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| Section: Walking In The Faith |
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| Category: Biblical Teaching / Lesson |
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| Choices |
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There is a mandate given by Paul in Romans 12:18 that encourages us to “if at all possible, live peaceably with all”. In this sense, it makes sense. No one in their right mind would want to live without peace in their lives. But, at what point does desiring peace become compromise?
In Amos 3:3 we read “how can two walk together except they be agreed?” Usually, this is a go-to passage when dealing with doctrinal issues between believers. Unfortunately, it has also been the catch phrase resulting in churches on every corner! There is no doubt that doctrine is important and can result in the “left foot of fellowship” if there is disagreement regarding interpretation. But, could we sometimes agree to disagree for the sake of the body? I believe it is possible and sometimes even necessary for the health of the local assembly. Yet, there are times when to “agree to disagree” can result in potentially disastrous results. We could wrongly apply Amos 3:3. Consider Abraham:
Abraham had been promised by God that he would be given a son through Sarah. Many years later he and Sarah were still waiting. It is recorded that, at the suggestion of Sarah, Abraham chose to father that promised son through their servant Hagar. The result was the birth of Ishmael, who became the father of the Arabs. Later, Sarah conceived and gave birth to Isaac, who became the father of the Israelites. From these choices we have continual wars between the descendants of these two “brothers” down to today. It was definitely the wrong decision resulting in absolutely no peace. Thankfully, God is still in control, even when we are not.
We are told in 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 not to be unequally yoked. Here in the above example we see why this is so important. Decisions made today may not fully reveal the consequences of our choices, but time will tell. We have the opportunity to avoid choosing turmoil instead of peace with God and our fellow human beings. Biblical history is much more on our side today than in the time of Abraham. We are about 3,000 years down the road with the full Bible at our disposal. It follows that we should have more discernment. It also follows that, if this is true, our choices carry a much greater weight. We have been given more light to shine on each decision we make than even Abraham!
God’s Word to us has always been two-fold: 1) to lead us to make the right decision He would have us to make because 2) it is to be for the rest of our lives. He truly wants us to live in peace. Abraham gave heed to his wife instead of abiding in what God had promised them. God said that the promised son would be through Sarah, but they took their eyes off that promise and looked instead with the eyes of flesh, thinking she was too old to conceive. They gave heed to Amos 3:3 but in a wrong way.
God does not want us to experience a similar fate. Whether it is in choosing a life mate, purchasing that dream car or any other long term decisions we may face, we need to carefully, prayerfully consider the full impact our decision will make down the line. The best way to do this is preventative in nature. Read God’s word everyday. Apply His truths. Choose to wait on Him. Amen. |
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| Date of Submission: 2007-08-28 11:08:18 |
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