Thy mercy, my God, is the theme
of my song. But the very first of the seven
things which are an abomination in the sight of God is a proud
look. The very last of these is he
that soweth discord among brethren. The first causes the last. Only
by pride cometh contention. Jude admonishes the children
of God to earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered
unto the saints. Yet this contending must never
be done with contentiousness, lest we be swallowed up with
pride and any supposed benefit of contending be overturned.
Be like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of
one mind. Let nothing be done through strife
or vain glory, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other
better than themselves. Paul goes on to say that this
is the very mind which was in Christ Jesus when he humbled
himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the
cross. It is impossible that brethren
shall always be in agreement on every point of doctrine in
practice. The Lord has dealt to each of his children a measure
of faith, which is not the same measure. Along with that measure
of faith is a measure of understanding and a diversity of thought. Paul
points this out to the Romans, concluding with this principle,
Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace,
and things wherewith one may edify another. The unity which
the children of God are exhorted to endeavor to keep is not one
of rote uniformity, where everyone is a clone of each other, but
rather where each one exhibits the mind of Christ in seeking
the benefit of the other. This cannot be achieved by the
power of the flesh, nor by the strongest bonds of religion,
but will only be seen in its beauty as the Lord works in his
people both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Behold
how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together
in unity. Differences of opinion cannot
destroy this sort of unity, because it is not built upon the fickle
grounds of human agreement, nor does it depend on the approving
glances of those who compare themselves among themselves and
find satisfaction in mutual approval and orthodoxy. The only conformity
which the sons of God are exhorted to seek after is to be conformed
to the image of Christ and to not be conformed to the world.
True unity is not destroyed by confrontation, rebuke, or instruction
which may run contrary to one's present state of mind. This is
demonstrated in Paul's rebuke of Peter when Peter was guilty
of dissimulation with the Jews. Though this was a forceful rebuke
on the part of Paul, there is no evidence that it was not given
in humility, nor that it was not received in the same fashion
by Peter. Paul had no ulterior motive of
self-promotion, and sought nothing but benefit, and considered his
own advice. 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. Afterwards,
Peter had nothing but the highest regard for Paul, as he wrote
in one of his epistles, Even as our beloved brother Paul,
also according to the wisdom given unto him, hath written
unto you. Those who take offense at the
word of God when it is spoken in love and truth are no different
than those who desire to stir up strife among brethren by majoring
their teaching on doubtful disputations and endless genealogies. In David's
prayer to the Lord, he desires to be delivered from the foot
of pride. I believe he has reference to those who meant to do him
harm. He speaks of wicked enemies whose desire for domination caused
them to hate his position as king. It is this same foot of
pride which moved the Jews to seek the destruction of the Lord
Jesus Christ. which ultimately fulfill the
ordained purpose of God. Him being delivered by the determinate
counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked
hands have crucified and slain. We read of this foot of pride
again in the Psalms. Yea, mine own familiar friend,
in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted
up his heel against me. A prophecy which clearly has
reference to Judas, since the Lord reiterates it, that the
scripture may be fulfilled, he that eateth bread with me hath
lifted up his heel against me. The proud look which the Lord
hated is that which he ordained against his only begotten son,
as he was betrayed and ultimately delivered to his tormentors.
Is this not a demonstration of the fact that he was tempted
in all points, like as we are? Is this not a manifestation that
he has borne our sins and carried our sorrows? Is he not acquainted
with grief, as he himself was wounded in the house of his friends?
The Lord Jesus Christ willingly subjected himself to the foot
of pride, that he might destroy the same. David also prayed,
Let not the hand of the wicked remove me. The Lord Jesus has
granted his request, and has hidden his sheep in the palm
of his hand. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they
follow me, and I give unto them eternal life, and they shall
never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. If you would like a free transcript
of this broadcast, email us at forthepoor at windstream.net.