Check the Attitude

What Should Our Attitude Be?

do you have the proper attitude

Do You Have the Proper Attitude?

It is more than disappointing when faithful brethren depart from the truth.  One wonders just exactly how Jesus felt when betrayed by Judas, and Paul at Demas’ departure (2 Timothy 4:10).  The Psalmist expressed such feelings in Psalm 55:12-14:

For it was not an enemy that reproached me; Then I could have borne it: Neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; Then I would have hid myself from him:  But it was thou, a man mine equal, My companion, and my familiar friend.  We took sweet counsel together; We walked in the house of God with the throng.

The expression “familiar friend” indicates a deeper personal relationship than just an acquaintance.  This is a friend with whom one is at peace, with whom one feels safe, a trusted companion.  Commentators on this Psalm suggest that David may have had Ahithophel in mind.  He was one of David’s beloved and trusted counselors (1 Chronicles 27:33).  2 Samuel 16:23 says, “And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was as if a man inquired at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom.”  After Ahithophel defected to Absalom’s cause, David prayed for God to overthrow that counsel which He did through Hushai (2 Samuel 17:14).  Rejected, Ahitophel went back to his house, set his affairs in order, and hanged himself (2 Samuel 17:23).  It is a sad and tragic ending to what was once a beautiful relationship; the beauty of the relationship makes such an ending all the more difficult to bear.  One can imagine David weeping for Ahithophel, his once stalwart companion.

Ahithopel, Demas, Judas: they betrayed their friends and revealed their true desires.  However, prior to the moment of actual discovery we find no indication in the scripture that these betrayers were dealt with in any way other than with love and fealty.  They were accepted; their counsel received; their works appreciated.  It raises a significant question: what ought our attitude to be toward faithful Christians who harbor secret sin?

First, we ought to determine to put away from among us an inquisitional attitude.  While elders are charged to tend and defend, it would ultimately destroy the flock should they use the methods and attitudes of the Spanish inquisition.  Such McCarthyism does not display true love for the brotherhood.  True love “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Corinthians 13:7).  Convening public boards of inquiries, turning brother against brother to “rat out” one another, undermining the trust of the majority to weed out the minority is sinful and ought not to be practiced.  The parable of the tares illustrates the great spiritual truth that one must not root out the wicked at the expense of the righteous (Matthew 13:25ff).

Second, even if we suspect something may not be right, a brother who has historically proved faithful deserves the benefit of the doubt.  I know of no brothers who have ever lived such flawless lives that they have never had a single conflict with another brother.  If we were to make a brotherhood exposé out of each and every conflict that arises, we would be guilty of what Paul called “biting and devouring” (Galatians 5:15).  Instead, love will seek out his brother (Matthew 18:15), listen to his explanation (James 1:19), and be willing to believe (1 Corinthians 13:7).  Jesus upbraided the disciples upon one occasion because they did not believe the testimony of their brethren (Mark 16:14).  Our modus operandi, therefore, ought to be a ready willingness to believe what our ostensibly faithful brethren are telling us.  If they are overtly lying, the odium rests upon them.

Third, the strong must bear with the weak.  In Romans 15:1-2 we read, “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.  Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good to edification.”  Galatians 6:1 (ASV) says, “Brethren, even if a man be overtaken in any trespass, ye who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to thyself, lest thou also be tempted.  Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”  Whether something is a matter of personal opinion, or a matter of sinfulness, we owe it to our brethren to work with them in a positive manner toward resolving any problems that could potentially rupture fellowship.  After such proves to be impossible, reluctantly but obediently, we pursue public disciplinary actions.  The goal, however, is to maintain the integrity and unity of the body of Christ and so the strong bear with the weak to this end.

Finally, it cannot be wrong to suffer an injustice from a brother rather than to be personally vindicated.  Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 6:7 contain a principle that we would do well to learn: “Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? Why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?”  I would strongly oppose anyone who said that they have suffered a greater injustice than our Lord, Jesus Christ.  Yet Peter says concerning Him, “For hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye should follow his steps: who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously” (1 Peter 2:21-23).  It is enough, then, when our brethren have done us evil, to commit such things to the one who judges righteously.  This is the example Peter says Jesus left for us to follow.  Ultimately God exalted Jesus.  We have no avenue to exalt ourselves by pursuing publicly, personal vindication.

“Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, who did eat of my bread, Hath lifted up his heel against me” (Psalm 41:9).  It hurts terribly when such is done to us and in hindsight we want to kick ourselves in the pants for not seeing the signs sooner, but when we have followed the above inspired advice for maintaining faithful and godly relationships with our brethren, let us take confidence in knowing that our efforts were sincere, holy, and brotherly.  Let our efforts in that regard be characterized by the maxim, “Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing” (1 Peter 3:9).

What Should Our Attitude Be?

Kevin Cauley

It is more than disappointing when faithful brethren depart from the truth. One wonders just exactly how Jesus felt when betrayed by Judas, and Paul at Demas’ departure (2 Timothy 4:10). The Psalmist expressed such feelings in Psalm 55:12-14:

For it was not an enemy that reproached me; Then I could have borne it: Neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; Then I would have hid myself from him: But it was thou, a man mine equal, My companion, and my familiar friend. We took sweet counsel together; We walked in the house of God with the throng.

The expression “familiar friend” indicates a deeper personal relationship than just an acquaintance.This is a friend with whom one is at peace, with whom one feels safe, a trusted companion.Commentators on this Psalm suggest that David may have had Ahithophel in mind.He was one of David’s beloved and trusted counselors (1 Chronicles 27:33).2 Samuel 16:23 says, “And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was as if a man inquired at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom.”After Ahithophel defected to Absalom’s cause, David prayed for God to overthrow that counsel which He did through Hushai (2 Samuel 17:14).Rejected, Ahitophel went back to his house, set his affairs in order, and hanged himself (2 Samuel 17:23).It is a sad and tragic ending to what was once a beautiful relationship; the beauty of the relationship makes such an ending all the more difficult to bear.One can imagine David weeping for Ahithophel, his once stalwart companion.

Ahithopel, Demas, Judas: they betrayed their friends and revealed their true desires. However, prior to the moment of actual discovery we find no indication in the scripture that these betrayers were dealt with in any way other than with love and fealty. They were accepted; their counsel received; their works appreciated. It raises a significant question: what ought our attitude to be toward faithful Christians who harbor secret sin?

First, we ought to determine to put away from among us an inquisitional attitude. While elders are charged to tend and defend, it would ultimately destroy the flock should they use the methods and attitudes of the Spanish inquisition. Such McCarthyism does not display true love for the brotherhood. True love “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Corinthians 13:7). Convening public boards of inquiries, turning brother against brother to “rat out” one another, undermining the trust of the majority to weed out the minority is sinful and ought not to be practiced. The parable of the tares illustrates the great spiritual truth that one must not root out the wicked at the expense of the righteous (Matthew 13:25ff).

Second, even if we suspect something may not be right, a brother who has historically proved faithful deserves the benefit of the doubt. I know of no brothers who have ever lived such flawless lives that they have never had a single conflict with another brother. If we were to make a brotherhood exposé out of each and every conflict that arises, we would be guilty of what Paul called “biting and devouring” (Galatians 5:15). Instead, love will seek out his brother (Matthew 18:15), listen to his explanation (James 1:19), and be willing to believe (1 Corinthians 13:7). Jesus upbraided the disciples upon one occasion because they did not believe the testimony of their brethren (Mark 16:14). Our modus operandi, therefore, ought to be a ready willingness to believe what our ostensibly faithful brethren are telling us. If they are overtly lying, the odium rests upon them.

Third, the strong must bear with the weak. In Romans 15:1-2 we read, “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good to edification.” Galatians 6:1 (ASV) says, “Brethren, even if a man be overtaken in any trespass, ye who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Whether something is a matter of personal opinion, or a matter of sinfulness, we owe it to our brethren to work with them in a positive manner toward resolving any problems that could potentially rupture fellowship. After such proves to be impossible, reluctantly but obediently, we pursue public disciplinary actions. The goal, however, is to maintain the integrity and unity of the body of Christ and so the strong bear with the weak to this end.

