Morals are your compass for the direction of your life—if you know something is not good or right, you avoid it. But that which is good, you always seek to do what’s right.”
–B. N. Rundell (The Road to Retaliation)
“And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.”
–Jeremiah 29:13 (NKJV)
——————————–
(NKJV)
5.4 — For thus says the LORD to the house of Israel: “Seek Me and live;
5.5 — But do not seek Bethel, nor enter Gilgal, nor pass over to Beersheba; for Gilgal shall surely go into captivity, and Bethel shall come to nothing.
5.6 — Seek the LORD and live, lest He break out like fire in the house of Joseph, and devour it, with no one to quench it in Bethel–
5.7 — You who turn justice to wormwood, and lay righteousness to rest in the earth!”
(NASB)
5.4 — For thus says the LORD to the house of Israel, “Seek Me that you may live.
5.5 — But do not resort to Bethel and do not come to Gilgal, nor cross over to Beersheba; for Gilgal will certainly go into captivity and Bethel will come to trouble.
5.6 — Seek the LORD that you may live, or He will break forth like a fire, O house of Joseph, and it will consume with none to quench it for Bethel,
5.7 — For those who turn justice into wormwood and cast righteousness down to the earth.”
Whooee, I wonder what Amos would be saying if he were alive and standing in the austere room of the Supreme Court or in front of a joint session of Congress. Listen, this season is a good time of year to stop, get still, and ponder your fate and whom you serve. Take inventory of your life and see if you are not serving the Baals of greed, materialism, globalism, wokeism, and so many other -isms. It cannot be to dead idols no matter what name they go by.
“Seek Me and live.”
The prophet points the nation to the supreme truth that her following the one true God and seeking after His presence, laws, and true worship was the one way she still could preserve her national spiritual life. Look, if you dare, at the spiritual life of America starting at the top down. What kind of spiritual life does a nation have when they have drag queens reading to elementary students; when satanic figures parade down the streets masquerading as the spirit of Christmas? We’ve come a long ways from “A Miracle on 34th Street.” What kind of spiritual life does the nation have when the gay crowd is promoted as a legitimate way of life? Perhaps the reading of Romans 1-2 is in order. H.A. Ironside said, “Scripture must ever be the guide–not human rules and assumption of authority.” It is not wokeism, cross culture, progressive socialism, or globalism; it is God’s Word that is the ultimate guide and truth. God tells the people not to go to these false places of worship for He is not there.
“Seek Me and live.”
Righteousness has been forgotten, or at least the Biblical form of righteousness. The words of Gary G. Cohen tell us, “The nations crime was so great in God’s sight that He portrays it as one who perverts justice into wormwood; a bitter tasting and poisonous root. Those who lit sacrificial fires in the calves at Bethel would soon discover they had ignited a fire of punishment that would burn them with judgment. Ultimately, such a fire will never go out.” These altars, these gods were idols portraying falsity and futility. We must remember that “our God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:29). “Righteousness and justice should be the pillars that hold up society” (Warren Wiersbe) not something that causes bitterness and infection and death.
Israel “had become corrupt, morally and ethically, and roots of bitterness had grown up in them against righteousness, they had cast righteousness under their feet… They dethroned righteousness from their lives though it was the vicegerent and representative of God on earth.” (Albert Garner) It would do us well to recall the words of Isaiah, “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil…” (5:20)
(NKJV)
5.8 — He made the Pleiades and Orion; He turns the shadow of death into morning and makes the day dark as night; He calls for the waters of the sea and pours them out on the face of the earth; the LORD is His name.
5.9 — He rains ruin upon the strong, so that fury comes upon the fortress.
(NASB)
5.8 — He who made the Pleiades and Orion and changes deep darkness into morning, who also darkens day into night, who calls for the waters of the sea and pours them out on the surface of the earth, the LORD is His name.
5.9 — It is He who flashes forth with destruction upon the strong so that destruction comes upon the fortress.
