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Oct. 22, 2006 “He that refuses instruction despises his own soul: but he that hears reproof gets understanding.” (Proverbs 15:32) The True God of Heaven is a teacher and instructor. He has been teaching men since the creation of Adam all the wonders of the surrounding universe. Adam was given specific instructions on how to maintain his relationship with the One God. We know the result of his failure to follow instructions. God still teaches men today. The Gospel of Jesus is a book of instruction toward righteousness and standing with God. Many have accepted the instructions of faith and we know such by their fruits of witness and labor in the Lord’s work. We also know those who have refused the Lord’s instruction. These are they who find no cause to reject certain kinds of sin. The “reproof” of scripture tells the believer he should reject all sin. To hold on to any sin in preference to obedience to God is a defiance that is unreasonable and unacceptable. God gives his faithful everything necessary for comfort and quiet living. Some would find comfort in alcohol or drugs or gambling or some other type of social sin. These are false comforts. Men have to continue in sometimes addictive behaviors to remain in their preferred “comfort zone”. Where sin can only break down and eventually destroy the sinner; the fruits of righteousness and the works of God keep the believer in a comfort zone that builds upon itself. There is growth and there is fruitfulness of spirit. There is a contentment that cannot be breached by the works of darkness. But this works only if the believer is accepting of “reproof”. No believer is perfect. We hold the Spirit of God but we are very capable of ignoring God and quieting the indwelling Spirit. When faced with the words of reproof many of us act as thought we are right while God is wrong. Why does God chastise me when I’ve done nothing wrong? Well, God is not arbitrary, nor does he reprove the one remaining righteous. If there is reproof there is certainly a reason. It becomes time for examination. It is the time for prayer and reflection. It is also a time for correction. The unbeliever has already refused God’s instruction and we see the result of that every day. We see murder and anger and hatred and suffering. We see war and destitution and bigotry and intolerance. Such things should never be the lot of the believer. The believer does not refuse God’s instruction. He understands when he receives the reproof of God; knowing and accepting that he has erred. A proud believer, refusing to hear reproof, damages his own testimony and mars his relationship with the Lord. ------------ Email Skip: skiptoomaloo@hotmail.com Comment on this article here! ------------ All articles are EXCLUSIVE to Useless-Knowledge.com. Please link to this article rather than copying and pasting it onto your site (which would be unauthorized and illegal). |
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