IS OBEDIENCE LOGICAL

Obeying God May Seem Illogical And Prove To Be Costly

 

“I’m going to sue that ______________company into the 4th Century! I’m taking them to court for giving me one month’s severance instead of the six we agreed upon in the contract!” So said a man in his fiery reaction to the mind games his boss had been imposing on him in order to force his resignation. A person that was listening, could feel the hair rising on the back of his neck. Managing to keep his composure, he suggested they look at a few passages of Scripture:

But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also. Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? For sinners also love those that love them. And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? For sinners also do even the same.  (Luke 6:27-33)

But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil  (Luke 6:35)

If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:18-21)

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us 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, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:  (1 Peter 2:21-23)

Later, after the man and his wife had carefully analyzed the above passages, they decided to leave the company graciously, and accept whatever compensation package the management decided upon. What surprised them was the strong opposition they received from “Christian” relatives who insisted they go to court and demand their “rights“.

Could the key to how we respond to injustices be determined by our understanding of that little phrase, “HE ENTRUSTED HIMSELF TO HIM WHO JUDGES JUSTLY“? Isn’t it only as we see God as the One with the final word that we are able to obey Biblical imperatives that may seem to defy human logic?

It is important for us to understand that at some point God will equalize the books for the injustices visited upon us, and that He will reward us for our uncompromising obedience to His Word, difficult as that obedience may appear at the time.

Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;  (2 Thess 1:6)

To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, (1 Peter 1:4)

QUESTIONS: Have we settled it in our heart that we will obey Christ and His teachings, whether they “makes sense” or not?

Are we willing to pay the price of that obedience, whatever the cost?

Are we going off on a binge and take matters into our own hands?

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.  (Romans 12:19)