The Pursuit of G.o.dliness
Whoever pursues G.o.dliness and unfailing love will find life, G.o.dliness, and honor.
Proverbs 21:21
Benjamin Franklin, the wise and witty son of a Philadelphia candle maker, looked up after signing his name on the parchment and said, aWell, gentlemen, we must now hang together, or we shall most a.s.suredly hang separately.a It was August 2, 1776. Franklin and the other members of the Continental Congress had just signed the Declaration of Independence, which they had pa.s.sed on July 4.
Despite his jocular tone, Franklin was well aware that what he and his colleagues had done would be seen by many in the British government as an act of treason and rebellion, and they might well suffer deeply for their actions. But they were convinced of the rightness of their cause and the necessity of overthrowing the tyrannical regime of George III, in order that the men and women of the thirteen states might be free to enjoy alife, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.a Everybody is pursuing something, with varying degrees of intensity and success. Most of them long for happiness. Sadly, for many happiness proves desperately elusive. As the modern world produces a vast array of toys for people to play with and a.s.sures people that being happy is their n.o.blest goal in life, the pursuit of happiness has become a national obsession, and providing the means to attain it has become a lucrative industry. But in spite of it all, unhappiness abounds.
Proverbs suggests a better way. aWhoever pursues G.o.dliness and unfailing love will find life, G.o.dliness, and honora (21:21). If we pursue aG.o.dlinessa instead of ahappiness,a the direction of the pursuit changes immediately. G.o.dliness is the quality of life that seeks to please G.o.d. Happiness is often absorbed with pleasing self. While happiness is concerned with feeling good, G.o.dliness is committed to being good and doing good. This is a major difference, since it is possible to feel good while being bad.
Being good and doing good are directed, respectively, toward heaven and toward earth. Being good brings delight to the Father, while doing good brings blessing to the needy. Proverbs calls it aG.o.dliness and unfailing love,a and when they are pursued with diligence and perseverance, they bring their own reward: The pursuer actually catches up with what he aims for and he will afind life, G.o.dliness, and honor.a While Thomas Jefferson wrote in the Declaration of Independence of a G.o.d-given right to pursue happiness, the writer of Proverbs stipulated a G.o.d-given requirement to pursue G.o.dliness. Pursue happiness, and you may or may not find it. Pursue G.o.dliness, and you will find ita"and much, much more. And you probably wonat hang for ita"so hang onto it!
March 8
TO READ: Proverbs 22:1-16
Rich Man, Poor Man
The rich and the poor have this in common: The LORD made them both.
Proverbs 22:2
In 1999, Kevin Brown was the ace pitcher of the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team. That season, Brown started 35 games. His salary for that year was $10,714,286. a.s.suming that he threw, on average, 100 pitches per game, he earned over $3,000 every time he threw a pitch in earnest! For comparison, a young man earning minimum wage in 1999 needed to work approximately 600 hours to earn the same amount. Rich man, poor man!
Yet by the standards of people living in parts of the Third World, the young man flipping hamburgers is relatively well off. The World Bank, as long ago as 1978, defined aabsolute povertyaa"the condition in which close to a billion people were living at the timea"as aa condition of life so characterized by malnutrition, illiteracy, disease, squalid surroundings, high infant mortality, and low life expectancy as to be beneath any reasonable definition of human decency.a John Stott says that while more than a fifth of the worldas population alack the basic necessities for survival,a about the same number alive in affluence and consume about four-fifths of the worldas income.a Some economists and politicians advocate the redistribution of wealth, which means they tax the wealthy and give it to the poor. Critics of this approach point out that it often serves to trap the poor in a dependency from which they cannot escape.
In bygone days, some commentators stated confidently that G.o.d had intentionally made some poor and some rich, so everybody should be satisfied with his or her lot. More recently, the chronic poverty from which many precious people whom the Lord made are suffering has been condemned as a profound asocial evila that should concern every child of G.o.d.
