HUMILITY AND SUBMISSION
This page consists of articles that talk about humility and submission, two requisites to worshipping God.
WELCOMING WISE COUNSEL
(HEADS UP: In this article, the words, “counsel” and “advice” are used interchangeably).
Counsel is guidance offered with regard to prudent future action. Counsel is good because it can help people to make better decisions in the future, and, when it comes to spiritual things, it can help you come closer to God and move his plan forward. “Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.” (Proverbs 20:18). “Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction of fools is folly.” (Proverbs 16:22). “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” (Proverbs 11:14).
In most cases, when it comes to advice the hierarchy of obedience applies, which was laid out for us in 1 Corinthians 11:3: “But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.” (see also Ephesians 5:22-24, 6:1-4).
I say this because many Christians don’t know who should be giving advice and who should be taking it. Children want to advise their parents, which is going on now (Isaiah 3:4, 12, 2 Timothy 3:1-5, etc), and wives want to advise their husbands, the way Job’s wife was advising her husband to curse God and die (Job 2:9-10). Rather, we should be like Jesus Christ, who was taking advice and instruction from God (John 12:49-50), and never attempted to flip it over. “Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil.” (Ecclesiastes 5:1).
However, the hierarchy of obedience doesn’t apply in all cases. Stupidity or the influence of Satan the Devil can make an elder, or somebody who would be generally trusted, foolish. “Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment. But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.” (Job 32:9, 8).
Therefore, because of this, Christians should have the knowledge to process advice with their sense of justice before just taking it (1 John 4:1-3). When we look at an advice, and we see it would be going against God’s will, the way Ahithophel was advising Absalom to kill David (2 Samuel 17:1-4), we should have the justice and discipline to reject that advice (Proverbs 1:10-19). This way, we can be like Job, who vowed to stay away from wicked counsel (Job 21:16, 22:18), or like David, who knew that people who avoid evil counsel and embrace godly counsel will be blessed. “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.” (Psalms 1:1).
We have to have a good attitude towards advice. We should be like David, who said, “I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: yea, I have a goodly heritage.” (Psalms 16:7), or like the people in Judges 18:5-6, who not only had the ability to accept the advice that they were given, but had even been the ones to ask for it. Such people end up escaping a lot of hardships in life and learn a lot of good things. David, for example, had blessed Abigail for the advice she’d given, and therefore escaped God’s judgment, unlike other people, who would have killed her for trying to approach a warrior that they might be (1 Samuel 25:25-34).
However, when we are the opposite, we become stagnant in growth and fall into trouble. Because the Israelites failed to take God’s advice through Moses, most of them didn’t reach the Promised Land (Psalms 107:11-12, etc). Because David didn’t take Joab’s advice to not count the people, he was almost punished by God (Joab was the one who saved him by not counting everybody - 1 Chronicles 21). The people in Jeremiah 42:1-22 didn’t take the advice of Jeremiah to not go to Egypt, and they were destroyed as punishment (Jeremiah 43-52).
In the last days, there are many things happening. “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.” (Matthew 24:21 - see also 2 Timothy 3:1-5). The things mentioned in Galatians 5:19-21 are being replaced with the things mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23, and the wicked will no more be a stumbling block to the paths of God and his righteous ones. “The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.” In order to survive this time still standing (Luke 21:34-36), we have to take God’s counsel, as he owns the future, and taking his advice helps us live up to it in righteousness. “Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.” (Isaiah 46:10-11).
It is very important what advice is and the importance of taking it. It’s worth emphasizing that God isn’t going to be running after people, forcing them to take his advice. If we don’t take his advice, it will come to judge us later (Proverbs 1:24-33). However, if we have the humility to let him instruct and advise us, life will go well. “The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.” (Psalms 25:9).
BLESSED ARE THE POOR IN SPIRIT
Poverty is an undesired condition in this world. People with established positions think that it’s simply because of money, and that poor people don’t have the money to ride rich vehicles, and buy houses with 10 acres of land. But we have to understand, it’s a lot more than that, and that helps us to understand the spiritual poverty, which, when aided by God, leads to eternal happiness.
When people are poor, it’s not really about their poverty that makes them depressed. It’s still possible for them to survive. However, it’s when they see other people doing better than them, cruising through life, and not even having to think about the next meal, that makes ones of poor fortunes become depressed. It’s that feeling that makes them want to do anything they can to build themselves up.
This yearning is the same idea that Jesus Christ was talking about in Matthew 5:3, 6: “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” But what does it mean to be poor in spirit? And what does it mean to be taken from that poverty?
There are many examples in the Bible of people were poor in spirit. For example, in Job 13:15, Job demonstrated his yearning to remain with God, and be humble before him. “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.” Also, in Daniel 1:8, Daniel demonstrated his will to stay with God and his yearn to be righteous when he didn’t accept King Nebuchadnezzar’s food. He’d also demonstrated this humility and nature when, though being threatened by those generals under King Darius, still continued to worship God and follow his normal routines (Daniel 6:10-28). They valued their relationships with God, and yearned to make them better.
The reason why Jesus Christ said that people who are poor in spirit are blessed is because they end up being the ones to know stuff. Whether in the workplace, or in spiritual matters, people who have convinced themselves that they already know everything, simply because they were born in a family where such things were known and practiced, etc, will never yearn to build any strong relationship with God. The Pharisees, Sadducees, scribes, and everybody else in that category, were a part of such group. They didn’t believe that Jesus Christ could teach them about God, but they remained in their blindness as a result (John 9:39-41), and that gradually led to their collapse in 70 CE (Luke 19:41-44).
The Bible has told us that it is the poor in spirit that God will feed, both with his knowledge and understanding. “Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry: behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty: behold, my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed.” (Isaiah 65:13). The poor in spirit will accept everything God has to offer, and will never feel hungry for worldly tastes anymore. “I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.” (Psalms 81:10). The water and bread that Jesus Christ was talking about, that will never make you thirsty or hungry again, is the same idea (John 6:35, 51, Isaiah 55:1-2, etc).
However, it is important we understand, not everybody who calls himself a Christian is now poor in spirit, because they think that you having Christian in your nickname means you believe in him. It is only people that are converted by God himself (John 6:44), that are poor in spirit, because they yearn for God’s kingdom, and they yearn for a better, stronger and more peaceful relationship with God. It is only such people that God will raise up, so that their poverty can become riches, riches that will never cease (Matthew 6:19-21). “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to receive the heart of the contrite ones.” (Isaiah 57:15).
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SEEKING FOR THE TRUE JEW
Most of the Bible’s history is covered by Jews, and the covenant that they had with God at the time. To be a Jew meant you were a child of God, and to be a Gentile meant you weren’t. At least, that’s what most people thought. However, does being a Jew mean that you're a child of God, and blessings must come? Or are true Jews dissected differently?
