We will continue our study of striving for personal holiness. We have already seen that we are to live to bring glory to God, put away all sin, live with the knowledge of the link between eternity and the present, have personal discipline, and practice walking in love. Yesterday we saw that walking in love included putting away evil speaking. Today, we will see that walking in love includes doing our best to keep the peace. However, it is not a peace at the cost of principle.
Edwards' resolution number 33 stated: "Resolved, to do always, what I can towards making, maintaining, and preserving peace, when it can be done without overbalancing detriment in other respects." This means to do all you can to help bring about peace; but not at the expense of truth. Never compromise truth to keep peace. We live in a day of tolerance. If one stands for an absolute, e.g. homosexuality is wrong, then the charge of intolerance and shame is made. But there are absolutes; God in His Word has made many clear statements about sin that cannot be ignored. Whose approval would you prefer: God's or men? Man will preach a truth that is relative, but God gives a truth that has a firm foundation in His Word.
Today, do not be afraid to stand for truth. Truth does have absolutes. Yes, there are areas that are not crystal clear and in those areas tolerance is advocated, e.g. method of baptism, preference of Bible translations or the day of worship. However, where the Word is clear, we must be clear. Stand for truth and be not afraid.
No comments:
Post a Comment