The writer of Proverbs had an insight often lacking in such political-economic-social debates. He wrote, aThe rich and the poor have this in common: The Lord made them botha (Prov. 22:2). One consequence of the fact that the rich and the poor are both made by G.o.d is that no onea"rich or poora"is either unloved or insignificant in the Lordas eyes. It also means that no one, regardless of economic status, is outside the reach and purpose of G.o.das redemption. And it means that no one should be forced to live in degradation and starvation when those who live in luxury could help to alleviate their state.
Once a man embraces these truths, he will seek practical ways to implement them. How it works out will vary from case to case, but one thing will be constanta"the recognition that aif G.o.d made me, and he made them, weare in this together.a The Lord made us all!
March 9
TO READ: Proverbs 23:19-35
G.o.d and Genes
My child, listen and be wise. Keep your heart on the right course.
Proverbs 23:19
The dawn of the twenty-first century has seen another dawna"the first rough draft of the complete human genome. The genetic code, we are learning, determines our physical shape, the number of our fingers, the color of our eyes, our capacity for languages, and our ability to store information and recall it. While we are only on the fringes of discovering the wonders of this aspect of our creation, there are those who have already decided that some of our genes determine our behavioral tendencies. That has led them to conclude that man is not responsible for his actionsa"he is simply an unfortunate repository of genes which determine his behavior and map out his destiny.
Whatever influence our genetic makeup has on our behavior, it certainly does not negate the clear biblical teaching that we are responsible people, to whom G.o.d has clearly outlined acceptable behaviors for which we are ultimately accountable. So Proverbs says, aMy child, listen and be wise. Keep your heart on the right coursea (Prov. 23:19). Proverbs is not denying that we have behavioral tendencies, but it is affirming that we have behavioral responsibilities.
Preachers used to talk about abesetting sins,a based on an expression found in Hebrews 12:1 in the King James Version of the Bible: aLet us lay aside . . . the sin which doth so easily beset usa (Heb. 12:1, KJV). The preachers were referring to the habitual sins that people find particularly hard to overcome. In more recent times, under the influence of psychology, the tendency is to talk about aaddictive behavior.a This can show up in many forms. Proverbs, while not using this term, certainly speaks about it when it insists: aDo not carouse with drunkards and gluttonsa (23:20); aToo much sleep clothes a person with ragsa (23:21); and aA prost.i.tute is a deep pit; an adulterous woman is treacherousa (23:27-28). Drunkenness, gluttony, laziness, and s.e.xual aberrations may be described either as abesetting sinsa or as aaddictive behavioraa"either way, they are wrong.
Being a captive to a besetting sin or being bound by an addictive behavior is frighteninga"it leads to aanguish,a asorrow,a and aunnecessary bruisesa (23:29). But there is hope. The man who responds to G.o.das invitation, aO my son, give me your hearta (23:26), and is careful to aget the truth, . . . wisdom, discipline, and discernmenta (23:23), will find the iron bands of addictive behavior and besetting sin snapped. G.o.d promises that he can give a man the power to do what is right even when his natural inclination is wrong. And whatever a manas genes may say, that is what his G.o.d declares.
March 10
TO READ: Proverbs 24:23-34
Looking and Learning
Then, as I looked and thought about it, I learned this lesson: A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to resta"and poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber.
Proverbs 24:32-34
There is a famous engraving by J.W. Steel of a young boy sitting with his chin cupped in his hands, staring at a boiling kettle on the open fire. The boy is James Watt, and he is sitting in his parentsa home in Greenock, Scotland, early in the eighteenth century, watching with fascination as the steam from the boiling water lifts the lid of the kettle with a rattling sound. His mother is chatting with a friend, unaware of what her son is seeing. But the boy is keenly observing what is going ona"and heas thinking about it! He is looking and learning, observing and contemplating. He is recognizing the power of steam to generate energy and the possibilities of harnessing this energy and channeling it into useful activity.