This idea had not commenced in our time. In the Old Testament, for example, Abraham had been praying to God for a son, and when he had Ishmael from Hagar, Sarah’s handmaid, Abraham thought that this was going to be the special son that he was promised. However, God said that that’s not the son, because it didn’t come from Abraham’s bowels, or lineage (Genesis 17:20-21). And St.Paul later came to explain in Romans 9:6-8 that the true Jew would come from Abraham, not from the bowels of a slave, having to do with a true Jew coming from a certain formula, not just from anywhere.
The proportion of true Jews from the spirit and Jews from the flesh is also very small, because true Jews are a minority compared to ones in the flesh. Out of the millions of people who had left Egypt at the time (Numbers 1:45-46, which wasn’t including women, children or seniors), it was only Moses, Joshua and Caleb that God really recognized as true Jews (Numbers 12:3, 14:24, 32:10-12). Abiram, Dathan, Korah and the 250 princes wanted to pretend that they were in that category, but they weren’t, because they were people of rebellion, like Satan the Devil (Isaiah 14:12-15, Numbers 16:1-50, for their story).
In the New Testament as well, people who were true Jews were expressed. When the apostles were preaching, there were people that were coming (Acts 2:37, 41, 4:4, etc). Those people were called by God. Being a true Jew can’t come from wanting to be a part of it. God has to call you to be a part of it (John 6:44, Romans 8:14, 10:12, etc). That’s why, in that Acts 2:37, when God touched their hearts, they received the message with open arms.
In these last days as well, true Jews are going to be sought out by God. They are the ones that will recognize the significant and yet unique message of God, and follow its directions (Matthew 24:15-16, Hosea 11:10). The people that fit the new covenant explained in Jeremiah 31:31-34 and Hebrews 8:8-12 will not be forced to worship God, but will hear the gospel message, know it’s the truth, and humble themselves to follow it to the end. Such people can come from any country, race, gender, in the world, because God calls who he wants, whether poor or rich (Matthew 11:25-26).
It’s also important to understand that the signature of the covenant made with the Israelites, which is circumcision, can only be done in full by him that is a true Jew, because the physical circumcision doesn’t really mean anything (Galatians 6:12-16, 1 Corinthians 7:19) It is the circumcision of the heart, that is important (Jeremiah 4:4, Deuteronomy 10:16), because that is what gets rid of the evil, and inclines our hearts with God’s.
When we understand this, when we see what St.Paul said in Romans 2:28-29, it makes more sense: “For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.”
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SUBMISSION AND ITS DIFFICULTIES
Submission is the ability to willingly comply with authority. It is a combination of love, obedience and humility. Just like the idea of belief, submission isn’t uncommon. The government has continuously increased paying taxes, but people don't really complain. They just submit. Some even boast about it. Same goes with airport guidelines. Sometimes they can be very tedious and excessive, but we just go through them anyway. Submitting to God, therefore, shouldn’t be seen as something so hard, difficult, and awkward, because it is the same heart that we use to willingly submit to the government, our friends, or whoever.
The Bible, though written thousands of years ago, helps to understand the idea of submission. Submission is key to peace. “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3). The hierarchy of obedience, a law of God that still exists today, can only be obeyed with submission. “But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.” (1 Corinthians 11:3). And one really good way to understand the idea and science behind submission is through Jesus Christ.
When we look at the life of Jesus Christ, we see that God never forced him to submit. He submitted himself to God, which was why life was so easy for him. Some of the statements that he’d made on earth help us understand this: “My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.” (John 4:34). “I can of mine own self do nothing; as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I sek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.” (John 5:30). “For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.” (John 6:38). He wasn’t interested in telling God his own side of things. He accepted that God was his Father, and made himself love and submit to his principles.
St. Paul also commended him for such humility: “Who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a an, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” (Philippians 2:6-8).
It’s good to contrast this with Satan the Devil, who was as proud as anybody could be. The idea of submission didn’t stick in his nature, and Isaiah the prophet reflected on that: “How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.” (Isaiah 14:12-14). And the consequences for such behaviour were mentioned in the nex verse: “Yet thou shall be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.” (Isaiah 14:15 - see also Revelation 12:1-12)).
There are certain things or ways we will construct our lives that will prevent the possibility of being submissive. Four of those things are pride, lust, disbelief and personal righteousness. Pride is something that kills submission, because people who think they are too big and full of themselves can never submit to anybody but themselves. This is something that has ruined the churches today. The churches are so full of themselves that they are starving their flocks by teaching them stupidity and nonsensical whitewash (Ezekiel 13:1-14) and turning everything that has to do with the church to physical stuff, namely money and fame (Mattthew 23:13-19). People, groups or institutions who behave like this can never submit to God almighty, without being humiliated, and submission that is forced is dead. It doesn’t exist.
Then there is lust. Lust kills submission because it makes it difficult to pay attention and be submissive to the correct authorities. That's why John the apostle advised us that we should never love the world. “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof; but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.” (1 John 2:15-17). This is something that has killed marriages today. Women are having lust for things that aren’t in the marriage, and therefore can’t submit to their husbands, and problems in marriages are a product of that.
There is also personal righteousness and not believing in authority, but I think the point has been made clear. The idea of submission is the only way to success. And Jesus Christ advised that we take that path, so that we can have eternal rest. “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30).
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WHY DO MARRIAGES FAIL?
I’ve found some interesting statistics from an article I read. The divorce rates of some countries are quite stacked. In Luxembourg in 2016, divorce rates were 66%. In that same year, Canada was 48%, the US was 46%, France was 54%, Spain was 56% and Portugal was 71%. Because these are Christian nations, it’s a surprise that they would have such rates, because the Bible has a strong position on how marriages should be organized for success.
But where did people coming together as a good thing commence, and how is that managed?
The institution of marriage was set up in heaven, because the relationship that Jesus Christ has with God Almighty, and the relationship that Jesus Christ has with his apostles is a very strong one indeed (Revelation 14:1–5, 19:6–7, etc). If we analyze their relationships, we can see a strong bond. One loves and therefore submits to another. Therefore, the idea of a bond of which marriage is a part has to be sourced from the heavenly conception of it. For such reasons, in Genesis 2:23–24, God brought it down here, because he knew that both women and men would enjoy it, if they adhered to the principles.
But what principles am I talking out?
Let me use a woman for example. When a woman loves somebody, feels affection for somebody and she comes across the Bible, and sees, “submit yourself to your husband”, (Ephesians 5:22–24, Colossians 3:18, 1 Peter 3:1–6), complying with it is so easy that she doesn’t even notice she’s doing it, because she’s constantly keeping an eye out for the man, in case he needs anything.
But what about the men?
