Truth for Life - September 4, 2016
September 4
Moral and Spiritual Balances
You shall have just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin. - Leviticus 19:36
Weights and scales and measures were all to be according to the standard of justice. Surely no Christian will need to be reminded of this in his business, for if righteousness were banished from all the world beside, it would find a shelter in believing hearts. There are, however, other balances that weigh moral and spiritual things, and these need to be examined often.
Are the balances in which we weigh our own and other men's characters quite accurate? Do we not turn our own ounces of goodness into pounds, and other people's pounds of excellence into ounces? The scales in which we measure our trials and troubles—are they properly set? Paul, who had more to suffer than we have, called his afflictions light, and yet we often consider ours to be heavy—surely something must be wrong with the weights!
We must see to this matter, before we get reported to the court above for unjust dealing. Those weights with which we measure our doctrinal belief—are they quite fair? The doctrines of grace should have the same weight with us as the precepts of the Word, no more and no less; but it is to be feared that with many, one scale or the other is unfairly weighted. It is a vital matter to give honest measure in truth.
Christian, be careful here. Those measures in which we estimate our obligations and responsibilities look rather small. When a rich man gives to the work of God the same amount as the poor contribute, are things properly weighted? When pastors are neglected, is that honest dealing? When the poor are despised, while ungodly rich men are held in admiration, is that a just balance? Reader, we could extend the list, but we prefer to leave it as your evening's work to identify and destroy all unrighteous balances, weights, and measures.
Family Bible reading plan
verse 1 Ezekiel 7
verse 2 Psalms 45
Lessons For Life: The Collection
Young men and women entering college or taking their first steps out into the world will quickly find their faith put to the test. Contemporary influences encourage us to “live for the moment” and to “seize the day” without regard for eternal consequences. The pressure imposed by society to thrive in a competitive world can breed broken friendships, heighten disappointments, and lure young adults away from their devotion to Christ. In Lessons For Life: The Collection, Alistair Begg challenges us to pursue a different road, casting a vision for a life well used for God and His glory. Along this path of wholehearted commitment to Christ and His kingdom, lives are transformed. Our work takes on new meaning. Our relationships are enriched by humility and grace. Our hearts are strengthened to endure hardship and persevere in the faith as we trust in the providential care of the One who has made us for His pleasure.
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From Morning & Evening revised and edited by Alistair Begg copyright © 2003. Used by permission of Crossway Books, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers, Wheaton, IL 60187, www.crossway.org.
