BALANCE: DIFFICULT, BUT NOT IMPOSSIBLE!

William Andrew Dillard

A few years ago, while visiting in San Diego, California, a strange site appeared at the edge of the bay. There were these irregular rocks of various size and shape balanced to create numerous single poles. To say the site arrested attention is an understatement. How can this be?
It was then that I noticed the artist responsible for the phenomenon. While watching him busily engrossed in his creations, he paused to invite me to create a similar pole. With one rock stacked in balance upon the first one, all else failed. No matter how many times it was tried, the balance simply was not there. My immediate response was that there was a trick to it; that these particular rocks I was working with could not be so balanced to create a standing pole. The artist smiled, picked up my rocks and began balancing them one upon another to create the pole. I still do not understand how he could determine the exact center of gravity that allowed the rock to be in such perfect balance.
The reality of that strange encounter illustrates another form of balance so much more important. It is the balance of life that God calls upon His people to live, a life of righteousness in a world dominated by sin, personally, locally, nationally, and internationally. It seems the very moment one feels he is really accomplishing that balance, up jumps the devil, and once more the stark realization that we are still sinners is blatantly announced.
Once there was a ruler whose life failed miserably to measure up to that calling. His name was Belshazzar, the last king of the world empire of Babylonia. The words of his judgment were “Mene, Mene, Tekel Upharsin” which translates, “Your kingdom is numbered and finished, You are weighed in the balances and found wanting.” Immediately he was slain and the kingdom passed into the hands of the Medes-Persians.
The balance of life God requires cannot be understood nor accomplished at all by carnal minded men. But the good news is that it is both understood and accomplished by faith in Christ Jesus, in His person, words, and works by our repentance from sin, placing faith in Him. Is it difficult? To the unrepentant, it is impossible! Is it attainable? Indeed it is, not by just one person here and there, but by everyone who lives life in Christ. In that balance the believer is not imputed with sin, as Paul wrote to the Romans in 4:7-8, “Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.” That, my friends, is the perfect, spiritual balance of life bringing the zenith of enjoyment and peace both here and hereafter. How is your balance?

A CHURCH THAT DOES NOT EXIST

William Andrew Dillard

The title is paradoxical. To say that there is a church is to say that it exists, but to say there is a church that does not exist is a contradiction of thoughts. Yet, I have read about such a church, and I am sure you have, too. In newspapers and magazines, it will not be unusual to read of “the Baptist church.” This reflects a thought pattern of the church being universal. Of course, expressions of “the Catholic church,” the Methodist church,” etc. are more nearly correct since Catholic and Protestant churches consider themselves to be universal. Catholic theology points to a universal, visible church while Protestants point to a universal invisible church.
So, to which of these lines of theological thought do Baptist churches generally subscribe? Neither! It is the Bible presentation that the true churches of the Lord Jesus Christ are both visible and local. Each church is totally independent under the headship of Christ Jesus. There is no ecclesiastical (preacher) authority. There is no hierarchy. There is no little church/ big church difference in the eyes of the Lord. All are local assemblies, answerable only to God, with the full weight and responsibility of carrying out the commands of Christ as though they were the only congregation on earth. The only headquarters of the Lord’s churches is in heaven. His churches have equal authority to win disciples, baptize them, teach them, and administer the ordinances according to the Word. A church simply cannot get any more independent than to have the independence God gave to it to represent Him on earth. But, a church can get a lot less independent by subscribing to false doctrines, practices, and acquiescing to the designs and schemes of men. The purpose of such is usually for the sake of “business advantage” and/or to capture congregational power to enhance economic, political, and strained theological activity that God never commanded or intended.
There is no such thing as a biblically recognized, universal church on earth whether visible or invisible! Jesus set in motion a local congregation and empowered it to do likewise in carrying out the Great Commission, Matthew 28:18-20. I understand “Johnson Street Baptist Church” or a church by some other name that distinguishes it as a local assembly in a specific location or in a specified dedication of service. I do not understand nor will I accept the terminology of “The Baptist Church.” It is a church that simply does not exist.

WHAT DID THE APOSTLE PETER DO THAT WAS SO RIGHT?

