|
THE
NEW LIFE by
John Marshall
|
|
|
|
Chapter
21 • THE
GOLDEN MEAN
This
puts the consideration of others first, so that in our dealings
with people, whether it be in the fellowship of the spirit,
or with those not of the faith, we shall be able to discuss
any problems or difficulties in a temperate manner. This can
be achieved if the peace of Jesus is ever-present in our minds,
and a spiritual moderation of language is always evident on
our tongues.
This kind of relationship with people is only possible if
we are wise in the things of the Spirit; and James has told
us of the source of such strength: "The wisdom that is
from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle and easy
to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits without partiality,
and without hypocrisy." He knew what he was writing about;
it was not an impractical ideal but the qualities of one who
was the perfect pattern of such conduct-his own brother, Jesus!
Writing to the Philippians, Paul wanted their moderation (forbearance,
R.V.) to be known to all men4 because he knew what a harmonizing
influence this could be, and when, writing to the Corinthians,
he used the figure of men striving for mastery in the games,
he stressed that they had to be temperate, self-restrained
in all things. If they could be so disciplined for a corruptible
crown, how much the more should we be temperate in spiritual
things? Because we seek an incorruptible crown. That was the
point of his exhortation.
This disciplined, balanced, serene life is exemplified in
Jesus, and is the constant exhortation of the New Testament'writers.
Their portrait of the saint who seeks this wisdom from above,
is of one who is a student of the "holy scriptures which
are able to make him wise unto salvation" and is prepared
to lay down his life for the brethren. Those who are virtuous
in these ways are temperate in all things. But there are some
things about which we sometimes tend to be far from moderate.
|
|
References
James 3v17, Phil 4v5, 1 Cor 9v25, 1 John 3v16
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chapter
21 • THE
GOLDEN MEAN
The Study of the Scriptures
To a greater or lesser extent we are all students of the Scriptures.
Most of us fail to seek its wisdom to the degree that we should,
but some pursue it with a deep absorption and enthusiasm. There
has never been a deeper or more learned student of the Word than
Jesus, even as a boy, but his use of it was relevant to the occasion,
penetrating in judgment and restrained in utterance. Almost everything
he said was coloured by its spirit and its prophecies, always uttered
with an authoritative yet sweet reasonableness, except in the presence
of hypocrites with whom he was scathing. These are the qualities
that should be characteristic of us in all our communion with people.
It is very easy to become so enthusiastic over one's studies and
spiritual discoveries as to be obsessed with them and to be unaware
that one is arrogant and intolerant of any other view. It is by
such excess of enthusiasm that we may, in the eyes of those not
of the faith, discredit the Scriptures and weaken our witness of
the Lord's true word.
However well we may study the Scriptures most of us need the help
provided by more competent students and more use ought to be made
of such help. But we should be very careful not to replace first-hand
study of the Word, or to elevate the Bible aid above its proper
function.
No one who has studied the works of Dr. Thomas can ever remain but
deeply in his debt. Too many are still unacquainted with Elpis Israel
and Eureka. Anyone who has studied these works, even if only partially,
will be the better for it. And how many have read the life of Brother
Thomas, to know something of the selfless sacrifices that he made,
and the endless disputations in which he was engaged in his defence
of the Gospel? These are all invaluable helps, but there are also
other aids and ways of Scripture study, and to become obsessed with
one may lead to one becoming intemperate to such an extent as to
cause dissension in an ecclesia and to weaken true fellowship.
|
|
References
Luke 2v46-47
|
|
|
|
