and prudent consider well what is happening (cf. Prov. 14:15-16) and knowing the ways of the Lord walk in the light.

Jimmy Clark

“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Cor. 3:18).

Paul includes himself in the metamorphosis or change from one state of spirituality into the greater.  Truly, a converted life is a thing of beauty and should be appreciated by all.  Consider three things that the Bible addresses of the beauty of a transformed life.

1. From Sensual to Spiritual. One of the greatest battles within each individual is between the desires of the flesh and the intent of the spirit of man to want to do right.  Paul wrote, “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would” (Gal. 5:16-17).  If man did not have divine revelation in the inspired word of God, he would be left to his own thinking and fleshly inclinations to live his life.  However, such only leads to what Paul would later identify as the “works of the flesh” (Gal. 5:19).  Such a sensual life is not becoming of the beauty to be found by following the Spirit’s word to produce the “fruit of the Spirit” (Gal. 5:22).  True beauty is seen through the influence of the Spirit’s revelation in the life in contrast to the ugliness of man following his own wisdom.  James gave a similar set of contrasts in James 3:15-18.  A life lived to the flesh void of spirituality is ugly and destructive.  A life lived to the revelation of the Spirit (i.e. the Bible) is wholesome and greatly admired.
2. From Selfish to Serving. Isaiah wrote of the self-centeredness of man, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all” (Isa. 53:6).  Man constantly has to battle the temptation to satisfy self over satisfying God and serving others.  It is easy to become self-absorbed with one’s own personal living.  There is even a tool invented not too long ago and very popular with people called a “selfie stick” for taking pictures with self in it.  How much more beautiful is the life of Christ where it is said of him, “For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me” (Rom. 15:3).  The people who belong to Christ should project such an image.  Paul wrote to Titus, “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” (Titus 2:14).
3. From Sinful to Submissive. Paul wrote to the Roman brethren, “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God” (Rom. 6:12-13).  He wrote further, “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” (Rom. 6:16).  A life unto sin leads only to death (cf. Rom. 6:23) while a life unto God is unto eternal life (cf. Rom. 6:22).  Eternal glory is far more beautiful now as well as in heaven.

Jimmy Clark

 

“And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:27-30).

Here is a remarkable account of the jailor at Philippi going from near suicide to salvation.  While he was literally shaken from physical sleep, he was awakened inwardly to seek the salvation through Christ.  This old world of sin can easily put one into a lethargy of false security if one is not sober and vigilant.  Consider three types of “wake up calls” that demand spiritual awareness.

1. Harm Related. Accidents and acts of violence can truly show how vulnerable human life is.  It is written by David, “Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am” (Ps. 39:4).  This is a strange request.  Most would ask God to show them where their strength lies, but here David wants to understand the fragile nature of life.  Such is truly spiritual-mindedness at best.  As a man of war (cf. 1 Chron. 28:3) David was fully aware of death on a battlefield.  He knew how quickly life could be gone in a moment while being vigorous in physical strength.  War gives a different perspective than peacetime.  Accidents also can wake up the inner man.  Consider 2 Kings 1:2-4.  While people do not always seek the proper source for spiritual healing in times of physical distress, it is still the case that “wake up calls” come.
2. Home Related. Homes should be places of refuge and peace (cf. Ps. 128).  However, troubles at home can cause the inner man to take new perspective.  Eli was awakened to the behavior of his sons.  “Now Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel; and how they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. And he said unto them, Why do ye such things? for I hear of your evil dealings by all this people. Nay, my sons; for it is no good report that I hear: ye make the Lord’s people to transgress” (1 Sam. 2:22-24).  How many families have been shaken inside by the religious, moral and/or ethical divergences from the truth by family?  It often hurts the most when the damage is being done by the people who are loved the most.  King David’s family was racked with spiritual problems (cf. 2 Sam. 13-18).  Due diligence is needed in training “while there is hope” (Prov. 19:18).
3. Health Related. Hezekiah was “sick unto death” (Isa. 38:1) and told to set his house in order.  He turns to the wall and prays (cf. Isa. 28:2-3).  How many people find that great illness brings great introspection?  Facing one’s mortality is often avoided until it cannot be avoided.  The recovery of health is to be seen as a great blessing as was the case with Hezekiah (cf. Isa. 38:20-39:1).  Keeping that spiritual consciousness when given another “lease on life” is not as frequently done (cf. Luke 10:11-19).  Job is a great example of spirituality when losing everything from family and possessions to his own health.  Truly, even in death it is better to go to the house of mourning that one may lay it to heart (cf. Eccl. 7:2).

Jimmy Clark