By offering sacrifice to the false gods of the day they are in reality mocking the holy God–the Creator of heaven and earth. Offering children upon the altars of Baal; do they not think that God does not hear the cry of the innocents? Using the name of God in their syncretistic worship was a slap in His face. God reminds us Who He is! It is God, not some other deity that created and keeps the laws of nature in operation. All ways do not lead to God; the only is way is His Son, Jesus Christ; therefore, do not be delusioned like the people of Israel were. He is the I AM; He can vanquish the strong person and army, as well as a mighty man-made fortress. “He it is who flings ruin in the face of the strong, and rains destruction upon the fortress.” (vs 9, J.B. Phillips) [Mock Me], I in turn will laugh when disaster strikes you; I will mock when calamity overtakes you—” (Proverbs 1:26, NIV).
Seek Me and live!
Echoes from the Campfire
Echoes From the Campfire
Living with awareness had enriched his life.”
–Louis L’Amour (Flint)
“For God is pleased when, conscious of his will, you patiently endure unjust treatment.”
–1 Peter 2:19 (NLT)
——————————
Frustrations…do you ever find them in your life? It is important that we remember that God is there–He is with us every step of the journey. Martin Luther said, “Our life is a beginning and a progress, not a consummation.” Even if there is one great event in your life, it is only a part, not the whole. We see in the first part of Psalm 132 a remembrance of the suffering of David when the ark was taken by the Philistines and David promising the Lord a royal house.
1 — LORD, remember David and all his afflictions;
2 — How he swore to the LORD, and vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob:
3 — “Surely I will not go into the chamber of my house, or go up to the comfort of my bed;
4 — I will not give sleep to my eyes or slumber to my eyelids,
5 — Until I find a place for the LORD, a dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob.”
6 — Behold, we heard of it in Ephrathah; we found it in the fields of the woods.
7 — Let us go into His tabernacle; let us worship at His footstool.
8 — Arise, O LORD, to Your resting place, You and the ark of Your strength.
9 — Let Your priests be clothed with righteousness, and let Your saints shout for joy. (NKJV)
David had a dream, one that was in his mind constantly. To build a house for the Lord. George Wood draws our attention to the fact that of all that David had to endure. He is a “model for those who have been spiritually or emotionally bloodied and bandaged.” He continues, “Hardships. A lifetime of adversity summarized in two syllables.” Then of the life of David and all that he went through; the ups and downs, the successes and failures. One of the things that enabled David to endure was his dream–the dream of building a house for the Lord.
We know that this did not happen. It was David’s son, Solomon who built the temple. David never witnessed the fulfillment of his dream. Dreams–that is almost a magical word. Some dreams are fleeting, some are fantasy. Some may be realized, but for one reason or another are never brought to completion. David had a “consuming passion to build the temple, a request denied by God.” (Steven Lawson) A couple of things to remember: one, make sure your dream is in the will of God and not contrary to His Word; and second, endure, most dreams are not fulfilled overnight. William J. Petersen states, “God wants you to have dreams and goals and ambitions, but don’t analyze your progress at every bend in the road. How God measures you and how you measure yourself may be two different things.”
But this house that he wanted to build for God, wasn’t that beyond comprehension? God is a spirit and does not dwell in houses or buildings made by man. Or does He? Haven’t you ever been in the house of God–the church, and felt His overwhelming presence? It is not the building, it is what it represents. “What truly counts is the spiritual reality of what happens inside that place–the purity of the pulpit, the fidelity of the ministries, and the sincerity of the hearts. This is what makes God’s house a true place of worship.” (Lawson)
Ah, but look at one more aspect. As you endure your suffering and afflictions remember that your body is now the temple of the Holy Spirit. Are you willing, are you trying to make it a dwelling place for Him? The journey upward is not an easy one, but the dream, the desire must always be there–to have a place where the Holy Spirit dwells. “Perhaps you’re very restless because you don’t see any progress or hint of resolution in the problems you’re dealing with. You will outlast your trouble if you refuse to give in to it; if you keep your eyes instead on what is most important–living in a way that pleases God.” (Wood)
We are a “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9) therefore we are to be clothed with righteousness. Not our righteousness, oh no, but that of Jesus Christ. In our daily activities as a “priest” we are to be holy for we represent the house of the Spirit. We are to endure, taking up our cross daily, and with joy sing and shout as we continue upward and onward to glory.
