Sunday, November 14, 1999 This Week's Lesson:
In this week's lesson, which came from Proverbs 14:4-6, we learned about accepting the bad with the good and also about not being a complainer. Solomon began these verses by presenting a powerful lesson in life. He used an ox for his illustration and contrasted its dual natures of doing meaningful work and of making a big mess. Most people do not like a mess. However, most people do like progress. The ox makes a mess, but the ox is also a good source for work and progress. Deuteronomy 25:4 says, "Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn." In other words, feed the ox, and he will do good things for you. Both of these analogies apply to children, too. Having children in the house usually means a messy house, but children can be a source of great joy and comfort, while also providing a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment. Care for your children as you should, and the rewards for everyone will be beneficial. Psalms 127:3 says, "Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward." Some churches pick up kids with busses and bring them to church. The result might be a messier, more rambunctious church, but the result might also be more young children brought to the Lord. Do not complain about the mess made by the ox. Also, do not take lightly the importance of ministering to little children. As Christians, we should never complain about the burdens caused by having little children in the church.
In these verses, Solomon also spoke about being honest in all things. A witness is someone who has been called to proclaim what he or she has seen. Being a faithful witness means telling the truth. People are hurt when we tell lies, but they can be helped when we tell the truth. Christians should always exalt the truth and forsake falsehood. We should hold up truth as our banner of hope. We should seek to have the same testimony as Hezekiah. II Chronicles 31:20-21 says, "And thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah, and wrought that which was good and right and truth before the LORD his God. And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered." Avoid having a bad attitude, speak the truth, and choose understanding over ignorance. Someone who finds fault with and in everything is annoying. As Christians, we should avoid having a faultfinding spirit. A person who has a complaining spirit looks for wisdom but is not able to find it, mainly because he or she is too focused on ungodly issues. Life is difficult for everyone, and all people have problems. Nevertheless, we should try to have a pleasant spirit.
Lastly, we should strive to be a helper and encourager to those around us. We should not allow ourselves to become too obsessed with our own difficulties but instead should try to do for others. When our attitude and motives are right, we will have far fewer opportunities to be brought down by an unpleasant spirit. Proverbs 3:5-7 says, "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. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil." As you go through the coming week, reflect on these truths and try to be the person that God wants you to be.
Tom of Spotswood"He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." (I John 5:12)
"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13)
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