Strange Things
Once the Lord healed a man of palsy and the reaction of the bystanders was amazement as they said, "We have seen strange things today" (Luke 5:26). While the days of miracles are past, the days of "strange things" are still very much with us. Consider the following as some sample.
CHRISTIANS WHO DON'T KEEP THEIR PROMISES.
Often when someone who has been negligent in his/her worship attendance is
visited, he/she will promise to be present next Sunday and to "do better." Many
never do. Strange, isn't it! It is bad enough to sin through neglect (James
4:17), but lying makes it even worse.
CHRISTIANS WHO "DROP OUT" AND START BACK AS
IF NOTHING IS WRONG.
Some forsake the assembly for years while they go fishing, hunting, work in the
yard, watch TV and such like. If they decide to begin attending again, they
often will casually "slip" back in as if they had done no wrong. What a "strange
thing" it would be if a man should leave his wife, and after a few years
suddenly show up for supper some evening, offering no explanation or apology! It
is a sin to forsake the assemblies of God's people (Hebrews 10:25) and sin must
be repented of and confessed to be forgiven (Luke 12:3; 1 John 1:9).
CHRISTIANS WHO FAITHFULLY ATTEND, STUDY THEIR
BIBLES AND SERVE IN MANY WAYS, BUT DON'T GIVE GENEROUSLY.
Truly, some people have "tunnel vision" when it comes to supporting the Lord's
work with their money! What a "strange thin" that some are good Bible students
and would even defend the Truth against its enemies, but they have never applied
the Lord's teaching on giving to themselves. They can buy houses, clothes, cards
and even spend money foolishly, but they give little or nothing to the Lord.
Strange, indeed!
CHRISTIANS WHO ARE SO CAREFUL ABOUT THEIR
BODIES, BUT CARELESS ABOUT THEIR SOULS
Many saints are meticulous in the care and feeding of their bodies. They
exercise, they eat good food regularly, they wear attractive clothes, all of
which is commendable. It is surely a "strange thing" to see the same people
never engage in spiritual "exercises" (visiting, regular worship attendance,
prayer, attending Gospel meetings, and lectureships, teaching their families,
etc.) The same folk may never take advantage of wholesome spiritual food
regularly (daily Bible study). Further, the "clothing" and their daily behavior
may be a shame and disgrace to the pure life a Christian is to live. The "inward
man" should get our first attention and it is strange that any Christian would
not see that. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)!
From Our Archives, 1988
By Dub McClish