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In Part I of this series, we took note of several areas
in which the sins of men, such as church owned businesses
and small group ministries of megachurches, could result
in problems for the Lord's church.
If we dwell on possible outcomes and the affect on
us, we could become distracted, even paralyzed, and
ineffective in our work as God's children.
We can't fear the difficulties that may come upon
us. Rather, we should remember that God is in control.
Nothing will happen to us, unless God permits it.
Learn From the Birds, Lilies, and Grass
Jesus commands us not to worry about life, not even
about food and clothing (Matt. 6:25).
He gives us examples of the birds, who don't work
for their food because God feeds them, and the lilies
and grass that don't work for clothing (Matt. 6:26-30).
Jesus concludes that we shouldn't worry about food,
drink, or clothing, but seek God's kingdom and His righteousness
as our top priority (Matt. 6:31-33).
We can extend this lesson to the topic of this article.
We shouldn't worry about the sins of other religions,
and the things that could negatively affect us. Rather,
we should concentrate on our work in God's kingdom,
and let Him worry about the problems that could result.
As worry won't add a single hour to our lives, so
worry won't change the conditions under which we serve
God (Matt. 6:27).
Our task is to concentrate on fulfilling our mission
to the best of our ability.
God's Children Often Suffer as a Result of Other
People's Sin
We must understand that God often allows His children
to suffer as a result of other people's sins.
Daniel was a faithful child of God, yet he had to
suffer as a result of Israel's sin, spending years in
captivity as a righteous man.
Like Daniel, many prophets suffered, not a result
of their sin, but as a result of other people's sin.
Jesus, comparing His disciples to the prophets, says:
- "'Blessed are those who have been persecuted
for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom
of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you
and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil
against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad,
for your reward in heaven is great; for in
the same way they persecuted the prophets who
were before you'" (Matt. 5:10-12).
We may, or may not, be called to experience persecution
in our lifetime. Either way, we should be ready to persevere
through ferocious trials, and not think it's odd or
unusual. Throughout the ages, God has chosen for His
children to be persecuted, and suffer as a result of
man's sins.
- "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal
among you, which comes upon you for your testing,
as though some strange thing were happening to
you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings
of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also
at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice
with exultation" (1 Pet. 4:12-13).
But don't fear, God is in control.
All Things Work Together For Good
We may not see how God is going to use our trials to
produce something good, but we know He will.
- "And we know that God causes all things to work
together for good to those who love God
. . ." (Rom. 8:28).
I doubt the Israelites who died in Egyptian bondage
understood the good God would manifest through
their persecution. And, I doubt first century Christians
understood the good God would manifest through
their lives, after dying barbaric deaths at the hands
of sinners.
So today, we probably won't realize the good God
will bring about through our trials. We may lose the
benefits we enjoy as a tax-exempt congregation, or even
lose the ability to have home Bible studies, but God
will produce good through the trials we experience.
These trials come upon us because God allows it. Therefore
we should endure them, if we're unable to change them
through godly means, knowing God will produce good
through them.
Don't Let Satan Distract You
Satan uses trials as a stumbling block. History shows
that he's often successful, as many of God's children
turn away from the truth to avoid persecution.
When we endure trials, no matter how severe, we shouldn't
allow ourselves to become distracted.
We shouldn't turn away from God to avoid trials. And
we shouldn't allow Satan to hinder us in any way, from
doing our work in God's kingdom.
Conclusion
Don't fear, and don't get distracted, God is in control.
When trials come our way, know that God allows it.
He's in control -- He has a plan!
Yes, we should do our best to change "trying" circumstances,
but in the end, if we have to endure them, we'll do
so rejoicing in the Lord, knowing that God will work
all things together for good.
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