“Lord Jesus Christ, the work is thine,
No ours, but thine alone;
And prospered by thy power divine
Can ne’er be overthrown.”
–German hymn, translated by Frank Houghton
——————————
Frustrations…do you ever find them in your life? It is important that we remember that God is there–He is with us every step of the journey. Martin Luther said, “Our life is a beginning and a progress, not a consummation.” Even if there is one great event in your life, it is only a part, not the whole. We see in the first part of Psalm 132 a remembrance of the suffering of David when the ark was taken by the Philistines and David promising the Lord a royal house.
1 — LORD, remember David and all his afflictions;
2 — How he swore to the LORD, and vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob:
3 — “Surely I will not go into the chamber of my house, or go up to the comfort of my bed;
4 — I will not give sleep to my eyes or slumber to my eyelids,
5 — Until I find a place for the LORD, a dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob.”
6 — Behold, we heard of it in Ephrathah; we found it in the fields of the woods.
7 — Let us go into His tabernacle; let us worship at His footstool.
8 — Arise, O LORD, to Your resting place, You and the ark of Your strength.
9 — Let Your priests be clothed with righteousness, and let Your saints shout for joy. (NKJV)
David had a dream, one that was in his mind constantly. To build a house for the Lord. George Wood draws our attention to the fact that of all that David had to endure. He is a “model for those who have been spiritually or emotionally bloodied and bandaged.” He continues, “Hardships. A lifetime of adversity summarized in two syllables.” Then of the life of David and all that he went through; the ups and downs, the successes and failures. One of the things that enabled David to endure was his dream–the dream of building a house for the Lord.
We know that this did not happen. It was David’s son, Solomon who built the temple. David never witnessed the fulfillment of his dream. Dreams–that is almost a magical word. Some dreams are fleeting, some are fantasy. Some may be realized, but for one reason or another are never brought to completion. David had a “consuming passion to build the temple, a request denied by God.” (Steven Lawson) A couple of things to remember: one, make sure your dream is in the will of God and not contrary to His Word; and second, endure, most dreams are not fulfilled overnight. William J. Petersen states, “God wants you to have dreams and goals and ambitions, but don’t analyze your progress at every bend in the road. How God measures you and how you measure yourself may be two different things.”
But this house that he wanted to build for God, wasn’t that beyond comprehension? God is a spirit and does not dwell in houses or buildings made by man. Or does He? Haven’t you ever been in the house of God–the church, and felt His overwhelming presence? It is not the building, it is what it represents. “What truly counts is the spiritual reality of what happens inside that place–the purity of the pulpit, the fidelity of the ministries, and the sincerity of the hearts. This is what makes God’s house a true place of worship.” (Lawson)
Ah, but look at one more aspect. As you endure your suffering and afflictions remember that your body is now the temple of the Holy Spirit. Are you willing, are you trying to make it a dwelling place for Him? The journey upward is not an easy one, but the dream, the desire must always be there–to have a place where the Holy Spirit dwells. “Perhaps you’re very restless because you don’t see any progress or hint of resolution in the problems you’re dealing with. You will outlast your trouble if you refuse to give in to it; if you keep your eyes instead on what is most important–living in a way that pleases God.” (Wood)
We are a “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9) therefore we are to be clothed with righteousness. Not our righteousness, oh no, but that of Jesus Christ. In our daily activities as a “priest” we are to be holy for we represent the house of the Spirit. We are to endure, taking up our cross daily, and with joy sing and shout as we continue upward and onward to glory.
“Lord Jesus Christ, the work is thine,
No ours, but thine alone;
And prospered by thy power divine
Can ne’er be overthrown.”
–German hymn, translated by Frank Houghton
Echoes From the Campfire
God loves to restore hope in our lives, heal our emotional wounds and give us peace, even during the toughest times.”
–Kenneth Pratt (The Wolves of Windsor Ridge)
“The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.”
“The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.”
