Thursday, December 27, 2007

Saints in Wrong Places! (Mind how you celebrate)

The sins committed by ancient Israel were recorded "for our admonition" (1Cor.10:6, 1Cor.10:11) that we might not make the same mistakes. Many great men have failed God because they were found in the wrong places. In the form of a question, we introduce several of the "wrong places" where some great servants of God failed.

Are you on the slippery path of DISHONESTY, as was Abraham when he went down to Egypt (see Genesis12:10-20)? Since his wife, Sarah, was such a beautiful woman, Abraham feared that the Egyptians might kill him in order to have her. To prevent this, Abraham deceived them by telling them she was his sister. It was only a "half-truth" for Sarah was Abraham's half-sister (Genesis 20:12). We have a modern name for what Abraham did: "situation ethics," the philosophy which says that one's ethics are determined by the situation in which he finds himself. According to this concept, there is no absolute standard of morality, no objective basis for conduct. Thus, one may lie, cheat, commit immorality, etc., if the situation "calls for it." However, God has always abhorred the practice of dishonesty (Deut. 25:13-16), no matter who was involved. Christians are to "provide things honest in the sight of all men" (Rom_12:17).

Are you giving way to IMPURITY as did David when he walked upon the housetop (2 Sam. 11, 12)? David yielded to his lower and baser instincts when he saw the beautiful Bathsheba bathing. The immorality led to further sin-murder! It all began when David was at the wrong place at the wrong time. The Christian, whose mind should be on things above (Col_3:2), would do well to avoid people, places and literature which tempt him to yield to unholy passions.

Are you sitting under the juniper tree of DISCOURAGEMENT as did Elijah (1 Kings 19:1-18)? Elijah's great victory at Mt. Carmel was followed by despondency when he learned that Jezebel was out to kill him. He sat down under a juniper tree and prayed that God would let him die. Despondency frequently comes after a mountain-top experience, doesn't it? When it happens we want to crawl under our "juniper tree" and let the rest of the world pass us by. Remember, God is still on His throne and rules the world (cf. Psa_42:5).

Are you sailing on the ship of DISOBEDIENCE as did Jonah when he fled to Tarshish (Jonah 1:1-17)? Jonah's prejudice prompted him to disobey God when he was told to preach in Nineveh. Is it possible that you are "on the way to Tarshish" when you should be "on the way to Nineveh?" Did you obey the Lord in becoming a Christian, but you have now boarded the ship of disobedience and are fleeing away from your Redeemer?
Saints in the wrong places! Maybe we can learn something from them and avoid their mistakes.

Beloved, as we celebrate this season, let us remember that we shall all give account of our thoughts, words and actions to the Master. So, let the saints not be found in wrong places!

- adapted from an Article from e-sword

3 comments:

durano lawayan a.k.a. brad spit said...

Hi, the thoughts are expertly put together with biblical based teachings and reminders. Well crafted post, interesting and timely. --Durano, done!

Peter @ Enviroman said...

Hi Bro Tee,

Thanks for leaving a comment in my post Delete comment Part 2 plus sidebar problems and for your kind words. Glad the post helped you. And may the Good Lord bless you.

Peter Blog*Star
Digital Candlelight Vigil

BroTee said...

Thanks Peter you're a big help to bloggers like myself.