A hundred miles south of Greenock and twenty-four years after James Wattas birth in 1736, William Wordsworth was born in the English Lake District. Left to his own devices as a boy in his rustic home, Wordsworth wandered over the hills and beside the lakes, looking and learning. In his mature years he wrote, For I have learned To look on nature, not as in the hour Of thoughtless youth; but hearing oftentimes The still, sad music of humanity, Nor harsh nor grating, though of ample power To chasten and subdue.14 Wordsworth, the poet, had learned to look and learn far differently from Watt, the engineer. But both stood out from their peers, who walked through life as if blindfolded to its visual lessons. Both were able to observe the world, ponder the meaning of what they saw, and learn from it.
The writer of Proverbs wrote about pa.s.sing an overgrown vineyard. What had once been well cared for and productive now lay wasted and barren. He thought about what he saw, and he learned a lesson from it: aA little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to resta"and poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robbera (Prov. 24:33-34).
Watt observed, and his practical mind translated the data into scientific principles. Wordsworth looked, and he drew from what he saw lessons about the inner workings of the human heart. The writer of Proverbs observed an abandoned field, saw the folly of another manas actions, and learned from the otheras mistakes.
It has been said that an educated man is one who has learned how to learn and never stops learning. He has also learned how to look and never stops looking. So if you learn to look, youall look and learn. And then you, like Watt, Wordsworth, and the writer of Proverbs, will pa.s.s on to others the lessons of looking and learning.
March 11
TO READ: Proverbs 25:11-28
The Things People Say!
Telling lies about others is as harmful as. .h.i.tting them with an ax, wounding them with a sword, or shooting them with a sharp arrow.
Proverbs 25:18
Events during the American War of Independence had convinced the Federalists that bigger government was necessary for the security and well-being of the fledgling nation. Their opponents in the debate over the Const.i.tution thought otherwise, and pressed for recognition of the rights of individuals. A compromise was reached when the opponents were a.s.sured that, if they helped pa.s.s the Const.i.tution, one of the first acts of the government would be to pa.s.s a Bill of Rights. This was done, and the right to religious freedom, the freedom of a.s.sembly, and the freedom of speech was written into the Const.i.tution. The freedom to express an opinion, to share a conviction, and to communicate an idea should be cherished!
However, these freedoms are not freedoms to be abused. Proverbs is full of helpful teaching on the subject. For example, aTimely advice is as lovely as golden apples in a silver basketa (Prov. 25:11). The right word spoken in the right way at the right time is a gift to be treasured. A word that points the way forward in the moment of despair, a truth that corrects a misapprehension, an explanation that dispels the fog of confusion, and a reminder that buoys the flagging spirit and replenishes the drained soula"all these are alovely as golden apples.a Or, aValid criticism is as treasured by the one who heeds it as jewelry made from finest golda (25:12). Criticism that is invalid is destructive and demeaning, but the right kind is to be embraced and acted upon. Left alone in an uncorrected error, a man will drift into further mistakes. Unexamined actions may contain elements that negate their worth. Bad habits unconsciously formed inexorably imprison the unaware. But valid criticism, properly heeded, is a boon and a blessing in such circ.u.mstances.
On the other hand, aTelling lies about others is as harmful as. .h.i.tting them with an ax, wounding them with a sword, or shooting them with a sharp arrowa (25:18). While both speaking in error and telling a lie communicate something that is not true, the difference is that the former is unintentional, while the latter is intentional. A lie is designed to mislead, to demean, or to unfairly put another at a disadvantage. An error in speech is nothing more than a mistake. It is in the intent behind the untruth that the damaging impact of the lie is to be found. So words can contain atimely advice,a avalid criticism,a or downright alies.a They can encourage or deflate, build up or destroy.
It is good to cherish your freedom of speech. It is even better to be careful what you say.
March 12
TO READ: Psalm 15
Attention to Attendance
Who may worship in your sanctuary, LORD? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill?
Psalm 15:1
Some churches are cold and correct, decorous and dead. In such places of worship the emphasis is placed on G.o.das awesomeness, his holiness, and the reverence due to him. Worshipers enter with silent tread and downcast eye as they make their way to sacred pew, where they kneel in solemn reflection.
