History repeats itself, but in such cunning disguise that we never detect the resemblance until the damage is done. Sydney J. Harris
The writer in Ecclesiastes 1:9 What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun. That is to say that everything that can and will happen in life has occurred before you or I ever experience it. We are to learn from what has happened and repeat the right decisions. Likewise, we should avoid the decisions that turned out to have a less than desirable outcome. I don’t know about you but I can tell you that I will always do what I know was right. So I work to avoid like the plaque those things that caused me consternation.
This is true of sin in our lives. We all sin it is just that some have had their sins forgiven because they have received salvation by grace through Jesus Christ. Sin damages everyone even the one who is saved. Yet, it is true that we will sin again and again because sin like history repeats itself.
Sadly, and I mean that more than you know, we individually and as mankind do not learn from history. In Hebrews 12:1, the writer says as seen in the Amplified Bible refers to sin which so easily and cleverly entangles us. I like the way the Holy Spirit led the writer to use the illustration of entanglement. Words like involvement, complication, and mixup are used in defining entanglement. Let’s be honest, here it is sin that involves and then complicates and then mixes up our life. It affects our thoughts, perceptions, perspective, and our relationship with others and especially our God and Savior.
Everything we do in life has consequences. There is no getting around it and whether the consequences are good or bad they will occur. History has proven that to us. The history of the future once it is written will say it again. The only way to see the good conquer the bad is to do good. The right thing is not the most expedient or what the messed up crowd wants but the right thing.
People, in general, know what is the right thing. That when what is right is done it will accomplish positive results. There are those who do not do right and it seems that historically they have always been given more attention than they deserved. I think that sometimes it is because we think that if they get it out of their system and see the error of their ways they will come around. Well, as nice as that might be, that needs to stop right now. We need to say “you had a chance, you blew it, we told you it wouldn’t work, so now we are going the take-back control”. This could be true in a family, a church, and a nation.
Please, this is not a political post, it is a post about how life needs to be led no matter where or who we are. I see this in families, churches, and in our nation. The truth is that there is only one way to do things and that is the right way. I want to do the right things for the right reasons. I am not promoting an agenda, rather I am speaking the truth. God has given us what we need to do, what is right. The understanding, the ability, the history that proves doing the wrong thing will never work. The intention could even be pure but it just won’t work out.
My desire and my goal are to speak the truth. That is not for me and shouldn’t be for you a new thing. It should be what we do all the time in all situations. I know that when the truth is spoken it has power. I also know that truth can and will be often ignored. For that neither you nor I are responsible.
Adrian Rogers said It is better to be divided by truth than to be united in error. It is better to speak the truth that hurts and then heals, than falsehood that comforts and then kills.
John 8:32 is a very familiar verse for many whether they are Christians or not. The words are those of Jesus Christ Himself and we read He said "And you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free".
Now, this particular statement by Christ has been used not only in the Christian faith but as well in academia. You will often see this statement on college campuses or other places of learning. However, Jesus was not speaking of intellectual knowledge He was speaking of the truth in knowing Him and what that would look like for those who heard Him and for us today who read His words.
Actually, He makes the statement after having just said that He would be leaving them. He was speaking of the truth of who He was and what they needed to do. Many had accepted who He was and they were needing to understand what to do next. You see He told them in verse 31 "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed." Thus knowing His word is truth and knowing that truth sets you free. There is nothing more exciting than to know and share the truth. It may not be popular but it is true.
As believers, we are to express truth in all things we do and are involved in daily. There is no opportunity to take less than a truthful position in anything. That is right you heard me say it and I will say it again. There is no opportunity to take less than a truthful position in anything.
I truly hope you will take the time today to consider honestly this as a thought to ponder.
In God's Grace,
Elbert Nasworthy