WISE CHASTISEMENT
Hebrews 12:14-17
Chastisement doesn’t mean an actual whip, though with some it may include it, when they haven’t strength enough, or love enough, for the higher, better level. It means instruction, information, training, that a man can see where he is wrong. But it means more, doing it so lovingly, tactfully, patiently, that he not only knows he’s been wrong, but he wants to do right; and, more yet, he makes a start that way.
Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Think about these questions as you meditate on the verse. What does this verse teach me? How does this verse apply to my Life?
DUTY STANDS SENTINEL
1 Corinthians 10:23-33
Duty is what is due to oneself or to others. If I drink an intoxicant it may hurt my acquaintance who is struggling bravely against a fevered appetite. It is my duty not to. So I won’t, even though I might. It will injure my own body, loosen my control upon my will power, make me open to other evil habits, dull my judgment. My duty to myself calls for restraint. So I won’t. Duty sternly forbids.
TRUE GENTLEFOLK
1 Corinthians 8:1-13
A gentleman will never do as he properly may if it will hurt someone else. For gentleness is strength accommodating its strength to someone weaker. Gentleness in its first meaning is manliness. And manliness will be true to itself in dealing with another, and never take an unfair advantage. Jesus was the truest of gentle men. Gentleness is love in contact with others. It gladly puts a restraint upon itself for the sake of another.
WHEN IN DOUBT DON’T!
Romans 14:13-23
If a thing’s doubtful it isn’t doubtful for the man who would ring true. If there’s a question mark on a habit or a custom or anything, that should rule it out instanter. The thing may be wrong, then the case is clear. It may not be wrong; but it may, possibly. Then it belongs out. No one cares to eat a doubtful egg. When in doubt, don’t is the only safe rule for him who would be true at any cost.
RARE SELF-MASTERY
Genesis 25:27-34
Sin teeters things over, out of poise. Its fever steals away self-control; simple, strong trust in God under every circumstance holds us steady and content. Selfish longing for material advantage beyond his fair share led Jacob to tempt his brother. Bodily hunger, uncontrolled, made Esau underrate a sacred trust. Both lost control. Both had bad diseases, very contagious; epidemic still, everywhere. Poise—rarest of all rare things— comes through Jesus’ control strong in the life.