Men also have to do their part. When a woman is submissive, a man has to have the means to take care of his wife, and preserve her so that she can continue being submissive. A man can’t oppress his wife (Colossians 3:19), and it is certainly not the job of the man to make sure that a woman takes part in making a marriage successful. That’s why a marriage where both women and men are interested in their own sides of salvation is bound to be successful, because both do their part in finding favour in God’s sight. That’s why, when it is done properly, what King Solomon had stated will make sense: “Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour from the Lord.” (Proverbs 18:22).
But, how did God himself exercise this with his own children in the Bible, and how can we learn from such les?
For example, the Israelites had taken heed of to such things, their relationship with God would’ve been so smooth. God had been considered the husband of the Israelites (Jeremiah 31:32). He loved them, and did many things for them, just as a man is expected to do for his wife (Ezekiel 16:8–63, Jeremiah 2:2–19, Ephesians 5:25–29, Colossians 3:19, etc). There is a relationship between God’s bond with his children generally, and the relationship that a man holds with his wife, and we can’t detach it from that idea and be successful. But, it was only because they felt entitled to decide for themselves whether they should take their matters to God that things didn’t go as well as they should’ve. That’s why, after the Israelites had decided for themselves that they needed a king in 1 Samuel 8:1–5, God said that they have rejected him (1 Samuel 8:7–8), because they wanted somebody who would preside over them, instead of God himself.
We have to remember, because God created marriage, he also created the rules to it. And those rules aren’t meant for power purposes, or so that one person can feel like he’s a king, and he has a servant. Rather, he made those rules, so that there is a basis on top of which two people can build a successful relationship together. The Bible shouldn’t be ignored in the marital organization, or be replaced by secular rules and principles that people want to impose in people’s relationships. Rather, we should move back to the origin of marriage, as conceived by God himself.
So, for anyone wanting to get married, I find it very beneficial to brush up on the BIble, and find out what God wanted and anticipated the institution of marriage to be when he’d instituted it on this earth. Don’t forget, he created man; he created marriage; and therefore, he has the ultimate right to decide how marriage should look like, and we can’t use our own inventions to make success of it. Just as how when we are experts in Scrabble, Chess, Backgammon, Checkers, or any game, we can move freely within the rules, and it becomes a very fun thing. Marriage isn’t much different.
If any readers are curious for more information on the steps to creating a successful marriage, I would recommend entertaining yourselves with these two videos:
DWELLING IN GOD'S ESTATE
The Bible has described his children as a chosen generation (1 Peter 2:9-10). We are chosen by God to live in his estate, and we were invited by God to be involved in his Kingdom Purpose (Colossians 1:12-14, 2 Peter 1:2-11 and Titus 3:3-6).
There are many examples in the Bible of people who were invited to God’s estate, but they exited its boundaries. For example, King Solomon went above his limits by marrying 1000 wives (1 Kings 11:1-6). Same goes with the Isarelites, who hadn’t even considered what God had done for them, but had left the rules God set for them to go pursue other lovers, namely the Gentiles (Jeremiah 2). This led to the statements of Jeremiah in the Lamentations, and what was said in Ezekiel 16:8-63). Satan the Devil himself didn’t remain in his estate, which is why he not only imagined being like God, but he put it into practice as well, by ruling this world that way he wanted (Isaiah 14:12-15). Same goes with Adam and Eve, and many other people.
God’s estate has to do with his principles. The estate, or tabernacle, or even temple, of God, is based on the doctrines of the righteous ones of God, who are the pillars and general structure of the temple (Ephesians 2:19-22, 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, Hebrews 3:6, etc). The people qualified to live in God’s estate are people who understand the laws of God, and abide by them (Isaiah 57:15, Psalms 25:9).
If we want to continue having access to God’s estate, we have to continuously acknowledge the boundaries, and try as much as possible not to cross them. St.Paul had stated in 1 Corinthians 7:20, “Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.” (see also 2 Peter 1:2-11). Jesus Christ remained in God’s principles. He didn’t try to reason outside it, or develop himself outside, like atan did. He stayed within God’s boundaries, and reasoned through the truth (Isaiah 1:18), which is why he’d stated, “I can of mine own self do mothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.” (John 5:30). If there is anything in the way that might distract us or pull us down, then we have to remove i so that we do not step out of the boundaries. “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.” (Hebrews 12:1 - see also 1 Corinthians 9:24-27).
It is important that we understand how to remain within God’s estate. St.Peter told us in 2 Peter 2:20-22 that it is a shame to go into God’s estate, and to leave it, because it is a peaceful habitation Isaiah 33:20. “For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therin, and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, “The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.” (2 Peter 2:20-22, quoting Proverbs 21:16 and 26:11 - see also Hebrews 10:26-29 and 6:4-6).
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ARE YOU REALLY HUMBLE?
Humility is the ability to be humble, teachable, and submissive. It is a crucial attribute to worshipping God. Jesus Christ had sold that message, in Matthew 18:1-4 by pulling up a child, and saying that people who behave like kids will be the greatest in God’s Kingdom. That doesn’t mean that we should be childish and foolish, but we must be submissive, because that is an attribute built into a young kid’s system.
A big example of someone who is humble is God himself. He lives from everlasting to everlasting (Psalms 90:2, 93:2, etc) and he doesn’t need man to survive, or even thrive (Job 35:5-6). However, “he looketh upon man, and if any say, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it profited me not; He will deliver his soul from going into the pit, and his life shall see the light.” (Job 33:27-28). He is a god of longsuffering, lovingkindness, patience, etc (Psalms 86:15, 2 Peter 3:9, Romans 15:5, Isaiah 63:7, Psalms 36:7-9, etc).
Another example of humility is God’s own son, Jesus Christ. He was so humble that he came down from a spiritual realm, and within that realm, he held a very high position, to come and sacrifice himself, and be killed by people who were unjust before God. “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.” (2 Corinthians 8:9). And such humility is rewarded (Philippians 2:5-11, Hebrews 12:2-4, etc).
THE LEVELS
Children, for one, most obey their parents (Ephesians 6:1-3, Colossians 3:20, Exodus 20:12, etc). Many children in the last days violate that rule, by oppressing their parents (Isaiah 3:12). We have to convince ourselves that, if we’re children, we have to obey our parents, and be satisfied living that life. Our parents shouldn’t have to do the worst thing in order to humble us. It should come from our hearts, bent to God through our parents. Doing that makes a proud father, and a grateful mother (Proverbs 10:1, 15:20). Plus, doing that makes obeying God easy in the future.
If we’re wives, obeying our husbands is crucial (Ephesians 5:22,24, Colossians 3:18). Just like kids, many women have decided to be proud before God by being the breadwinners and rulers of their households (Isaiah 4:1). Not just the obedience and humility of fetching water, or cooking a meal, but being satisfied and content with the plans and principles that your husband, the leader, creates and sets on the table.
