OPPOSITES (part 1)

It seems that in our world we are faced with a system of opposites, which literally means things that are diametrically opposed to each other. For example hot and cold, high and low, near and far etc. Because of this difference between one extreme to the other, we tend to develop an "in between" philosophy that we think is the best way to understand things. I have often heard that we should be well "balanced", or in other words hold a view somewhere near the mid point between the two extremes. Another way I have heard it expressed is a "middle of the road " philosophy, and I must admit this is the stand I have favored on a lot of controversial issues in the past. You know, "don't rock the boat", try to please everyone, you don't want anyone to not like you, etc. This may sound like a good philosophy, but is it scriptural? After all, if we profess to be followers of Jesus, we better be prepared to follow His commands! Right?

The first command of Jesus that comes to mind is the one recorded in (Rev 3:15-16), which is part of His message to the church in Laodicea "I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!" This definitely doesn't fit a middle of the road philosophy! Just imagine , Jesus would sooner see us cold than lukewarm, of course I believe it goes without saying that His first choice would be that we were hot! Paul, in his letter to the believers in Rome, addressed this issue . We read in (Rom 12:11) from the Amp version "Never lag in zeal and in earnest endeavor; be aglow and burning with the Spirit, serving the Lord". I assume from this that he was saying the same thing as Jesus was wishing for the believers in Laodicea. You might argue that this was only a "wish" of Jesus, and not a command, but I think His point was clear!

Another subject that scripture has a lot to say about is the contrast between "darkness and light", for example (John 1:4-5), and (1 John 1:5-7). Jesus came to earth to be the light of the world, and all who have accepted Him as their personal Savior are carriers of His light. He said we are to be "salt and light" to this world that is lost in darkness and moral corruption. There is no place for a compromise stand half way between light and darkness! Jesus definitely made it clear that we can't serve two masters, or live in two kingdoms at the same time, (Matt 6:19-34). So let us who are followers of Jesus live our lives in such a way that will please both Him and the Father! He has given us the Holy Spirit to indwell us for that very purpose! (Acts 1:8)

Sincerely submitted.

Gramp