Quickly
now - What type of people are to be marked by Christians according to
the scriptures? Those who cause divisions and offenses contrary to
Christ's doctrines? Yes, for so we are taught in
Romans 16:17.
There
is another type of person to be marked, however. "Brethren, be followers
together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an
ensample"
(Philippians 3:17 KJV). The word "mark" is not synonymous with
the word "withdraw." According to W.E. Vine, the word means "to look at,
behold, watch, contemplate." Those who are evil, then, are to be marked
and avoided; while those who walk in God's way are to be marked and
followed.
Godly
elders should be marked. Elders are to be examples to the flock
(I Peter 5:3).
They are to be men whose character is above reproach, who rule their own
house well, who are hospitable, and whose sound teaching can convict the
gainsayers. We know such elders, and their example is priceless. Even
after such men have passed on, they are to be remembered: "Remember
those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose
faith follow (a similar word to mark-BH), considering the outcome of
their conduct"
(Hebrews 13:7). Thank God for godly elders; mark them and follow
their good example.
Godly
women should be marked. If there are women in the congregation who stand
out for their piety and humility, whose major attractiveness is their
"meek and quiet spirit," who have adorned themselves with good works,
who love their husband and children, who find joy and contentment in
being a wife and mother and keeper at home, who feel no resentment
toward their position of subjection to man, who have devoted their lives
to doing God's will - and there are such women in every congregation -
then mark these godly women and follow their example. In these days when
the women's liberation movement is affecting so many and actually
intimidating many women who want to do right, it is wonderful to have
godly women in the church who are able to lead the way and provide a
role model for other women who are Christians. Thank God for godly
women; mark them and follow their example.
Godly
preachers should be marked. Not all preachers are godly, but most of the
gospel preachers of our acquaintance are godly men whose lives speak as
effectively as do their lips. They do their work, not as hirelings, but
as men concerned for the truth and the souls of men and women. Mark such
men and follow their example!
Godly
parents, godly young people, godly older people, godly suffering people,
godly dying people - the godly faithful! How sad that some are so
blinded by the faults of the few that they cannot see the virtues of the
many. Good people are all around us. Let's look for them, contemplate
their good qualities, mark them, and follow their example.
Other Articles by Bill Hall
They Can't Live It
No Fleshly Incentives
Children's Influence Upon Parents
Hope
is to be Found in Christ