Monday, July 6, 2015

Times of Trying

Help, Lord; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.Psalm 12:1
 
            It is difficult days indeed when men who were once godly in their actions cease from being godly. As I contemplated the verse, I thought how much it applied to our situation today when we see how often men we respect and look to for a Christian example suddenly display the chinks in their armor.
            The verse is in two parts:
The first is the condition of men ceasing to be godly;
The second is the position of the once faithful, among the children of men.
 
It is necessary that in order to be faithful we walk apart from the course of the world.
 
            Early on there were some who thought walking apart from the world meant separating themselves from the world. These became the early monks dwelling in deserts and in caves. Men still seek to do such things in one way or another, but then they are in no position to have a godly influence upon the world.
 
            It is necessary to walk among men while not being part of the ways of men in order to be a fixed point that allows men to see their situation. This brings the criticisms of the world, which in itself often causes those who would be faithful to fail in their own strength alone. This brings us to the question concerning who is able to stand against the pressures martialed against them in these Last Days?
 
            Please notice that not just the verse but the entire Psalm begins with the cry for help from the Lord, even before the situation is laid out. We will ever fail and fall short of being the representative of the Living Lord Jesus unless we look unto our Lord for our helps from the beginning of each and every day.
 
            Help me Lord lest I cease from being your man; keep me from walking in the world even as I must go out among the world is my prayer. And then to you shall all the glory and honor be given for ever and ever. Amen!

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