Institutions, governments and churches must also comply with the rules of humility. Churches, for example, are to be led by Christ (Ephesians 5:23). They must take instruction from Christ- not turn things around, and start making unnecessary money and fame from God’s work. Christ is in control, and he owns the success of the church, so they must look for that. Otherwise, they aren’t looking to succeed, but rather to confront a dead end.
There are many benefits to being humble before god. People who humble themselves before God will be exalted (Ezekiel 21:26, Luke 11:14, 1 Peter 5:6, Isaiah 57:15, etc), while people who think they’re too big for God will indeed be brought down, and humbled. We should not wait for God to humiliate us - it’s not something we should create for ourselves (Proverbs 1:24-30) - but rather, we should humble ourselves before God, so he can exalt us. “The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way. (Psalms 25:9).
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KIDS AND THE CHALLENGE OF OBEDIENCE
The main law that children need to be considering is their ultimate submission to their parents. “Children, obey your parents in the LORD: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.” (Ephesians 6:1-3). Children are built with that ability to submit to authority (Matthew 18:1-4) so they have to take advantage of that and humble themselves before our parents.
One important thing we need to be focusing on under that canopy is studying the truth. "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15). It’s a very important part of our service to God. “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” (Proverbs 4:7). If our parents have wisdom, we must listen to them. “Hear ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.” (Proverbs 4:1). It will be like an ornament and a bracelet to us in the future. (Proverbs 1:8-9).
Then, we also have to meditate on such things. “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” (Joshua 1:8). And we must check our hearts to make sure it’s in line with the Bible. “Examine yourself, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.” (2 Corinthians 13:5).
We also have to know how to control ourselves. Many children don’t really know how to control themselves when living their lives, but we must know how. For example, we shouldn’t be gluttons, obsessed with food, because spiritual food (which is Jesus Christ and his word - John 6:51) is more important (Deuteronomy 8:2-3, Matthew 4:4). If we’re children, we also have to control our tongues, because God hears every word we say (Matthew 12:36-37). And our wrath; if we know we’re people who rage at others uncontrollably, we must pray to God for help and try to tone it down, because a mad person can be easily controlled and used by the devil. (Ephesians 4:26-27).
Another big part of this is friends. Most kids have friends in this world. But, if we are a child of God, we have to control the friends we make, because “evil communications corrupt good manners.” (1 Corinthians 15:33). “But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.” (1 Corinthians 5:11). It isn’t just these. Drug abusers, mad people, lazy people, etc, should not be found in our circle of friends, because they could influence us, and lure us into doing some really bad things.
David killing Goliath is an example of a young person who obeyed God, and demonstrated faith in him. In 1 Samuel 17, Goliath, who was a giant, was defying God’s name, which isn’t allowed (Exodus 20:7). When David saw him, he said that he was going to bring that man down, because nobody is allowed to do that to God. He wasn’t wearing armour or anything, but with his own weapon, rocks in a slingshot, he shot it at Goliath, and God intensified the force of that rock, killing Goliath. Just like him, kids can demonstrate that kind of faith in God by studying the Bible, and loving him. And it’s not in the mouth that we do that. It's by obeying God's principles. And what are those principles? Children obeying their parents.
The benefits of children complying with God’s principles are also great. For one, your parents will be glad and proud of you (Proverbs 10:1, 15:20). Children in the last days are ruining their lives, some of them not even knowing it. We won’t fall into that category, because we obey God without fault. Plus, it does set a good stage for our adult lives, and continuing with it till the end of our lives earns us the ultimate reward: eternal life.
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MAINTAINING OUR VIRGIN PURITY
A virgin is somebody who has not known man; somebody who has had no sexual relations with somebody. Off the top of our heads, we would think of Mary, or Rachel, or the four hundred virgins in Matthew 1:18-25, Genesis 24:16 and Judges 21:12 respectively. But, what dies it mean to maintain our virgin purity? Is it all about women not committing fornication/adultery? Or is it more than that?
The spiritual virginity can only be understood when the physical virginity is understood. The physical virginity is based on the idea that a woman doesn’t sell herself to anybody until it’s time to get married. What allows her to have a child belongs to her future husband, and nobody else. Such ownership was discussed implicitly in Joel 1:18). When she commits fornication, or adultery, she loses that virginity, and may times she’d be stoned to death (Deuteronomy 22:13-30).
It is only the truth of God that can purify us, because the truth itself is pure. “The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.” (Psalms 12:6). The truth has no lie in it (1 John 2:21, 27). Therefore, it is the truth that can change our lives in the right direction (Hebrews 4:12, Psalms 19:7-11).
When we reason from the truth (Isaiah 1:18), we come to get rid of our infirmities (Galatians 5:19-2, Romans 1:28-32, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, etc). “Draw nigh to GOd, nd he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.” (James 4:8). God wants virgins who are not defiled by things of Satan the Devil. “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with GOd? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” (James 4:4). Therefore, we must never be defiled by the traditions of this world, the principles of the beast, otherwise God won’t accept us.
For further understanding, there are some examples in the Bible of people that were pure and people that weren’t. King Hezekiah was pure because he did everything that was good in God’s sight with a perfect heart (2 Chronicles 31:20-21. He’d even confessed it before God: “Remember now, O LORD, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight.” (Isaiah 38:3). Another example is Joseph, who did not defile himself with Potiphar’s wife’s foolish offer to lie with him (Genesis 39:1-20).
An example of somebody who wasn’t pure was King Solomon, who defiled himself with the hundreds of wives and concubines that he’d gotten from the Moabites, the Ammonites, the Edomites, the Zidonians, the Hittites and the daughters of Pharaoh (1 Kings 11:1-13). Another example was Israel, who lost their purity when they defiled themselves with the Gentiles, after mixing up with them and loosing their virginity (Lamentations 4:6-8, Ezekiel 4:13, Hosea 9:3).
The saints of God, called the apostles, were considered virgins. “These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the first fruits unto God and to the Lamb.” (Revelation 14:4). God himself purified these ones of their sins, because they need to be clean to go to heaven and rule with Jesus Christ as his wives (Revelation 19:6-8). This is similar to how a priest couldn’t have a defiled women as his wife, but a virgin (Ezekiel 44:22, Leviticus 21:10, 13-14).
Our virginity has to remain with us if we want to be saved by God. We should never have friends who will defile us of our virginity (1 Corinthians 5:9-13, 2 Corinthians 6:14-18). We should never let bad things planted by Satan the Devil in our hearts ruin us, as that is our greatest enemy (Matthew 15:18-20). Rather, we should subdue such things, so that we can remain pure. “Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the LORD.” (Isaiah 52:11).
It is very important that remain virgins in God’s service. We can’t pretend - it’s rather we are virgins, or we are not (Matthew 6:24, Luke 12:2, Galatians 6:7, Matthew 23:25-26). If we can maintain our virginity, then we will be accepted as a wife of God, spiritually speaking, and we will be granted eternal life in peace and happiness as a token of our virginity, like an obedient wife is guaranteed love, shelter, etc. “Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? Or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, not sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.” (Psalms 24:3-5).
