Today's readings are 1 Kings 12.20-13.5 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=1+Kings+12.20-13.5 ), 1 Kings 13.33-34 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=1+Kings++13.33-34 ), 2 Corinthians 8.1-24 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=2+Cor.+8.1-24 ), and 1 Kings 14.1-16.28 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=1+Kings+14.1-16.28 ).
We fall into sin and error when we establish principles which go beyond God's requirements as found in Scripture. Woe to us when we lay burdens on others which are not burdens the Lord would lay on them. Look at the deadly consequences. Jeroboam instituted worship involving false gods. He explained it away because it would be easier, more convenient. But consider the implications. We can serve the true God and receive his real forgiveness and grace. Or we can serve false gods and be responsible for true righteousness by our own merit and works. Which one is easier? Which one is possible? Let us cling to and serve the true God.
There's an example of making a ruling which makes life and godliness impossible by allegedly making it easier. How about in 2 Corinthians 8? In many churches we hear requirements of particular levels of financial giving, sometimes at 10% as a bare minimum, sometimes in the form of demands that we give sacrificially, always beyond 10%, with more proving our faith and trust in God. Did you ever notice that the tithe is gone from the scene of requirements in the New Testament? It has been replaced with generosity. In many cases, maybe even most cases, people are able to give a substantial portion of their income. Yet the requirement they are given in the New Testament is that of giving joyfully and generously. There is not testing of our faith or tempting God. We are never called to throw ourselves financially off a pinnacle to see if the Lord will catch us. We are called to love our neighbors as ourselves. Do we do that?
Now we have circled back to the first point. In our giving, which is a way we show love for our neighbor, we will fail. We don't love our neighbors as ourselves. But let us take encouragement. We serve the true God. We receive his real forgiveness and grace, even as he is commanding us to be holy. What a marvellous, all-encompassing God we have.
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