09/28/2012 Human Observations

Teaching for doctrine the commandments of men

Seeking God is a search for evidence that definitively proves that there is a correct and an incorrect.  Either something stands in line with the standard of God, or it does not.  God speaks through the prophet saying,

“He hath shown thee, oh man, what is good, and what the Lord requires of thee: but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.”

He spoke directly instructing us to,

“Seek ye FIRST the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you”.

And when we discover that our guiding principles have deviated from those that are given by our Creator, He presents this warning:

“This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.  But in vain they do worship me,

 teaching for doctrine the commandments of men.”

From cover to cover, the bible speaks of mercy, and provides a constant series of models that demonstrate what manner, or quality, of mercy pleases Him.  When God took on flesh and dwelt among us, he demonstrated what manner of human lifestyle we are to live.  It is said by some in the church that believers attempt to live according to that standard set by our Redeemer.  So the question is: do we?

Being set free, here in the USA, we practice whatever our hearts desire.  So, from the pulpit, what are we instructed to practice? 

Get married, buy a house, and raise a family. 

This is not a biblical instruction; it’s a marketing slogan to make “merchandise of men”.

Consider this:

That marketing ploy may serve well to put away the desires that might separate us from performing the commandment that was given to believers by our Saviour, but that slogan is neither the commandment nor the goal. The declaring the good news in the commandment, and the salvation of humankind is the goal. 

“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel unto every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved …”

If marriage will eliminate the sexual distraction, marry … then get on with it.  But indeed get on with it, so that he that is and he that is not married will both perform the same function in the world; which is to declare the gospel of Jesus the Messiah; the only acceptable sacrifice.  Men tend to get distracted by pretty flowers.  Let us focus.