Brethren

04/30/2011 Human Observations

2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 

 ¹⁴And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.  ¹⁵Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

Amidst the technologic wonder of this new millennium, a tendency has arisen within the mind of our planetary civilization, to seek out and readily receive information concerning whatsoever we desire.  If, then, we hear negative news about someone who has a negative impact upon our lives, we formulate an opinion based on that news; feeling offended that the offender has not lived up to the standards that guide our personal lives.  Especially so, if our modern electronic media decides to explore and detail this news, in order to bolster its viewer ratings.  The man or woman who lives today in sin could very well be tomorrow’s brethren; as were we when we once dwelled as strangers to the righteousness which exists by the mercy of our Father in heaven, and the loving obedience of our Lord Jesus, The Saviour of the world.                                  

On this Saturday, let the weekend begin receiving Paul the Apostle’s instructions concerning us (and them who do not live up to our expectations).   When the propitiation for our sins offered Himself in our place, we were all aliens to God and the Truth.  Yet, He did not war against us, neither in word nor deed; but looked upon us as disobedient children who were misled by the lusts of the belly, lusts of the flesh, and the pride of life.  And now that His work of redemption is “finished” on His cross, He patiently, even to this day, waits for all of those, whom He has known from the foundations of the world, to believe His words, and turn from doing things their way (repentance), accept His offer of forgiveness, and live with Him in reconciliation, both now and forever.