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GOD'S EXPECTATIONS
Standards and expectations are a common thing in this world. Each culture and location in the world, has their own standards of living. Most parents expect their children to grow up, get a job, and establish themselves somewhere else, in some places adding marriage to that as well. Teachers also expect their students to reach a certain standard, controlled to lead to a successful adulthood.
Just like all of these examples, God has his own standards that he expects all his children to meet. In order to pass his tests, we have to meet such standards. But what standards are those, and how hard are they to reach?
One of the most important things God expects from his children is love and willing submission. “And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” (Deuteronomy 6:5). Seeking after God with all our heart with make complying with God’s instructions very simple, because we have an agreement with him (Amos 3:3). We shouldn’t be like Amaziah, who didn’t meet God’s expectations, though doing right things, because he wasn’t doing it with a perfect heart (2 Chronicles 25:1-2). Rather, we should be like David, who was a man after God’s heart (Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22) or like King Hezekiah, who rightfully confessed before God that he was worshipping in truth and with a perfect heart (Isaiah 38:3).
God also expects us to have integrity. Integrity is being somebody of principle. This is an expectation because we have to be able to stick with principle when dealing with the worldly principles of our society (1 John 2:15-17). Esau didn’t meet God’s expectations because he wasn't a man of principle. He sold his birthright to Jacob (Genesis 25:29-34). This led to Jacob inheriting the blessing (Hebrews 12:16-17).
God also expects his children to be righteous. This is a combination of the other things that have been said. God told Abraham in Genesis 17:1, “I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.” This was the same standard or expectation that he’d told the Israelites in Exodus 19:4-5. The scribes, Sadducees, Pharisees, and all their supporters, hadn’t met such standards or expectations, which is why Jesus Christ we must exceed their righteousness. “For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:20).
If we have any gifts or talents that God has given to us, God expects us to use them for his business. “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God: if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 4:11). A story in the Bible that illustrates this is the story of King Jeroboam, how he was given the opportunity to rule Israel because of the stupidity of Solomon, but he hadn’t met God’s expectations, in that he led the Israelites to sin instead (1 Kings 11:38, 12:26-30). We don’t want to be like him, or the third person in Jesus Christ’s parable of the Ten Talents in Matthew 25:14-30, who dug his money in the ground instead of earning profit with it for his master. That servant was cast away into outer darkness.
But, what exactly happens to us when we don’t meet expectations? Because God’s expectations are higher for his children who have been gifted with certain things than people who don’t really know him very much, when we don’t meet such expectations, our punishments are larger. For example, the Israelites were punished because it was only them that God knew and dealt with, and it was only them he expected stuff from. “You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities.” (Amos 3:2). Jesus Christ had said the same thing to the people of Chorazin and Bethsaida, where he’d done a lot of miracles, but yet they didn’t believe (Matthew 11:21-22).
It is very important that we can meet all of God’s expectations, so that we can pass his tests and earn his rewards. Just as how teachers grant their students the passing mark, when we meet God’s expectations, he remembers us in the book of life, which is his memory (Revelation 21:27, Hebrews 6:10). However, people won’t meet his requirements at the same level. Some will exceed them, and some will simply meet them (Matthew 13:8, 23). But the important thing is to strive to not fail. “Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.” (Hebrews 12:15).
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RECEIVING THE KINGDOM LIKE A CHILD
In Matthew 18:1-4, Jesus Christ used children to help us understand the way we should approach and worship God. Children are innocent, and they trust that their parents have the best say in all matters. We have to behave like children, because those attributes are the same ones that God has always said we need to have. That doesn’t mean we should do childish things, though. “Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.” 1 Corinthians 14:20 - see also 1 Corinthians 13:11).
For example, there is humility. Children are generally humble and meek, not proud and know-it-alls. And God deals with both children and adults who behave like this. “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabited eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revei the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” (Isaiah 57:15). “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” (James 4:10 - see also 1 Peter 5:5-6, Proverbs 22:4 and Matthew 11:25-26).
There is also obedience. Thousands of years ago, and even today, the main law that God has set up isn’t offerings and sacrifices, but rather that we should obey him, and keep his commandments. “For I spake not unto your fathers, nor commanded them in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, concerning burnt offerings or sacrifices: But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you.” (Jeremiah 7:22-23 - see also Exodus 19:5). When we obey God, we will spend our days in property, and our years in pleasures (Job 36:9-11). Disobeying God brings the opposite. (Job 36:12).
Sincerity is another important virtue. Most little children are sincere. You know where they belong. It has to be obvious that we worship God, to ourselves and to others. “Four rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.” (2 Corinthians 1:12). Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth.” (Joshua 24:14). The opposite of this attribute is hypocrisy, and that isn’t righteousness. “For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:20 - that leaven being hypocrisy - Luke 12:1).
And finally, there’s trust. Children trust that what their parents tell them to do is correct, and it is therefore in their own interest to obey. We must see God and somebody who can provide a great future for us. Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.” (Proverbs 3:5-7). We should be like Abraham, who trusted God to the extent that he left his own country, and went into the direction God showed him, to a land he wasn’t aware of (Genesis 12:1-3). We should be like Hezekiah, or king Jehoshaphat, because both those kings trusted that God could deliver them from losing battles and being taken over (Isaiah 36-37 and 2 Chronicles 20:1-30 respectively). And when we pray to God, we must trust that he has the ability to answer us. “And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” (Matthew 21:22).
There are still more attributes to cover (e.g. forgiveness) but those 4 are already pretty strong. Such attributes are especially necessary in these last days, because these days are very troublesome, and we need a strong foundation, the truth, built up by attributes of Christ, such as the ones above, in order to fight through this (2 Corinthians 10:3-6, 2 Timothy 3:1-5, etc). We should never be envious, set in our ways, filled with malice, or any other kind of bad attributes, preventing us from having God’s rewards (1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Galatians 5:19-21, 1 Peter 2:1-3, etc). Rather, we should be babes before God, and put all his ways and principles first. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33).
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BABY STEPS TO REPENTANCE
Our article, “Why Should We Repent?”, talks about the offense that all people, righteous or wicked, have commited, and it gives reasons as to why we should repent. However, if we desire to repent, how do we do so? What steps must we take to walk in newness of life?
This article will answer such questions.
Staring from the get-go, repentance can’t happen without knowledge. That is why God has sent prophets of old, and is sending ones in these last days, labelled apostles, to dispense the message (Jeremiah 3:15, 7:13, 25:4-6, Isaiah 58:1-2, Matthew 3:1-2, 7-8, 24:31, 14, Acts 11:18, 17:30-31, 20:21, Revelation 14:6-7). The people in Acts 2:37 wouldn’t have been pricked in their hearts if the gospel message hadn’t been preached to them. It’s also how King Josiah had the opportunity to humble himself before God, and God prevented the judgment from coming (2 Kings 22:10-11, 18-19), or how the people of Nineveh repented after Jonah preached to them (Jonah 3:5-9).