William Andrew Dillard

Most every Bible student is familiar with the great sin of the Apostle Peter. Peter was a man quick to speak and a little slow to think. It seems that he had to say something on every occasion, and often what he said was wrong. In that regard many of us today can identify with him.
Of course, what is remembered most is his boast to stay with the Lord, and support Him no matter what the circumstances. Jesus told him that before the rooster crowed he would deny Him three times. That is exactly what happened. What must it have been like to know that you not only denied, but cursed to emphasis that denial of Jesus in the crucial hour of his trial and subsequent crucifixion?
So, what did Peter do that was so right? In tears he repented of his deed as he realized the weakness of the flesh and what can happen when real danger knocks at one’s door. His repentance was genuine, and the grace of God was sufficient to forgive him and restore him to prominent service in His ministry. Peter would never be the same. However, his bitterly disappointing sin was totally forgiven and he was so much the wiser for the experience.
God’s Word teaches us that “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” I John 1:9. Peter sinned greatly, but he genuinely repented, received the forgiveness of God and went on to serve Him in a great and wonderful way. That is so right!
We should never let past sins and disappointing deeds keep us from a close relationship with the Lord. God is in the convicting business. Additionally, He is in the forgiving business when one repents of sin. He is in the restoration business of broken lives to meaningful purpose in His great cause on earth. No one should miss out on the fulfillment of spiritual potential in this life, and the reward that it will bring in the next one.
Are you disappointed in yourself? Are you disappointed in others? We are all sinners. We all disappoint others from time to time. We also disappoint ourselves, especially when we think we are strong, and we discount the weakness of the flesh. It is not amazing that we should fail, but it is so important that we repent, and go on in serving our wonderful Lord and Savior Who loves us. In this, we can also identify with the apostle Peter, and that is so right!

WHAT DID SHAMMAH DO THAT WAS SO RIGHT?

William Andrew Dillard

Out of the annals of history of ancient Israel comes an interesting, but little noted individual and event. In 2 Samuel 23:11-12 one is introduced to one of thirty top warriors in King David’s army. His name is Shammah. Although his name and claim to fame is little known among nominal Christians, his service to God and to the king was well known in his day, and it placed him into a sort of “hall of fame” for David’s generals.
The 80 years of the combined reign of Saul and David were years of war after war. Perhaps the most notable of the continuous enemies of ancient Israel was the Philistines. When they were strong, they would attack Israel in some of their weaker places and take whatever they wanted including people. It appears that the Philistines wanted a field of lentils that belonged to Israelites, and they were willing to go to war to take it. The Israelites including presumably the ones who owned the field fled from before the Philistine warriors. But, Shammah did not. He stood his ground and God wrought a great victory that day by his hand. Interestingly, it was a bean patch he protected. Of course, a field of beans ready or near ready for harvest represented a valuable asset to the owner, as well and to the population at large in the marketplace. More interesting is the name of the defender.,”Shammah,” This is a Hebrew word that means “There.” Shammah was not flighty or fearful. He was solid—he was there. He could be counted on in any time of crisis. Indeed, the bean patch was important but more-so was the principle of not giving in to those who would plunder and steal. What did he do that was so right? Simply put, he trusted in God to help him, and to give him victory. Notice that the Bible does not say that Shammah won the victory. Rather it pointedly says that God wrought the great victory.
Why is this recorded in the book of God for all generations of the ages? It is not accidental, but with great purpose. It is for us upon whom the ends of the world are come, said the apostle Paul in I Cor. 10:11. True believers must know that God and one still make a majority.
Do you run away in the face of seemingly overwhelming odds or do you trust in God to help you and give you the victory? If your trust is in God and you are depending upon His promises, that is so right! It is following a Bible example of many precedents of which Shammah is one.

VERBAL BROAD BRUSH PAINTINGS BOOMERANG

William Andrew Dillard

As a noun, “Boomerang” is a curved piece of wood that returns to the thrower when thrown. As a verb, it denotes the return of most anything to the originator, often negatively. A verbal broad brush tends to verbally paint the character of one into a perceived camp that is not good. David and Solomon address these matters of life preserved as the Word of God. Let them be heard!
Many are the times that one will hear the character of someone verbally painted into the same room as outright heretics because of some viewpoint not shared by the evaluator. Such swipes of the broad brush often go far to diminish the usefulness of another. It is a evil thing that Satan capitalizes upon, and one that will bring the unbending judgment of God in the day when all shall give account to Him. Then let there be understanding of just how evil this sin is.
Solomon repeatedly said, “There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it is common among men.” Ecc. 6:1; 10:18. He said, “Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.” Prov. 26:27.
The straightforward advice of David is, “Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.” Psalm 34:14. In Psalm 50:19-20, he went on to say, “Thou givest thy mouth to evil, and thy tongue frameth deceit. Thou sittest and speakest against thy brother; thou slanderest thine own mother’s son.”
In New Testament terms, broad brush actions are called “diablos,” of the devil. That word is translated “Slander” in I Timothy 3:11.
It is so easy to speak ill of another, yet so impossible to take those words back. Words one thinks to be his own are never under his control once shared. They take on a life with various skewing in the mind of so many who hear them repeated. Verbal broad-brushing may be likened to a robbery. Later, one may apologize for it, but it never erases the initial action.
Does this mean that anything negative should never be said about someone? Certainly not! God’s people have an obligation to know them who labor among them. Often much trouble could have been avoided if the truth about someone would have been passed on appropriately. But the bottom line is that such information should be handled very carefully. Too much of the time judgments are made simply because views may be out of the range of another’s knowledge or out of a feeling that the person so painted deserves it (judging). The latter here is broad-brushing, not the former.
In the course of life one will find that the person most highly appreciated tends to think a little differently. So, in all things let the truth be spoken, and if one cannot or is not willing to stand by it, then those words are much better off unspoken.
Boomerangs may be indigenous to Australia, but the verbal broad brush is not, and it will most certainly boomerang.