Finally, it cannot be wrong to suffer an injustice from a brother rather than to be personally vindicated. Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 6:7 contain a principle that we would do well to learn: “Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? Why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?” I would strongly oppose anyone who said that they have suffered a greater injustice than our Lord, Jesus Christ. Yet Peter says concerning Him, “For hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye should follow his steps: who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously” (1 Peter 2:21-23). It is enough, then, when our brethren have done us evil, to commit such things to the one who judges righteously. This is the example Peter says Jesus left for us to follow. Ultimately God exalted Jesus. We have no avenue to exalt ourselves by pursuing publicly, personal vindication.

“Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, who did eat of my bread, Hath lifted up his heel against me” (Psalm 41:9).It hurts terribly when such is done to us and in hindsight we want to kick ourselves in the pants for not seeing the signs sooner, but when we have followed the above inspired advice for maintaining faithful and godly relationships with our brethren, let us take confidence in knowing that our efforts were sincere, holy, and brotherly.Let our efforts in that regard be characterized by the maxim, “Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing” (1 Peter 3:9).

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Little Talent is Enough

God Can Use What You Have

you dont need talent for god to succeed

You Don’t Need Talent For God to Succeed.

Sometimes we fail to see the big picture of our place in the kingdom of God. We look at those who are so talented and think that whatever talent we have is so miniscule that we have nothing to give to Him. We look at others who are blessed materially and wonder if God could ever use what we have. The words of Jonathan seem so appropriate: “There is no restraint with God to save by many or by few.” Consider what God has used to accomplish His victories. Few of these things had little worth.

Consider Moses’ rod. There is no way to know how long Moses had used the rod in his hand at the burning bush, but there was no way he could have imagined how such a “worthless” thing could have such great value when God used it. That piece of wood became a serpent to convince both the Jews and the Egyptians that Moses’ message was from God. It turned water to blood and opened the Red Sea. God used what Moses had!

Consider David’s sling. A sling has its use, but no one other than David could imagine the worth of such a “worthless” thing. Saul’s armor was useless (even to Saul), but a young shepherd boy with great faith in the living God gave what he had to God’s cause, and we all know the results. God used what David had!

Consider the lad’s loaves and fish. None could have ever dreamed how enough food for a young lad could be enough food for such a great multitude. Andrew’s question seems to be so realistic, “What are they among so many?” However, there is no restraint with God. His power is seen far more in Gideon’s army of 300 than his army of 32,000. His power is seen far more in five loaves and two fish than a feast provided by ordinary means. God used what that lad had!

Consider the widow’s mites. As the Lord and His disciples watched the gifts being made at the temple, He made sure the disciples understood what was happening. Some gave out of their abundance, but the widow gave out of her poverty. Yet, our Lord said, “This poor widow has put in more than all” (Luke 21:3). She was like the Macedonians who gave to the Jewish saints out of their deep poverty (2 Cor. 8:2). They were the ones God saw as those sowing bountifully! God used what they had!

Consider what you have. Is there anything you have which could be used by God? What about your car? Your stove? Your computer? Your smart phone? Your “dumb” phone? Your pen? Your words? Your smile? Your end-seat at worship? Your warm greetings? Don’t ever think that you have nothing to offer to God! Remember Moses, David, the lad, the widow. God will use what you have—if you will let Him!

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Persistence and Repentance

Persistence and Repentance

Some years ago, Eddie Watkins  encouraged me to make various changes to one of my websites. For one reason or another, I have rejected his ideas over this time. Yet, he kept on making suggestions to me about how to bring more people to the sites. He was complimentary about the potential, but preached with persistence about the need for change.

do you practice persistence

Do You Practice Persistence?

In this article, I want to discuss his actions and my actions in relation to three parables. I also want to make application to the Christian and Non-Christian.