The second step is acknowledgement. We have to acknowledge our sins, and convince ourselves that some things in our lives need to be changed. “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:8-9 - see also Proverbs 20:9). We have to convince ourselves that God’s ways are right (Psalms 145:17, 97:10, 101:3), and our former ways were bad, because they were not God’s ways. That’s how fearing God works, which is required for repentance. “The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate." (Proverbs 8:13). It’s also the way that man in Luke 18:9-14 was praying to God, because he acknowledged that he was a sinner (see also Psalms 32:5, Proverbs 28:13).
Another thing that is required in repentance is our mind and our heart. After all, in Revelation 3:19, Jesus Christ said, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” The reason why King Rehoboam never really repented in full was because his mind and heart wasn’t in it. “And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD.” (2 Chronicles 12:14). It’s the reason why only one leper came back to thank Jesus in response to his healing. When our mind and heart is in agreement with God, we will have enough motivation to turn ourselves around, and repent of our iniquities.
The third step is conversion, or changing our ways. When we don’t like our old ways, and we love God’s ways, we’d want to adapt to God’s ways, and that is what repentance means. Jesus and his apostles made it clear that any old way that does not agree with God’s principles should be sold and left behind (Luke 14:26, Matthew 19:29, Ephesians 4:22-24). There’s also the advice of Ezekiel the prophet, under God’s inspiration: “Turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?” (Ezekiel 33:11). When we repent and change our ways, we are born again, new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), and spiritually baptized (Romans 6:3-4).
When we repent of our iniquities, we are not supposed to go back to such iniquities. Physically, the Israelites weren’t allowed to go back to Egypt after God rescued them, and even when they’d tried to by setting up a captain to return to Egypt, it wasn’t very successful nor pleasant (Numbers 14:1-39). And they were warned again to not have anything to do with Egypt in Deuteronomy 17:16, and again when they wanted to go there, against God’s instructions, in Jeremiah 42. Egypt, spiritually, are our old ways, ways coming from places that don’t recognize God, or, even if they do, don’t serve him well. Jesus Christ would tell the people he’d heal to never go back to their former ways again (John 5:1-15, 14*, 8:1-11, 11*). The writer of Hebrews even had something to say about it: “Cast not away therefore thy confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.” (Hebrews 10:35-36, 38-39).
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In the past 100 years, the world has advanced significantly, and sexism is one of many things that have been internationally rejected. For many Christians who believe the Word of God was inspired (2 Timothy 3:16-17), they look at sexism in the worldly, secular view and then look for quotations in the Bible to support the idea that God doesn’t really have much of an opinion on sexism, or worse, that the Bible actually agrees with the worldly view. But in this article, we are going to look into the real opinion of the Bible and find out one thing: Does God have an opinion on sexism, and if so, does He support sexism or not?
To begin, we need to know why God created different sexes, their roles and what makes them distinct. In Genesis 1:26, God wanted to create “man” in His own image. He made Adam a living soul in Genesis 2:7, put him in the Garden of Eden and told him “to dress it and to keep it” (Genesis 2:15). However, God didn’t feel like Adam should be alone in doing his job. He wanted to create a “helpmeet”; someone who would assist Adam and support him in what he did. In Genesis 2:21-24, that help meet, who we know as Eve, was formed.
It’s important we understand that Eve and Adam were not equal. Eve, and every woman in this world are “the weaker vessel” (1 Peter 3:7) and Eve’s role was to help Adam. The woman was created “of the man”, and “for the man”, (1 Corinthians 11:8-9), and is the “glory of the man'' (1 Corinthians 11:7) and his “crown” (Proverbs 12:4). She was a “helpmeet”. Things such as raising kids were a major role given to women, as seen in 1 Timothy 2:15, 5:14, Titus 2:4-5, etc. Adam would be the one to submit to God, talk with Him and learn what should be done to lead himself and his wife the way God wants them to go.
The role of the man was different from that of the woman. As said above, men submit to God directly and take guidance from Him. Covenants that God had with humanity were with men, and not with women (like that of circumcision - Genesis 17, verses 10 and 12 in particular). If you look at Abraham and Sarah, God’s covenant and promises were to Abraham. He would talk with him from time to time (Genesis 12, 15, 18, etc.) and Sarah was being led by Abraham. The spirituality of Abraham was with God, and he was to do what God told him to do. Sarah was just a helper in that; she gave birth to the child God promised and raised him the way Abraham instructed. That was her spirituality that would earn her (and every other woman who does the same) salvation (1 Timothy 2:15).
Jesus Christ, also, chose disciples in Luke 6:12-13, and they were all men. It doesn’t mean that Jesus Christ didn’t care about women; he treated women of all kinds with the respect God wanted them to have. From time to time, he would visit Martha and Mary (like in Luke 10:38-42). Women as a sex weren’t treated the way they were supposed to, so Jesus Christ comforted them. Plus, God was very serious about maltreating widows and others in their category (Isaiah 1:17, Zechariah 7:10); He could punish severely if you maltreated them (Malachi 3:5), and in many cases, death was the penalty (Exodus 22:22-24). But when it came to the big tasks God had for His Son, it was men who were to aid him (they are his “companions - Revelation 14:1-5), in judging the world (Psalms 149:5-9, Luke 22:28-30, Revelation 1:6), etc.
It is because men are closer to God (when they’re righteous, of course) that they were instructed to head their wives and lead them in the path of righteousness (1 Corinthians 11:3). It was for such reasons that wives were told in the Bible to “obey their husbands'' (Ephesians 5:22, 24, 1 Peter 3:1-7), and “keep silence in the churches; for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law.” (1 Corinthians 14:34; see also verse 35). Also, women were told to bring their prayers to their husbands for approval (Numbers 30:1-14). God wouldn’t have seen any need in that if women and men were equal in rights, roles and closeness to Him.
In our time, women are finding it harder to submit to the leadership of their husbands, due to modernity and changed motives. But we can look at women in the Bible who carried similar ambitious and presumptuous motives, and how God felt about it/how they ended.
Jezebel is a good example of this, because she influenced King Ahab to sin against God in 1 Kings 21. She wasn’t submitting herself under King Ahab’s guidance, but was rather interested in materializing her own view of the matter. God was very angry with her, and she is biblically infamous as a result.
Queen Athaliah also didn’t do her role, and that’s evident in the “queen” part of it. Women weren’t supposed to be ruling, but because of her presumptuousness, she took advantage of the death of her son, Ahaziah, and started ruling, and she killed all her potential opponents to fully secure the office. She then ruled for six years. However, she was justly murdered outside the temple (read the story in 2 Kings 11:1-3, 11-21).
