RPG Adults
HINDRANCES AND CHALLENGES TO SERVICE (V)
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5
Nehemiah 5:6-13
Ephesians 5:1-7
“…because of these things cometh
the wrath of God…”
HINDRANCES AND CHALLENGES TO SERVICE (V)
As children of God, we must be very careful concerning our conduct and choices in this world. What may be common and acceptable by the world may be sinful and wrong according to the Word of God. God’s Word strictly forbade the selling of fellow Jews into slavery: “they shall not be sold as bondmen” (Lev 25:42). And Nehemiah, by his testimony, showed that it was possible for one not to conform to the world. It did not make sense that those who believed, and were jointly involved in the same service to God and living under the same circumstance would have contrasting approaches to a common challenge.
Ought ye not to walk in the fear of our God? (Neh 5:9). The contrast and difference had to stem from a matter of principles. The question Nehemiah posed to them presented the basis for the contrasting approach to the challenges of their time. Nehemiah and others like him chose to live by God’s Word and to please Him. And this led them to a practice that seemed to be unprofitable to the world, but pleasing to God. The rulers and nobles who were charged before the assembly chose to live like the world. This led them to a practice that seemed to be profitable from a worldly perspective, but brought them under the wrath of God and led them to sin against their brothers. Who we choose to follow greatly affects and influences our conduct and manner of life. Hence, believers are exhorted: “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love…” (Eph 5:1-2). The kind of life we choose to live is usually a product of the sum of choices we make in life. What does our conduct and life say about our choices and principle governing our lives? Paul solemnly reminded us: “Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live” (Rom 8:12-13). We ought therefore to choose to obey God and live according to His Word than to follow the world’s ways. We ought to walk in the fear of our God.
THOUGHT: Choose to obey God and live with joy, not with regrets.
PRAYER: Father, in life’s choices, give me the grace to obey Thy Word.