Luke 18:1-8
This is a parable of a widow woman who sought out justice from a judge over a wrong to her. Yet, the judge was not interested in man or God, but in himself. After awhile though he considered her effect upon him and whether through annoyance or concern for his reputation he gave in to her pleas. One of the lessons to be taken from the parable is that if one such as this uncaring judge will answer calls for justice, how much more certain is it that a loving, caring God will do so. A second item that stands out is the persistence of the woman. Things looked bleak for her. They looked as if the judge would do nothing. Yet, she kept her faith that justice would prevail. Will anyone have that faith at the end of all things when many will have given up hope? Will there be persistence in calling upon God?

Now, to be clear, I am not calling Eddie an old woman. However, he has been persistent with me. He has desired that I change certain things. Yet, like the judge, I did not lend my ear to him as I should have. Fortunately, Eddie did not given up. He kept on like a bulldog. Why? He is concerned about souls. He wants the Truth of God put in the hands, hearts, and minds of men. Sometimes he has been subtle. Other times he has been direct. He had hope that somewhere along the line, I would respond to his pleas. He had faith that I would come around, not for his sake, but to further glorify God.

I can relate persistence to my brothers and sisters in Christ as well. Often, I see preachers, elders, and Christians pleading with those who have sin in their lives. They call upon them to change. Whether it be along the lines of modesty, attendance, personal lifestyles, study, or a whole host of other topics, they persistently encourage them to change. Yet, the words and or behaviors of the individual are constantly, “No”. The individual may clearly understand why they need to change, that the brothers and sisters love them, that they are right in their concerns, and yet, for whatever reason they refuse to alter their actions.

On the topic of non-Christians, Christians frequently approach strangers, friends, and family to share with them the Words of the Bible. Many folks plug their ears. Others, admit they know what God would have them to do with their lives, but they do not want to change at this point in their life. How many folks do you know that won’t talk religion? It is taboo at family gatherings. Yet, bless their hearts, there are Christians who despite decades of refusal from others, keep on sharing the truth. They keep the faith. They have hope that change will be made while there is still time.

Luke 11:5-8
In this parable, a man has a visitor come in late. He has nothing with to feed him or care for him, so he goes to his neighbor friend to ask for provisions. It is midnight. The neighbor is asleep. He is warm in his bed. He does not want to get up for his friend. The fact that he is a friend is not going to get him out of bed. However, in this parable is the word “importunity”. Albert Barnes called this “troublesome” or “improper” perseverance. In other words, yes, it was not proper to refuse to take “No” for an answer at midnight when his friend was in bed asleep. Still, because of his importunity, the neighbor gets out of bed and gives him whatever he wants. Once again, application here is that God is loving and kind and if you seek with Him you will find. With man it’s not so easy. Again though, there is a second observation I want to take from the parable. That is the flat out refusal by the man seeking to take “no” as an answer.

Eddie ignoring my words and actions over time, kept at me. It was like a kid asking for a cookie. “Can I have a cookie?” “No”. “Can I have a cookie?” “No”. “Can I have a cookie?” “No”. “Can I have a cookie?” “No”. “Can I have a cookie?” “Yes, fine! Take 5 of them!” Now, he would change tactics. He would say things in different ways. He would make comments to make me think about what he had said before. But, he never gave up on me. Boy it was annoying sometimes. (Thanks Eddie!).

Christians, we need to be this way with our brothers and sisters in Christ. When we know they need to fix certain things in their lives, we have to keep at them. Be bold, be subtle, be annoying, do whatever it is you have to do, but don’t take “no” for an answer. “By all means save some!” There are folks who will never listen to you. Do what you can. Speak to them. Speak to their family. Speak to their friends. Speak to groups around them. Give them books. Send them cards. Drop by videos. Leave a tract. Put the message on the radio if you have to do so.

Non-Christians need the same attention. Yes, there will be times you dust your feet off. However, you keep putting the Word out. You hope they will hear about it. You hope they will change. You hope they remember your words years later in life. You pray that their hearts will soften and their ears will hear. Do not accept Satan’s boast that they have no chance. God can change hearts, minds, and behaviors.

Mat. 21:28-30
In this text Jesus is discussing Authority with the Scribes and Pharisees. He presents them with a parable where a father tells his two sons to go work in the field. The first says he will do so, but doesn’t. The second say he won’t do it, but then he does. The question is who does the will of the father. Of course, the answer is the first one.

