AWE-INSPIRING WORDS

“If any man...consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ...which is according to godliness...He is proud, knowing nothing…”

(1 Tim. 6:3-4)

As I have written on previous occasions, at times the commands and admonitions of the Bible become overwhelming to me, especially the words of our Lord. To consent to these wholesome words is one thing; to perform them is quite another. One can consent that they should and desire to conform their life to a particular truth, but because of some circumstance are unable to fulfill it to the letter.

Paul, who penned our main text, is a good example. When he had a heated discussion with his good friend Barnabas, there was no going the second mile; and when struck across the face there was no turning the cheek, but a little sarcasm, I think, in his answerable tone. Also, this giant man of faith admitted that he did not have the faith Jesus spoke of in removing mountains. He came up short on all the above.

Some, because of the above fact, feel like throwing in the towel saying, “What’s the use?” But I remind such that just because you don’t hit the bulls-eye is no reason to cease from shooting at your target. You will certainly get closer than if you didn’t shoot at all. As the old country preacher said, “He that shoots at nothing always hits what he’s shooting at.” But that’s an achievement no one ever sees!

“Confessing to God and asking others’ forgiveness when we fail to live up to our Christian responsibilities, is a good way to find inner peace.”
(rds)