–Isaiah 32:17 (NIV)
———————————
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” –Luke 2:14 (KJV) Bah, humbug! Where is the promised peace? Look at the world, look at the inhumanity to humanity. Look at the terror, the wars, the pestilence, the disasters, the crime, the racism — hmpf, where is the peace?
Perhaps you have heard some state that or something similar. Perhaps you have thought the same. The first thing that will help is to look at another translation. The King James is a good translation, but in some places it misses the point or is confusing.
“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among people with whom He is pleased.” (NASB)
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (NIV)
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people He favors!” (HCSB)
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (ESV)
Not all will have peace. It comes only to those who have a relationship with the heavenly Father. If you’ve ever been to a symphony and one instrument is out of tune, or one string is broken there is discord. The instruments must all be in tune for harmony–for peace. John Henry Jowett says, “Peace is the outcome of certain relationships, and when those relationships are secured then peace is assured.”
A proper relationship is required. Jesus came to bring man back into proper relationship with God. “Peace is to spread everywhere this child is received.” (John Piper) Accept Jesus and you will experience the peace He brings. Paul states, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1, NASB). Where there is faith, there is peace. True peace, then, is born out of faith in Christ. The Old Testament Prophet Isaiah assured us, “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.” (Isaiah 26:3, NKJV) God’s peace is offered to the world, but only those who accept Jesus receive it. To receive this peace that is offered we must go to Jesus the Peacemaker. He must be the “most glorious Person in your life” (Piper). We read in Ephesians 2:14, “He Himself is our peace…” Therefore we see that we cannot separate this peace from Christ.
Peace, the real peace that Christ offers, cannot be manufactured. It does not come through global institutions or organizations. Laws, policies, and politics cannot bring the peace that is “to rule in our hearts.” (Colossians 3:15) See, peace is not foundational; it is not a root. Peace is the “Fruit of personal rightness with God.” (Jowett) Peace can be the absence of conflict and animosity, but it is also the presence of joyful tranquility. (Piper) It is personal; it is an experience and a relationship with Jesus Christ that brings peace.
One more thought, notice the beginning of verse in Luke 2–“Glory to God…” That’s where peace begins. When the heart has accepted Christ and we begin to give glory to God then we have true, inner peace, “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7, NKJV) Jowett states, “If only we would give glory to God in the highest, peace on earth is sure, and goodwill among men is secured.”
Let peace rule in your heart, begin now in these early days of the Christmas season. Keep your mind stayed upon Him, for then, and only then will you have peace. Live for Him, let your life bring Him glory. Realize that peace comes only through faith in Jesus and that “Mercy and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed.” (Psalm 85:10, NKJV)
———————————
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” –Luke 2:14 (KJV) Bah, humbug! Where is the promised peace? Look at the world, look at the inhumanity to humanity. Look at the terror, the wars, the pestilence, the disasters, the crime, the racism — hmpf, where is the peace?
Perhaps you have heard some state that or something similar. Perhaps you have thought the same. The first thing that will help is to look at another translation. The King James is a good translation, but in some places it misses the point or is confusing.
“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among people with whom He is pleased.” (NASB)
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (NIV)
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people He favors!” (HCSB)
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (ESV)
Not all will have peace. It comes only to those who have a relationship with the heavenly Father. If you’ve ever been to a symphony and one instrument is out of tune, or one string is broken there is discord. The instruments must all be in tune for harmony–for peace. John Henry Jowett says, “Peace is the outcome of certain relationships, and when those relationships are secured then peace is assured.”
A proper relationship is required. Jesus came to bring man back into proper relationship with God. “Peace is to spread everywhere this child is received.” (John Piper) Accept Jesus and you will experience the peace He brings. Paul states, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1, NASB). Where there is faith, there is peace. True peace, then, is born out of faith in Christ. The Old Testament Prophet Isaiah assured us, “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.” (Isaiah 26:3, NKJV) God’s peace is offered to the world, but only those who accept Jesus receive it. To receive this peace that is offered we must go to Jesus the Peacemaker. He must be the “most glorious Person in your life” (Piper). We read in Ephesians 2:14, “He Himself is our peace…” Therefore we see that we cannot separate this peace from Christ.