Eddie’s concern has not been over a sin of mine, but it has been over how we can further glorify God. He kept at me. He was persistent. He was probably importune. However, I have repented, that is, changed. I have decided that anything worth pestering me about for over a year was worth my attention. Especially since I knew he was right. So I have begun to make certain changes on my website to further spread the gospel. I am glad he kept on knocking despite me not answering the door.

If you are a Christian who has been being pestered by other Christians about certain behaviors for which you need to repent, why do you not listen to these people? Do you think that they do not care about you? Do you think they are not worried about your soul? Do you think you know more than all of them? That you stand on an island all by yourself? If they are standing with the Bible, you are standing all by yourself. Yet, they keep reaching for you. Stop the sin. Alter the behavior. Change! You will glorify God when you do.

If you are a non-Christian, who is constantly “annoyed” by Christians talking about God, who is tired of the door knocking, who is tired of the tracts, have you considered that these folks have your best interests at heart? Have you considered they might know something that you do not? Maybe you say, “I have my own religion”. If so, sit down with these folks and show them where they are wrong, but be prepared to accept the possibility you may be wrong. You may find you need to repent of the life you have led. God desires that “all men everywhere” repent. He has stated that if you are following in actions that do not have his authority, you will suffer an eternal punishment. The folks who are doggedly trying to share His word with you do not want to see that happen. Be the son who said “no”, but then repented. There is no reward in persisting in sin.

I hope it is well observed that I have thought a lot about the persistence of a friend. You don’t have to be in sin to learn better ways and improve yourself. We can all grow in our actions such that we further Glorify God. We can all aid and encourage one another to change for the better.

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Ways One Can Divorce?

What are the Ways One Can Be Divorced?

man has devised many reasons for divorce

Man Has Devised Many Reasons for Divorce.

When looking at divorce, every state in America has their own reasons for it and they are not always the same. For example, in Alaska one can get divorced for: Adultery, mental illness that proceeds 18 months, drug abuse, failure to consummate (sexually fulfil) the marriage, conviction of a felony, willful desertion of at least 1 year, cruel and/or inhuman treatments, if one in the marriage is personally insulted by the other and drunkenness. Now, in New York it is different. The only reasons are: If both parties are legally separated for more than 1 year, adultery, willful desertion of at least 1 year, imprisonment for 3 or more consecutive years, cruel and inhuman treatment.

Now, that is just two states in America. But, let’s notice other areas of the world. In China, in order to get a divorce, they must first liquidate all properties into cash. All except their clothes. After they have done this, then the grounds for divorce must be for, if one is a bigamists (marries another while still married), family violence by any family member, anyone caught in gambling or drug-abuse, or both parties have lived separate lives for at least 2 years. Now, in the country of Africa, the man is required at the time of divorce to give the woman the funding to maintain her current lifestyle by his salary and anything of the property she deems hers: no exceptions. Then, all of the remaining man’s possessions are confiscated by the government and sold leaving him with nothing. In the country of Germany, divorce is granted only by: Irresponsible attitudes and/or incompatibility. In Pakistan, Islam does not believe in unlimited opportunities for divorce on trivial reasons. They believe that God has condemned the Muslims who uses their legal rights of divorce except on legitimate grounds and in unbearable condition only. All of these from America to China, Africa, Germany and Pakistan shows that there are many variations to how one can be divorced. So out of all of this confusion, rules and regulations, which ones are we able to pick?

Well, what does God say? Jesus said, “Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery” (Matthew 19:9). Now, this is not sexual immorality as used in some translations because the word fornication is the Greek word “porneia” which means sexual intercourse. This is the only meaning for fornication. This means that there is no other way that one can be divorced. Now some may say, “Well, my husband is abusive and has threatened me . . . Can I get a divorce? The Bible ask you, “Is this fornication?” If not, then no you cannot. Some may ask, “Well, what about annulments?” An annulment is a termination of an official and legal proceeding and if it is not for fornication, it is still a divorce. Fornication is just that, fornication. Well, some may say, “You know, my wife is just not as sexy as she use to be” or “We are not compatible anymore,” now can I get a divorce? The Bible still has the same answer for everyone: “except it be for fornication.”   There are no exceptions to this rule! Now, various governments and the people of many countries will seek to make their own rules that has nothing to do with God. But, what part of “Except it be for fornication is unclear to the lawmakers and the people of the land? You know Jesus reminds us, “Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (Matthew 19:6). God tells us that we cannot divorce for any reason and that mankind is not to put away their wives or their husbands for just any reason. Peter reminds us that, “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).

