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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
I’m going to be honest here and admit that I expect liberals to sin. After all, they’re liberal – with different views on how morals and ethics are applied and defining value systems differently than I do as a conservative. The problem being the number of conservative politicians, preachers and “family value” advocates who have been and are now being caught in immoral behavior as well. And if that’s not bad enough, an honest evaluation of the church at-large exposes a value system very much like the “world’s”; with adultery, divorce, pre-marital sex, etc. occurring at virtually the same rate as our more liberal brothers and unbelievers. All of which creates disappointment and embarrassment for the “faithful” while fueling the doubts of many about the integrity of all Christians. But even as I rant with self-righteous indignation at liberal sin and cry out in frustration at conservative folly, the truth is that, even though they may have legitimately caused us discomfort in one form or another, they have sinned against God (Psalm 51:4); before whom they stand in danger of judgment.
Biblical examples of men who were often well-intentioned, but who none-the-less betrayed their oaths to God abound, such as Saul (1 Samuel 8:9,10; 1 Samuel 13:1-5; & 1 Samuel 15), David (2 Samuel 7:8-11; 2 Samuel 11:1-27 & 2 Samuel 24:21-25), and Solomon. (1 Kings 3:7-14; 1 Kings 11:1-13) All fell victim to pride and lust for the advantages of the rich and famous. The New Testament example of Saul – before he became Paul – is the most obvious depiction of the highly educated and skilled individual who became blinded by privilege and power; separating him from the reality of the truth. And then there’s Peter’s outright betrayal of Jesus – as bad as Judas’ when you consider the privileged position Peter held among the twelve – when he denied even knowing who Jesus was. But thank God their stories don’t stop there. They also exemplify men brought to their knees by the light of revelation and the message of redemption as they repented, and were used in ways neither they nor anyone else expected – or for some, accepted. (Acts 7:5-60 – 8:1-3 & 9:1-31)
There is an old maxim that warns, ‘Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.’ The thing to remember is that none of us are safe from the enticements of power, nor are we totally protected from the consequences of bad decisions and foolishness whether they be self-inflicted or otherwise. We all have within us the capacity for gross sin and rebellion, and must guard against it at all times by being aware of our weaknesses and refraining from placing ourselves in compromising situations, being willing at all times to humble ourselves in repentance; thereby becoming able to assist others who are struggling or have fallen in their battle against temptation and sin. (The church having the unpleasant reputation of being one of the few “armies” mobilized against an unjust world that routinely disregards or worse yet – shoots its own wounded! We are to, “Be on guard; stand(ing) firm in the faith,…”, courageous and strong. But we are likewise to, “Do everything in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13; “…keeping a clear conscience…” by exercising “…gentleness and respect…” 1 Peter 3:15,16)
The important thing to remember is that we are often undone, not by others, but by our own evil desires (See James 1:14,15) and the lusts of the world that inevitably break out in our lives when we least expect it. (See 1 John 2:15-16) The only way to successfully combat this tendency is eternal vigilance and constant introspection accompanied by repentance of anything that hinders God’s word and will from having complete sway in our lives.
The writer of Psalms is spot-on in his assessment of the dangers that confront us as followers of the Most High, and the means by which we find success in Him. “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.” Psalm 1:1-3 John concurring when he assures us that, “The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.” 1 John 2:17
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Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
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