These Things Will Come
These Things Will Come
THESE THINGS WILL COME
Bible Believers’ Bulletin, December 1991, Page 7
The following article by Herb Evans gives a scriptural view of how to handle some matters that will certainly come up in your life.
by Herb Evans
Brotherly Contempt
“Did I fear a great multitude, or did the contempt of families terrify me, that keep silence, and went out the door?” Job 31:34.
Should denominational type brethren, who scorn Christian activism, who hold their peace and will not cross the street for any cause that might bring reproach or loss upon themselves, be feared? Why not ask, “Should a bowl full of Jello be feared? Should the menopausal hotflashes and toothless gums of an old worn out denominational or fellowship machine be feared?” No! Never.
The Wicked’s Accomplices
“When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt…” Prov. 18:3
When the wicked come, they are not alone; lace drawers and brotherly “contempt” always accompanies. Scorn, contempt, and criticism toward those who may take a stronger stand, for their Lord, keeps the attention off jelly-fish who fear reproach and loss.
Contemptuous Lying
“Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.” Psa. 31:18.
The usually more prestigious and influential scorners not only exhibit contempt toward anyone with a cause but, often, also take up lying and slander against him whose cause causes them so much discomfort. They will go out of their way to publish some fault or weakness, of these brethren, venting their scorn, in order to excuse themselves from such causes. The apostle Paul had similar experiences with this type of brethren (2 Cor. 10:10). If they cannot find some weakness, they will make things up, taking up lying and slander. Some are even willing to side with the wicked and testify, in court, or in the media, against them. Shame!
Mid-Life Crisis
Brethren, who once joined with the Holy Spirit, in rebuking the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment now scoff contemptously at the anti-abortion, the anti-license, anti-incorporation, anti-porn, anti-homosexual, and anti-Bible perversion efforts of lesser known brethren.
Why do brethren go through a change of life? How can they give birth to worthy causes one day and have “hot flashes” and scorn a cause the next? Perhaps, the brethren have grown older, weaker, and lost their courage. Not even a little strength? Or is it because “now” they have too much to lose. Fighting was all right when all they had was a storefront church, forty dollar offerings, and a mobile home. But now, why rock the boat when you stand to lose a multi $$$ “plant,” great offerings, and luxurious, worldly possessions? Then again, it might be because they are so entangled, incorporated in, and dependent upon Babylonian system of government (instead of upon their Lord) that they see no way out of it. They have forgotten that the journey, which they have already taken, started with “one step.” Tired? Lazy? “Sour grapes?” Who knows? Whatever the problems are, be sure that the brethren have become adept at concealment. Covering oneself, by heaping scorn and contempt on other brethren, will not fool the Lord nor will it cover one’s guilt. Moreover, it will not fool us. What? Are we trying to split the brethren?” Of course not, everyone knows that you can’t spill a sponge!