A Self-Dependent, Arrogant And Boastful Attitude Will Propel A Christian To Not Do The Right Thing And Transgress The Laws Of God Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. (James 4:17) I’ll Obey - https://youtube/watch?v=lsF8qP20nEA What a powerful message from the Lord. What a powerful reminder that transgression of the laws of God is not only doing wrong but is also “not doing what is right”. Think about it for a moment. How many times have we kept quiet when we see something wrong being done? How many times should we have spoken up about an injustice when instead we kept quiet? How many times were we required to give an answer when we kept quiet instead, thereby giving the wrong impression. We have been told that silence is golden. While this is true, there are situations where we are required to do something. In James 4:17, the word of the Lord said, “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” What are some of the good things that we know to be true and we still don’t do them? 1. Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. (Gal. 6:1). Do we still believe that it’s good to restore those who have fallen or do we think it’s better to spread rumors about their actions? Here the Lord is reminding us that an unwillingness to restore someone who has fallen demonstrates a transgression of the law of God. 2. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. (Matt. 5:44, 45). How do we really treat those who have done us wrong? Do we still believe that we should do “good” to those who persecute us and say all manner of evil against us? Or do we believe it’s better to malice them and never speak to them again? Here God is reminding us that our unwillingness to bless, do “good” and pray for our enemies demonstrates our unwillingness to obey the commandments of God. And this is transgression of the laws of God. 3. And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christs sake hath forgiven you. (Eph. 4:32). Doing deeds of kindness to one another demonstrates an action of doing the right thing. Do we still believe that forgiving those who trespass against us is doing “good”? This morning the Lord is calling us to implement that act of forgiveness in our lives so that we can benefit from the forgiveness that God offers to us. Just simple taking no actions to correct the wrongs that have been done to us is an indicator that we are unwilling to obey the commandments of God. This morning the Lord is calling us to do what is right all the time. We should do what is right no matter what. Abstinence is not enough. We must take actions that result in doing good. I pray that we will continue to do what is right in every area of our lives. Gods law reaches to the internal as well as to the external actions of men. It is a discerner of the thoughts and intents and purposes of the soul. A man may be guilty of sins which God alone knows. Gods law is indeed a searcher of hearts. There are dark passions of jealousy and revenge and hatred and malignity, lust, and wild ambition that are covered up from human observation and the great I AM knows it all. Sins have been contemplated and yet not carried out for want of opportunity. Gods law makes a record of all these. These hidden away, secret sins form character. The law of God condemns not only what we have done but what we have not done. We will, in the day of final accounts, find a register of the sins of omission as well as the sins of commission. God will bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing. It is not enough that by your own measurement of character you prove you have done no positive wrong. The fact that one has done no positive good will be enough to condemn him as a wicked and slothful servant. (Manuscript Releases, vol. 6, pg. 141 – Ellen G. White) There are sins of omission, as well as sins of commission, and all of us are influencing the course of others. A neglect when the work is laid before you, is as wrong as to perform some sinful action, for in neglecting your duty you fail to supply your link in the chain of Gods great work. Your influence does not sustain His cause. . . . (Manuscript Releases, vol. 11, pg. 296, 297 – Ellen G. White) very true, self-sacrificing worker for God is willing to spend and be spent for the sake of others. Christ says, He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal (John 12:25). By earnest, thoughtful efforts to help where help is needed, the true Christian shows his love for God and for his fellow beings. He may lose his life in service. But when Christ comes to gather His jewels to Himself, he will find it again. My brethren and sisters, do not spend a large amount of time and money on self, for the sake of appearance. Those who do this are obliged to leave undone many things that would have comforted others, sending a warm glow to their weary spirits. We all need to learn how to improve more faithfully the opportunities that so often come to us to bring light and hope into the lives of others. How can we improve these opportunities if our thoughts are centered upon self? He who is self-centered loses countless opportunities for doing that which would have brought blessing to others and to himself. It is the duty of the servant of Christ, under every circumstance, to ask himself, What can I do to help others? Having done his best, he is to leave the consequences with God. (Selected Messages, bk. 1, pg. 86 – Ellen G. White) Our Lord adapts Himself to our special needs. He is a shade on our right hand. He walks close by our side, ready to supply all our necessities. He comes very near to those who are engaged in willing service for Him. He knows every one by name. O what assurances we have of the tender love of Christ. (Sons and Daughters, pg. 16 – Ellen G. White) God desires the willing service of our hearts. He has endowed us with reasoning faculties, with talents of ability, and with means and influence, to be exercised for the good of mankind, that we may manifest His spirit before the world. Precious opportunities and privileges are placed within our reach, and if we neglect them we rob others, we defraud our own souls, and dishonor our Maker. (That I May Know, pg. 113 – Ellen G. White)
Posted on: Thu, 27 Nov 2014 10:59:56 +0000
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