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r I AHERE’S no use asking God for special guidance on problems answers to which are clearly taught in Scripture. These ought to be understood as a matter of course, and observed on general principles. These truths are God’s will in every Christian life . . . every day. For instance, everyone knows the Bible forbids shady dealings in busi ness. We must provide things honest in the sight of all men (Rom. 12:17). We must not steal (Eph. 4:28). We are to avoid every appearance of evil (1 Thess. 5:22). What would be the value of asking God for His guidance concerning a business venture which was slightly off-color? His will would always be “ No” ! Or, suppose a Christian was in love with one who was not a Christian. There would just be no answer from God to the petition as to whether or not this marriage should take place. God has sternly and specifically for bidden this (2 Cor. 6:14). Christians are to marry only Christians (1 Cor. 7:39). Only confusion, heart sorrow and bitter disappointment follow the disregard of this principle. Others might pray to God about whether or not to join a church. But there is no need of hesitation here. The Church is God’s divinely appoint ed institution in the world today, and God’s provision for the believer’s need of comfort, fellowship, sustenance, and place of service (Matt. 16:18). There might be a question about which church to join, and this, too, may be settled on revealed truths. Page Twelve
Personal advancement might raise some questions. Should the Christian follow this business venture to certain riches? Does God desire this child of His to become rich, to have more than abundance, or should money be used as made, of course, for the glory of God? Again the Scriptures are not silent. There are serious warnings about riches, and wise admonitions to lay up treasures in heaven (1 Tim. 6:17-19; Matt. 6:19, 20). Now, it is true that a knowledge of these principles comes only from an intimate acquaintance with Scripture. But God purposes that His children shall both know these truths and guide their lives accordingly. Happy is that Christian who has been steeped in Bible truth from childhood. For oth ers, there is no short cut. Learn them. Your First Responsibility Those who would know the will of God must be “ dead in earnest.” No one may ever take the attitude “ let God show me His will, and I’ll con sider it” and then hope to hear God speak. Understand that the plan of God is the superlative of all plans (Col. 2 :4 ). It is complete, incompa rable, perfect. But God will simply not reveal His will until your heart is ready to receive it in 24-carat earnest ness. It is always a good exercise to ex amine your inner attitude carefully. Go some place where you may De quiet and alone, and microscopically scrutinize the relationship of your
life to God’s hidden will. Look relent lessly into all the nooks and crannies. Do you see things hidden there of which He would not approve . . . even little things? Are you endeavor ing to hide anything from His eyes (Psa. 94:7-9)? Have you committed everything (and I do mean every thing) into His loving hands? For instance . . . your loved ones. Do you place your affection for them above your love for Christ (Matt. 10:37)? Remember this, that God cares for dear ones a thousand times more than you can ever hope to. Or, your business (Matt. 6 :33 )? Is it committed wholly to God, or are you running it as a side line for your own profit ? Or your estimation of yourself. Perhaps secretly you think you’re not so bad, and God is rather lucky that you decided to become a Christian and help Him. Oh, my friend, you must realize that you were nothing but a poor, lost, bankrupt, condemned sinner until Christ came your way and rescued you from the miry clay of certain death (Rom. 3:10-18; Psa. 40:2). Beloved . . . be honest with God. Let your heart be crystal clear in His sight. Know this, that God could pick up a stick or a stone and make it a thousand times better represen tative than the most talented of us if He wanted to. It is only because of His grace that He uses us at all. Tell Him that of yourself you’re nothing, absolutely nothing (1 Tim. 1:15). Then pray that He will take T H E K I N G ' S B U S I N E S S
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