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WORLD VIEWS IN CONFLICT Man's way or God's Way, who do we trust with our future? Every person of every country in every generation has to decide. "There is none holy as the Lord: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God. Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed." (1 Samuel 2:2-3) Our country takes pride in our knowledge, wealth, power and achievements. Our abilities are finite. We are short sighted. Our comprehension is incomplete. Our analysis of the world is warped. We can see these limitations in others yet we judge our way superior. God, our Father, is not limited in goodness, wisdom, knowledge, experience, or discernment. He knows all, and He is the ultimate judge of all nations. "The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength." (1 Samuel 2:4) We trust in our power and might, advanced weaponry, and sophisticated technology, but history repeatedly shows victory going to the weaker side in the battle. Many conflicts turn on a small act or word at some seemingly insignificant but surprisingly strategic point. God is in control. He knows and determines the outcome before the first blow is struck. He prefers to enable the weak to triumph when they place their trust in Him (2 Corinthians 12:9). "They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: ... " (1 Samuel 2:5) We trust in our wealth, storing up our riches, surrounding ourselves with comfort and ease. We live separated from the filth and disease of poverty. We protect ourselves from crime and violence. But evil has invaded our safe little world. It has enticed our children away. While we were saying, "Peace and safety," then sudden destruction comes. (1 Thessalonians 5:3) Our wealth is gone (Proverb 23:5). "The Lord killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up." (1 Samuel 2:6) We believe in science and medicine to improve the quality and the length of our lives, but it is God who determines life and death, and He alone has the power of true resurrection. He is not willing that any perish but that all come to repentance and eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. "The Lord maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up. He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: ... ". (1 SamueI2:7-8a) God chose common men in Bible times and throughout history and made heroes out of them. Joseph, Moses, King David and Daniel were all raised by God from low circumstances to become rulers. The character of a man is forged by the path he chooses through the troubles and trials of life (Romans 5:3-5). "He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail. The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the Lord shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed." (1 Samuel 2:9-10) The worldly may scoff at us and demean our beliefs, but the wrong shall fail. The right will prevail. For us there is only one Savior, one Lord, one God, one Father (Ephesians 4:5). Only in God do we put our trust.
Richard D. Min. Director of Missions |
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Baptist Association