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It's Not Enough to be "For" the Right
by Aubrey Belue
Strange as it may sound, that is true. One must not only be for the right, but a part of being "for" the right is to be against the wrong! In our day, when the forces of sin and wrongdoing are so vocal, the temptation surely comes to God's servants to have an inward loyalty to that which is right, but to refrain from taking any stand against the wrong which would cause the public spotlight to shine on them.
One of Satan's fondest hopes would be that a majority feeling among the saints is for a "nothing negative, nothing controversial" stand. It is a temptation to elders today to forget their obligation to be "holding fast the faithful word… and to convict the gainsayers..." Titus 1:9 – and follow a "nothing negative, nothing controversial" course. Today, it is a temptation to the gospel preacher to take the same course, and fall into the habit of proclaiming "nothing negative, nothing controversial". The Bible teacher, in planning content over a period of time, MUST deal with the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27), and that includes items both negative and controversial. How can the Bible teacher rest at night unless the truth on ALL Bible matters is presented? How can we act with a clear conscience unless we keep ourselves "free from the blood of all men."
In the long ago, David spoke of God's precepts, acknowledging them to be right, and therefore said, "I hate every false way" (Ps. 119:104). He, as God's servant, could not be FOR the right, and then be passive regarding the wrong! Isaiah said, that for the sake of God's own, "....will I not hold my peace...I will not rest..." (Isa 62:1) God spoke to Ezekiel, telling him that the wicked would perish, and that if God's servants did not warn the wicked, "..his blood will I require at thine hand.." Ezek. 3:18. The other side was true as well: "Yet, if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not...he shall die in his iniquity, but thou hast delivered thy soul." (v. 19)Christian brother or sister, are you for the right? You say, "Yes". Then, Test it: Are you against the wrong?" Will you stand against the crowd--against that wrong, and for that right? Remember, it is not enough to be just for the right. We all must be "against" as well as "for".
Other Articles by Aubrey Belue
It's Not How You Feel
There is a Connection
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