Peace, the real peace that Christ offers, cannot be manufactured. It does not come through global institutions or organizations. Laws, policies, and politics cannot bring the peace that is “to rule in our hearts.” (Colossians 3:15) See, peace is not foundational; it is not a root. Peace is the “Fruit of personal rightness with God.” (Jowett) Peace can be the absence of conflict and animosity, but it is also the presence of joyful tranquility. (Piper) It is personal; it is an experience and a relationship with Jesus Christ that brings peace.
One more thought, notice the beginning of verse in Luke 2–“Glory to God…” That’s where peace begins. When the heart has accepted Christ and we begin to give glory to God then we have true, inner peace, “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7, NKJV) Jowett states, “If only we would give glory to God in the highest, peace on earth is sure, and goodwill among men is secured.”
Let peace rule in your heart, begin now in these early days of the Christmas season. Keep your mind stayed upon Him, for then, and only then will you have peace. Live for Him, let your life bring Him glory. Realize that peace comes only through faith in Jesus and that “Mercy and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed.” (Psalm 85:10, NKJV)
Echoes From the Campfire
Everything seeks its own level. Whether it be water, scum, or people.”
–B.N. Rundell (The Trail to Redemption)
“Keep me from the snares they have laid for me, And from the traps of the workers of iniquity.”
–Psalm 141:9 (NKJV)
————————————
“More, more, more — give me more!” the people cry. “I want my fill, I have my rights! Why shouldn’t I be given higher wages? Why shouldn’t the government pay off my loans? Why, why why? More, more, more!” Let’s look closely at Proverbs chapter 1:
(NKJV)
17 — Surely, in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird;
18 — But they lie in wait for their own blood, they lurk secretly for their own lives.
19 — So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain; it takes away the life of its owners.
(ESV)
17 — For vain is a net spread in the sight of any bird,
18 — but these men lie in wait for their own blood; they set an ambush for their own lives.
19 — Such are the ways of everyone who is greedy for unjust gain; it takes away the life of it possessors.
The NIV puts that last phrase of verse 18, “they waylay only themselves!”
Bob Beasley gives us a warning, “Establish this principle early on in life: ‘You can never, ever get away with sin.'” That’s one reason the prisons are full. Don’t be deceived but heed what the Bible says:
“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” –Galatians 6:7 (NKJV)
“They sow the wind, And reap the whirlwind…” –Hosea 8:7 (NKJV)
Men set a trap, but do not realize that they will step into their own snares. Man hungers for more, he covets what others have, he lusts to please his own greedy desires. “This greed, when full grown, is coarse and cruel. It has no bowls. It marches right to its mark, treading on everything that lies in the way.” (William Arnot) So is the way of wickedness.
I recall the Prophet Elijah confronting the royal couple because of their greed that led to murder. “And also concerning Jezebel the LORD says: ‘Dogs will devour Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel.’ (There was never a man like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the eyes of the LORD, urged on by Jezebel his wife. He behaved in the vilest manner by going after idols…” (1 Kings 21:23,25-26, NIV) Or what about Haman, who built gallows for Mordecai? He was hanged on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. (Esther 7:9-10) Remember the old saying, “If you play with matches you’ll burn your fingers.”
It would do us well to examine the path we are on. Don’t just plod along, but take care where you place your foot. One way to stay away from the trap that is set is to stay on the straight path. That path is always upward, heading towards glory. “The way of sin is down hill; men only cannot stop themselves, but, the longer they continue in it, the faster they run and make haste in it, as if they were afraid they should not do mischief enough, and were resolved to lose no time.” (Matthew Henry)
Life is serious, but too many think of it only to fit their needs. More, more, more, or as from “Finding Nemo — ‘Mine, mine, mine!'” Listen, as Warren Wiersbe points out, “You’re free to take what you want from life, but eventually you’ll have to pay for it, and the price you pay is higher than the value you gain. You end up sacrificing the permanent for the immediate, and that’s a bad investment.” Dare a person sacrifice honor and integrity for selfish gain? Shame to say, many have done so, and will continue to do so.