WHAT DID SOLOMON DO THAT WAS SO RIGHT?

William Andrew Dillard

Ranking at the top of intellectually stimulating reading in the Bible are the books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. These books were written by Solomon, Son of David, King of Israel. He remains the wisest sinner who ever lived. His forty-year reign was the most glorious Israel ever had, and the nation rose to the zenith of its history in the construction of the temple and other works in a time of unparalleled peace. So, one may wonder in view of these things just what did Solomon do that was so right?
Usually, there are a number of things in the lives of people that may be pointed out as the underlying cause. However, it is often the more simple things that become the most profound. Such is true in the case of Solomon.
When Solomon was anointed King of Israel to succeed his father, David, he understood the magnitude of the task before him was overwhelming. He did not see his unique position as a springboard to fulfilling fleshly desires and wallowing in luxury so commonly the failure of many. Instead, he took the responsibility of his position quite seriously, and felt unequal to the task. In that frame of mind, Solomon earnestly prayed to the God of heaven for wisdom to lead His people. He did not pray for health, wealth, fame or any of the other common things men covet.
Accordingly, God both heard and answered his prayer. Moreover, God gave Solomon much more than he asked, including wisdom such as no man before him had possessed, and no man after him would possess. In words Solomon himself would later pen he said, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Solomon looked to God, he trusted God, and sought the help of God to fulfill the task that life had brought to him. In these things what Solomon did was so right!
What about you? Do you operate in the power and wisdom of yourself? Do you trust primarily in the advice of others? So many live their lives this way and it is wrong. Do you look to God in prayer for wisdom to live life as it pleases Him? Do you look to His word for instructions about decisions you must make? If you do, then you are following the example of Solomon, and that is so right!

JUST DO WHAT YOU OUGHT TO DO!

William Andrew Dillard

From the earliest days of history comes a powerful point for everyone throughout the ages. It is a point when well taken and observed, that will bring goodness, joy, and appreciation of blessings without end. So, just what is this powerful point? It is: JUST DO WHAT YOU OUGHT TO DO! Think about it!
The story emanates from the lives of two brothers, Cain and Abel, who brought offerings of worship to the Lord. The story is well known. God rejected Cain’s offering, but accepted that of Abel. Cain was exceedingly angry over the rejection, but received the benefit of godly instructions which would rectify his life, and included ample warning of any alternative. God forthrightly told him: “If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.” Students have often asked what this means, especially the last part of it.
Sin in the form of anger and resistance to well doing had enveloped Cain as a dirty shirt, or more to the point of the verse, sprung upon him as a roaring lion. It lay at Cain’s door, and it lies at everyone’s door. It does so because it desires to have each person as its prey. Do not be deceived, sin really wants control of your life. Cain, and everyone else, too, will rule over sin, and keep it at bay, though it burn with desire for us, as long as commitment is made to God’s grace in well doing. Just do what you ought to do! To objectify the subjectivity of this statement, the Bible truth for all men is offered.
Solomon put it this way as he concluded the book of Ecclesiastes at 12:13.“ Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” That statement is true and applicable across the ages. The apostle Paul wrote about God to Timothy: “Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” I Timothy 2:4.
Making a long and wonderful story short, it is the will of God that all men should be saved, and then go on to serious discipleship through baptism, church fellowship, and spiritual maturity in the university of Christ Jesus using His textbook: the Holy Word. Thus will the awful sins of hurt, heartache, and loss be avoided while the joy of faith, hope, and goodness shield against the desires of the springing lion at the doorstep. How awful are the cries of those who have, through foolish and selfish decisions, become the victims of that crouching lion at the door. But greater is He that is within us than he that is in the world. In well doing one may resist the devil to the point that he will flee, according to James 5:8. What all this translates to in simple terms is: Just do what you ought to do!