Mariam is another good example. She paired up with Aaron to oppose Moses because he married an Ethiopian woman, and because he acted like a leader over the people. A woman was never supposed to be opposing a man, especially when he’s righteous and he does God’s will. God made her leprous for a week because of what she did (read the story in Numbers 12).
However, there are stories in the Bible that complicate the issue of sexism, and these occur when men don’t do what they’re supposed to do and there are women of good understanding, like Abigail (1 Samuel 25:3). Nabal, her husband, drove David’s men away when they came to him for a request, and David wanted to take revenge on him. But Abigail came to him with courage and uttered some inspiring words from verses 25-31, and David praised her for it. Also, Deborah in Judges 4 had heartened the army and reminded them of God’s instructions towards them. She was a “judge” for Israel because they weren’t doing what they were supposed to. And then there was Huldah who was labelled a “prophetess”, and talked like a prophet (2 Kings 22:14-20).
These examples may make it look like women now have the right to rule men, or simply be equal with them, but these stories are not only the minority, but they hadn’t actually ruled over men or been equal. Periodically, men didn’t play their role, and sensible women filled in the gaps, like Deborah. But they weren’t presumptuous; they would remind the men of their roles, and men still did their job of leadership.
It is evident from what has been said above that God doesn’t see the sexes equally. It must be emphasized that the role of a woman is not less important, or worse than that of a man. Both are big and necessary for the salvation purpose. God had ordained those roles for each sex, and we can’t question what He does (Daniel 4:34-35). If God said women should obey men, and men should lead their wives properly and respect them, the only thing we should be asking God is how we can live our lives accordingly. We aren’t to be doubting it, and thinking our opinions are superior.
Equality as an idea is a worldly and modern concept; its roots aren’t biblical. It grew with the intense work that women did in World Wars 1 and 2, and the subsequent protests and pleas for women rights. In our time, women almost have completely equal opportunities with men in the west, and the other continents are catching up. But for those who are interested in what God thinks, His thoughts on sexism have been expressed.
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SPIRITUAL SOLUTIONS FOR TRYING TIMES
COVID-19 has caused major disruptions in the lives of many. A loss of jobs, frustration, fear, sadness, emptiness and a lack of companionships are negative effects of having to stay at home. Many don’t see the need in living anymore, as everything they’ve sought for has collapsed, and there doesn’t seem to be much hope.
However, God is the Creator of man (Isaiah 45:12, 64:8, Job 33:24, Genesis 1:26, etc.) and because of that, he is the source of solutions to our problems, including the ones caused by COVID-19. In this article, we’ll learn about spiritual solutions to trying times, and in particular the effects of COVID-19 (lack of hope and purpose, sadness, frustration, etc.).
It all starts with studying the Scriptures. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (see also Joshua 1:8). Jeremiah spoke of how the knowledge of God elevates our soul. “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts.” (Jeremiah 15:16). What we are studying in the Bible is God’s plan for mankind, which has been called “the desire of all nations” (Haggai 2:7) because it is what many people wish for (peace, freedom, etc.). When we let it dwell in us richly, as St. Paul said in Colossians 3:16, then with that comes faith and hope (Romans 10:17), and it can elevate us from sadness and frustration.
Prayers is also a spiritual solution to the effects of COVID-19. If we are sick, we can pray to God (James 5:14-15), and we can also ask for wisdom so that we can understand how to remain spiritual in a time when many people are giving up their own spirituality (James 1:5). And we can seek God to help us out of sadness and frustration by hoping in His plan and praying to Him for assistance. “The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” (Psalms 34:17-18).
An example of this happening was in Daniel 2. Nebuchadnezzar had a dream, but when he wanted the interpreation of it, he couldn’t remember it. The astrologers didn’t know the dream, and Nebuchadnezzar wanted to kill all the wise men of Babylon. These were trying times.
Daniel and his companions sought God for help, and Daniel revealed the dream to him. He thanked God earnestly (Daniel 2:20-23) and was saved from dying as a result. That is what God can do when His children are in trying times.
Sometimes, it’s also good to look for counsel. King Solomon made it clear that counsel is good. “Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.” (Proverbs 15:22). “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” (Proverbs 11:14; see also Proverbs 24:6). Assuring words and useful advice can really make an impact on someone’s spiritual life.
The other three solutions all lead to us hoping in God’s future and being patient for it, which is indispensable to overcoming the fear, sadness, lack of hope, etc., that comes from trying times like this. It is good to hope in what God has in store for mankind. “It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.” God said that it was a future of peace and not evil. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” (Jeremiah 29:11). The Bible has made it clear that God’s plan, unlike what political leaders do, is eternal and immovable, like a rock Hebrews 12:28, Isaiah 14:27, 55:10-11). Therefore, when we hope for that, we also become stable and immovable, because our ways and beliefs will be upon something that endures.
In another way, hoping in God’s future is like casting our burdens upon God, which the Bible has deemed profitable. “Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.” (Psalms 55:22; see also 1 Peter 5:7). Jesus Christ also spoke about being relieved of burdens in Matthew 11:28-30, where he promised us that taking his yoke will make life a lot easier for people who are stressed in life. “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30). And David referred to God’s Word (which entails His plan for mankind) as “my comfort in my affliction”. (Psalms 119:49-50).
The story of Ruth is a good example to visualise how hoping in God’s future is a solution for trying times. Ruth, Orpah and Naomi were in trying times. They all lost their husbands, and in Naomi’s case, two sons as well (the husbands of Ruth and Orpah). When Naomi heard that her hometown (Bethlehemjudah) had recovered from the famine, she wanted to return. Orpah and Ruth wanted to follow her, as they had no where else to go.
Naomi, however, didn’t see what kind of future Ruth and Orpah were hoping for. She then urged Orpah and Ruth to go back to their families. Orpay eventually did so, but Ruth did not, and the statements in Ruth 1:16-17 are evidence of such persistence. Keep in mind that, whether intentionally or unintentionally, Ruth was hoping in God’s future, and this becomes obvious at the end of the story.
It was because of Ruth’s hope and patience in Naomi (and indirectly in God) that she was now able to marry again and be a part of Jesus’ lineage. Orpah, of course, didn’t partake in any of that.
It is clear from what has been said above that there are spiritual solutions to the current trying times. God’s love is unconditional and doesn’t move away from humanity (Isaiah 54:10, Psalms 103:8, etc) and He therefore has the patience and love to help us out of our sadness and make us live in peace and joy. But we have to trust in God’s plan and be patient for that freedom and joy to be in our lives. “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31).
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IS GOD SUFFICIENT FOR YOU?
Many Christians doubt that God is sufficient for their lives; it’s as if God isn’t enough for them. It’s rather His ways seem outdated, or maybe He’s not giving them what they want.