Other churches advertise what they have to offer in the Yellow Pages, with exuberant claims like, aThe end of your search for a friendly church!a Should the man whose fingers have done the walking arrive at the entrance to such a place of worship, he would find himself swept along by a hurrying crowd, greeted warmly by a strategically placed agreeter,a led personally to the youth center to park the children, and then shown to an inviting pew where his hand is warmly shaken and he is engaged in animated conversation. Meanwhile, the musical prelude tries desperately to be heard.
Only G.o.d knows the heart, so he alone can say who is truly worshiping. But one thing can be said with confidence: Before the worshiper arrives at the sanctuary entrance, he should ask, aWho may worship in your sanctuary, Lord? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill?a (Ps. 15:1). In the formalized worship of the Jerusalem sanctuary, worshipers would ask that question at the entrance to the temple, and the priest would reply with a list of ten qualifying requirements which can be summarized as follows: Taking G.o.das law seriously Ordering their lives accordingly Engaging in practical good works Being known for integrity of speech Having warm neighborliness and helpfulness that is well attested Avoiding being entrapped in unG.o.dly liaisons Supporting those who serve the Lord Saying what they mean and meaning what they say Fulfilling atheir promises even when it hurtsa Having business dealings that are beyond reproach Taken seriously, these requirements could cause the biggest and most precipitous decline in church attendance in church history. But they are not designed to keep people away from worshipa"they are intended to draw prepared people into worship. The key word is aprepared.a The Lord wants his people to spend time searching their hearts to identify the things they have done that they should not have done and the things they have failed to do that they should have done. In this way, a humble, repentant att.i.tude is ensured, a longing for forgiveness is born, and a sense of delight in G.o.das grace is fostered all over again. And then worship begins.
Church attendance requires careful attention!
March 13
TO READ: 1 Peter 1:1-12
Fiery Trials
These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies golda"and your faith is far more precious to G.o.d than mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
1 Peter 1:7
On July 18, A.D. 64, a fire broke out in the ancient city of Rome, destroying more than half the city. Great numbers of citizens lost their lives. Even though the emperor was out of town at the time, rumors circulated that he had ordered the blaze to accomplish his own purposes. Tacitus, the Roman historian, tells us that Nero aput forward as guilty, and afflicted with the most exquisite punishments, those who were hated for their abominations and called aChristiansa by the populace.a aAfter scenes of great cruelty,a Tacitus continues, the Roman people began to feel sorry for the Christians whom, they believed, were suffering unjustly ato gratify the cruelty of Nero.a News of these events no doubt traveled rapidly throughout the provinces of the empire, where many Christians were living. So the apostle Peter, who, along with Paul, would die at the hands of the murderous Nero, wrote a letter of encouragement, perhaps a.s.suming that similar persecution would break out in the provinces. Peter wrote, aIf your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole worlda (1 Pet. 1:7).
The thought of being torn by dogs, crucified, or aburned as torches to light the night,a as Tacitus reported, was enough to panic the bravest soul. So Peter reminded his readers of three princ.i.p.al Christian truths that would serve to strengthen them for the ordeal.
First, Christians must not forget what G.o.d had done in their lives. Peter wrote, aG.o.d the Father chose you, . . . the Spirit has made you holy, . . . and [you] are cleansed by [Jesusa] blooda (1:2). Including himself, Peter added, aG.o.d has given us the privilege of being born againa (1:3). Father, Son, and Holy Spirit had all been actively involved in their salvation. So they should take heart, for they were safe in the keeping of the triune G.o.d.
Second, Peteras readers needed to remember what G.o.d had promised to do. aG.o.d has reserved a priceless inheritance for his children . . . beyond the reach of change or decaya (1:4). Should their circ.u.mstances change dramatically and should they suffer death and their bodies decay, nothing would change their promised eternal inheritance.
Third, they must bear in mind what G.o.d was doing. He was permitting the trials so that their faith would be atested as fire tests and purifies golda (1:7). It is possible that Peteras readers might have preferred to save their skins rather than test their faith, but Peter reminded them that afaith is far more precious to G.o.d than mere golda (1:7). Their faith was even more valuable than their skin!
The thought of persecution can cause oneas heart to miss a beat. Knowing what G.o.d is doing through the trials helps G.o.das people not to miss a step.
March 14