There's A Lion In The Streets, Or Is There?
Solomon tells of the slothful man who says: "There is a lion in the way; a lion in the streets." (Prov. 26:13). Just any excuse will do, when a fellow is too lazy to work. But then we are told that ten of the twelve spies came back from Canaan with a scary report to the effect that: "We saw giants... and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers." (Numbers 13:33.) I suppose a man is never more like a grasshopper than when he's a grasshopper in his own eyes. Jesus tells of the scared one-talent man, who gave this excuse:
"I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth. " (Matt. 25:25.) Every time that "lion in the streets" phobia catches hold of a child of God it makes him sit down on his talents and settle for being a grasshopper. We have become overly concerned about what the CRITICS will say. Some brethren, in seeking to attain everybody's estimation of CONSISTENCY, have whittled themselves down to broom-straw size, so far as influence for good is concerned. Quit being afraid! Love God and seek His kingdom, let what others think go. John tells us that, "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love." (1 John 4:18.) And Solomon further reminds us that "The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion." (Prov. 28:1)
Some of us are honestly afraid to teach the truth for fear of being misunderstood. Let us forget about the lions and giants and get back to preaching the gospel and saving souls. Give forthright answers, and let the chips fall where they may:
1. Do you believe in church cooperation in helping the needy saints? ANSWER: Yes! 1 Cor. 16:1-3; 2 Cor. 8:1-4; and Rom. 15:26.
2. Do you believe in church cooperation in helping preach the gospel? ANSWER: Yes! 2 Cor. 11:8.
3. Do you believe in church support to the needy? ANSWER: Yes! Acts 6:1-6; Acts 11:28-30; 1 Tim. 5:16.
4. Do you believe in heart felt religion? ANSWER: Yes! Matt. 23:37-39; Rom. 6:17; Col. 3:15; 4:8; 1 John 3;19-21.
5. Do you believe in "Christian education" ?ANSWER: Yes! Matt. 28:19; Eph. 6;4; 1 Tim. 5:14; Titus 2:4.
6. Do you believe that Christians can meet together in order to enjoy social activities and common meals? ANSWER: Yes! Acts 2:46; Heb. 13:1; 1 Pet. 4:9;2 Pet. 2:13; Jude 12.
7. Do you believe in the indwelling of and the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the lives of Christians? ANSWER: Yes! Acts 5:32; Rom. 8:9-26; 1 Cor. 6:19-20; Gal. 4:6.
8. Do you believe in women workers and women teachers in the church work? ANSWER: Yes! Acts 12:12; 16:40; 18:26; Phil. 4:2-3; Romans 16:1-15; 1 Tim. 5:9-10; 2 Tim. 1:5; 3:15; Titus 2:3-5.
9. Do you believe in music in worship? ANSWER: Yes! The music is SINGING, and the INSTRUMENT is the human heart. Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16.
10. Do you believe in "mission" work? ANSWER: Yes! Matt.28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16; Luke 24:47; 2 Tim. 2:1-2; Rev. 22:17. (In person, via printed page, radio, television, etc.)
11. Do you believe in helping outsiders? ANSWER: Yes! Matt. 5:43-47; Luke 10:29-37; Gal. 6:10.
12. Do you believe in miracles? ANSWER: Yes! Every miracle recorded in the Bible. Mark 16:1720; John 20:30-31.
13. Do you believe that God hears and answers prayer today? ANSWER: Yes! John 15:7; James 4:2; 1:5; 1 John 3:22.
14. Do you believe that a blessing is derived from partaking of the Lord's supper? ANSWER: Yes! 1 Cor.10:16; 1 Cor.11:23-34.
15. Do you believe in salvation by grace through faith? ANSWER: Yes! Eph. 2:8-9; Romans 5:1; Gal. 3:26-27; 5:6; Titus 2:11-12.
I realize that we must sometimes state "qualifications" in answering such questions; as circumstances alter all cases. But it isn't always necessary to bring up all the arguments someone else makes about a matter and answer them before you get around to giving the Bible answer. If we are not careful, by the time we get through with all the ramifications in our "answer"; people will honestly forget whether we answered YES or NO!
I sincerely believe this is one reason why we are being accused of being anti-college, anti-mission work, anti-common meals, anti-orphan, anti-widows, anti-Holy Spirit, and anti-everything else. It is high time we got over our SCARE and started offering positive answers. We have the truth; so let's not be afraid to say YES; if that happens to be the Bible answer.