Now, some may claim that this is not fair, but the simple truth is that God intended marriage to be between one man and one woman for life. For have you not read, “And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh” (Genesis 2:21-24). One flesh is suppose to be so close that if you look at your arm and see how attached your skin is to your arm, can you easily remove that skin? No! Instead, you cherish it with everything you have which is why it hurts and you grab it when we gets cut. Sadly, many get married today just to get married. Many marriages are impulsive and have been entered into lightly. Many divorce because they are so busy with human laws thinking if they should, they never look to God’s Word to see if they could! Many marriages fail because they never planned to be together for the long haul and left God out of their relationship who is the originator and designer of marriage.

Therefore, marriage is not something that is to be dealt with lightly and once the marriage between the two take place, it becomes a bond between the man, woman and God. This is why marriage is a union that God takes very seriously. Husbands and wives are to love each other as Christ loves the church (Ephesians 5). Do you love your wife or husband this much when you are filling out divorce papers? Perhaps you are considering divorcing your spouse. But, did you know that the apostle Paul speaking with all authority said, “The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord” (1 Cor. 7:39). Death of a spouse is the only reason other than one committing fornication in marriage that one may become remarried. This commandment does not come from man, nor does it come from any government. It comes from God and we must obey God rather than men (Acts 5:42) because, “as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:” (Hebrews 9:27). Man will not be the judge of a marriage. God is the judge.

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Judge and Jury

Judge and Jury

i am glad not to be judge and jury

I Am Glad Not To Be Judge and Jury.

Years ago, I did something for the first time that I had wanted to do ever since my twelfth grade government class—I served on a jury. On the day I received the summons letter, I was so happy, because this was something of which I had dreamed. In fact, at one point in my youth, I thought I would become a lawyer. As many others, I have enjoyed reading John Grisham’s novels dealing with court drama. I admit that I had watched most of OJ Simpson’s trial. I like learning about the justice system. Thus, in serving as a member of a county grand jury, I had learned several lessons.

First, I remembered how wicked this world is. We hear or read of the crimes that people commit wherever we live, but I have not had the opportunity to become involved firsthand with the crimes of my local area until then. What a thrilling responsibility to participate in the criminal justice system. Not only did we hear many cases, but also during our lunch break, the officers gave us a tour of the county jail facility. Thus, we heard and saw many individuals who committed crimes of all sorts and stripes. This is a wicked, wicked world (Rom. 3:23).

Second, before the court sessions began that particular morning, all the potential jurors, including myself, waited in the courtroom for the judge to arrive. I scanned the crowd and saw a variety of individuals. A few I had known, but the majority was strangers. The crowd contained a variety of races, religions and such like. This scene reminded me a tiny sliver of a scene of Judgment Day. When that day arrives, all of us will gather before the Judge (Matt. 25:31-32). No one will be exempt.

Third, while I appreciated the knowledge that I was making a difference in the judicial system of my fellow citizens, it impressed upon me further the fact that I am thankful that I will not serve as judge or jury over the eternal destiny of anyone. I am thankful that I will stand before a Judge who is described as “righteous” (1 Tim. 4:8). Abraham asked the rhetorical question, “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” (Gen. 18:25). I know that He will be fair and merciful. I know the conditions upon which He will judge my works and my soul (John 5:22-39). Thanks be unto God that He has ordained Jesus Christ to serve as both Judge and Jury in the Day of Judgment (Acts 17:30-31; 2 Cor. 5:10; 2 Tim. 4:1).

The psalmist stated,

Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice before the Lord: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth. (Ps. 96:12-13)

Let us all be prepared to meet our Judge and Jury!

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