Notice that “these men are plotting with their eyes wide open.” (Samuel Miller) They are laying the trap, and soon they will step in the ways of their own making. (Hmm, is this what will happen to those in high seats of government in our country? Time will tell.) But no matter if they are not caught up in this life there is a righteous God before whom all men and women will one day stand. Yes indeed, to sell one’s soul to gratify fleshly and earthly desires is a bad investment in the light of eternity.
No matter how much morality is diluted; how much wokeism and relative truth is thrown at us–God’s Word still stands true and man will be judged by it. It is not man’s opinions that count, but the eternal Word of God. Man is fussy, flexible, and fickle, but the Bible is a sure foundation–tried, tested, true, and stable. Yes, my friend, “the study of wisdom is a matter of life and death.”
————————————
“More, more, more — give me more!” the people cry. “I want my fill, I have my rights! Why shouldn’t I be given higher wages? Why shouldn’t the government pay off my loans? Why, why why? More, more, more!” Let’s look closely at Proverbs chapter 1:
(NKJV)
17 — Surely, in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird;
18 — But they lie in wait for their own blood, they lurk secretly for their own lives.
19 — So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain; it takes away the life of its owners.
(ESV)
17 — For vain is a net spread in the sight of any bird,
18 — but these men lie in wait for their own blood; they set an ambush for their own lives.
19 — Such are the ways of everyone who is greedy for unjust gain; it takes away the life of it possessors.
The NIV puts that last phrase of verse 18, “they waylay only themselves!”
Bob Beasley gives us a warning, “Establish this principle early on in life: ‘You can never, ever get away with sin.'” That’s one reason the prisons are full. Don’t be deceived but heed what the Bible says:
“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” –Galatians 6:7 (NKJV)
“They sow the wind, And reap the whirlwind…” –Hosea 8:7 (NKJV)
Men set a trap, but do not realize that they will step into their own snares. Man hungers for more, he covets what others have, he lusts to please his own greedy desires. “This greed, when full grown, is coarse and cruel. It has no bowls. It marches right to its mark, treading on everything that lies in the way.” (William Arnot) So is the way of wickedness.
I recall the Prophet Elijah confronting the royal couple because of their greed that led to murder. “And also concerning Jezebel the LORD says: ‘Dogs will devour Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel.’ (There was never a man like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the eyes of the LORD, urged on by Jezebel his wife. He behaved in the vilest manner by going after idols…” (1 Kings 21:23,25-26, NIV) Or what about Haman, who built gallows for Mordecai? He was hanged on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. (Esther 7:9-10) Remember the old saying, “If you play with matches you’ll burn your fingers.”
It would do us well to examine the path we are on. Don’t just plod along, but take care where you place your foot. One way to stay away from the trap that is set is to stay on the straight path. That path is always upward, heading towards glory. “The way of sin is down hill; men only cannot stop themselves, but, the longer they continue in it, the faster they run and make haste in it, as if they were afraid they should not do mischief enough, and were resolved to lose no time.” (Matthew Henry)
Life is serious, but too many think of it only to fit their needs. More, more, more, or as from “Finding Nemo — ‘Mine, mine, mine!'” Listen, as Warren Wiersbe points out, “You’re free to take what you want from life, but eventually you’ll have to pay for it, and the price you pay is higher than the value you gain. You end up sacrificing the permanent for the immediate, and that’s a bad investment.” Dare a person sacrifice honor and integrity for selfish gain? Shame to say, many have done so, and will continue to do so.
Notice that “these men are plotting with their eyes wide open.” (Samuel Miller) They are laying the trap, and soon they will step in the ways of their own making. (Hmm, is this what will happen to those in high seats of government in our country? Time will tell.) But no matter if they are not caught up in this life there is a righteous God before whom all men and women will one day stand. Yes indeed, to sell one’s soul to gratify fleshly and earthly desires is a bad investment in the light of eternity.
No matter how much morality is diluted; how much wokeism and relative truth is thrown at us–God’s Word still stands true and man will be judged by it. It is not man’s opinions that count, but the eternal Word of God. Man is fussy, flexible, and fickle, but the Bible is a sure foundation–tried, tested, true, and stable. Yes, my friend, “the study of wisdom is a matter of life and death.”