If you’ve beek thinking this too, then I think you’ve landed in a good place. This article will hopefully make you see how God can be sufficient for your life; and, if you stick to the end, you’ll see how you can take a step towards God being sufficient for you.
Let’s begin with a reason for this growing way of thinking. In our time, because of all the businesses, and the companies, which are making so many versions of products, there is an abundance of everything, and it has driven people to surfeiting. Currently, it’s not about whether you have shelter; it’s about what kind of shelter you have. Do you live in a duplex, or a flat, or a townhouse? It’s not about whether you have a car, but it’s about what kind of car you have. Do you have a car from 2021? Do you have a Chevrolet Corvette, or do you have the ZR1? God, on the other hand, doesn’t really see the difference between a Corvette and a Silverado, or between a flat, a duplex or a townhouse. They’re all vehicles and shelters, respectively. But we humans don’t think God is sufficient anymore because our lives have become about the abundance of things, and the quality of things, while God doesn’t see much in that.
However, this mentality is precedent. The Israelites in the wilderness thought that way, too. For example, in Exodus 16:1-2, they complained about the food that they were getting, and how God wasn’t sufficient for their needs. It wasn’t just about the fact that they were hungry; it was the fact that the variety and sweetness of the food changed for the worse. They even wanted to return back to Egypt at one point, because God’s plan for them wasn’t enough to make them happy and content (Numbers 14:1-4). And in 1 Samuel 8:1-8, 19-20, they wanted to be like the other Gentile nations by setting up a king (and with that, a dynasty). By doing so, they rejected God’s guidance (verses 7 and 8).
The reason why God didn’t seem sufficient for them wasn’t because He wasn’t giving enough; it was because they hadn’t brought themselves to be content with what He provided. They were comparing God with what they had in Egypt. Remember, God delivered them from Egypt, the nation that held them fast (Exodus 2:23-25, Jeremiah 50:33-34). Without God, the Israelites were powerless. But because they were more concerned about what God never gave them, which other nations had, God wasn’t sufficient for them.
When we compare what God gives us to what He doesn’t give us, then He will never be sufficient for us. This may remind us of Matthew 6:24; we cannot serve (love) God and mammon, and one reason why this is so is the one above. “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”
On the contrary, God was sufficient for some people. One of such people was David. In the Psalms, he referred to God as his buckler, his high tower, (Psalms 144:2) his portion, etc. When something is many things such as those to you, then that something is sufficient for you, and will keep making you happy. “The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.” (Psalms 16:5; see also Psalms 73:26, 119:57, 142:5). In certain places, David said that God was his only refuge, salvation, etc. We can go to Psalms 62:5-7 to see David express this opinion: ‘My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.”
Another person God was sufficient for was Abraham. In Genesis 15:1, God told Abraham that He was going to be his reward. He was going to be his happiness, and the provider of what made him the man everyone knows him to be today - the father of God’s people, physically and spiritually (Genesis 17:4-5). And that was sufficient for Abraham. That’s why, throughout his lifetime, he never sought out other mediums to get a child, or build a nation for himself. He remained within what God wanted, and raised his children the way God would like it (Genesis 18:17-19). Also, in Genesis 22:8, when Isaac asked Abraham where the lamb for the burnt offering was, all he told him was, “God will provide”. He only said that because God was sufficient for him.
Now, let’s proceed to our time, because this is when, on a global scale, people are beginning to believe that God isn’t sufficient for their lives. It’s important to note that, at the same time that people are believing that God isn’t sufficient for them, divorce rates are increasing, parents find it more difficult to raise their children properly, people’s lives are losing meaning and purpose, etc. These are problems that the government doesn’t have many solutions for. But God does, and it is the fact that God can solve such problems for us that makes Him sufficient for us.
To understand this, it’s best to look at physical problems people had, and how God dealt with them.
Let’s go back to the life of David. In 2 Samuel 15:31, after David heard that his personal counsellor, Ahithophel, was now against him and on Absalom’s side, he prayed to God for Him to destroy the counsel of Ahithophel. He didn't gather an army, or do wicked things to try and regain his position as king. He called on God’s name (Psalms 20:7), because God was sufficient for him.
And God proved that He was sufficient by bringing Hushai to counter the wicked advice of Ahithophel. Ahithophel’s advice surely would’ve killed David, but Hushai countered that advice by suggesting that Absalom bring the whole army of Israel to Dan and Beersheba, and defeat David’s soldiers there. With his soldiers out of the way, the city David would be in could be tracked, and the city torn down so that he could be killed. God also changed Absalom’s mind to accept Hushai’s advice, so that, as the Bible says, “the Lord might bring evil upon Absalom.” (2 Samuel 17:14).
It was because of this occasion, and others like this, that David said in Psalms 18:2, “The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.”
But if we want to make God sufficient for our lives, how do we do that?
We should start by taking our eyes off everything that is happening in the world. The Bible makes us know that the abundance of things that the world has is only for a time; it won’t last forever (1 John 2:17, 1 Corinthians 7:31). We shouldn’t be so concerned about how wealthy we are and how we look amongst our friends and peers. Rather, we should be content with God’s provisions for us, as the author of Hebrews exhorted in Hebrews 13:5, which reads, “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”
Then, we should trust in God fully. One reason why many Christians are beginning to believe that God isn’t sufficient for their lives is because they don’t really put their trust in God. When we do so, there are a lot of things we expose ourselves to, such as His wisdom/knowledge, His vision for the future, and how we can live spiritually-driven, peaceful lives (Proverbs 3:5-7, Isaiah 26:2-4).
When we seek God's knowledge, for example, we will come to realize that it is sufficient for us. The wisdom of God is like a precious treasure (Proverbs 2:1-6) which we are content with when we have it. This was parabolized by the parable of the hidden treasure in Matthew 13:44. When we have it, we understand things that a lot of other people don’t understand, like how spirituality is diminishing (Amos 8:11), or how Jesus Christ has returned, and the Kingdom of God has been set up (a subject we’ve covered in other articles, especially those in the “Last Days” page. We don’t need to be rich, or to be educated to the highest degree, when we have the knwoeldge of God. We’d be content with knowing how the world is going to end, and what kind of lifestyle we’ll need to live in order to “stand” before the Son of Man (Luke 21:36). To “stand” in this case is to be approved by God Almighty (2 Timothy 2:15).
The ability to live a godly, holy life in God Almighty through Jesus Christ is also something that satisfies us; something that makes God sufficient for us. St. Peter, for example, said that the divine power of God has given us many great and exceeding things; he didn’t describe what God has given us as something that we put in our pocket, and then to fill our quota, we go about seeking to be rich and better than other people in physical matters. In that 2 Peter 1:3-4, he said, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”
There’s no better verse to conclude this article than 2 Corinthians 3:5, because St. Paul made it clear there that God is sufficient. “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God.”
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