Join Us

C H Spurgeon, in one of his morning devotions, has some wise and relevant comments on Titus 3: 9 –‘Avoid foolish questions’ – “Our days are few, and are far better spent in doing good, than in disputing over matters which are, at best, of minor importance.  The old schoolmen did a world of mischief by their incessant discussion of subjects of no practical importance; and our churches suffer much from petty wars over abstruse (obscure) points and unimportant questions.  After everything has been said that can be said, neither party is any the wiser, and therefore the discussion no more promotes knowledge than love, and it is foolish to sow in so barren a field. 

 Questions upon points wherein Scripture is silent; upon mysteries which belong to God alone, upon prophecies of doubtful interpretation; and upon mere modes of observing human ceremonials are all foolish, and wise men avoid them.  Our business is neither to ask nor answer foolish questions, but to avoid them altogether; and if we observe the Apostle’s precept (Titus 3: 8) to be careful to maintain good works, we shall find ourselves far too much occupied with profitable business to take much interest in unworthy, contentious and needless strivings.”
 
However, the Prince of preachers goes on to say that there are some questions we must not avoid.  These are issues that concern the well-being of our souls and our walk with the Lord.  We most certainly agree with Spurgeon.  What more appropriate time than the end of the year to review our lives by making some soul-searching enquiries.   To help us in our personal reflection,  I have adapted and reproduced relevant questions from my article last New Year Eve:
 
1.      Have I set the Lord first in my life?  “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself” (Lk. 10: 27).
2.      Have I watched over my heart with great diligence? “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life” (Prov. 4: 23).
3            Have I been faithful in my daily communion with the Lord? “Early will I seek Thee…” (Ps. 63: 1)
4            Have I grown in the knowledge of God and in my walk with Him?  “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (II Pet. 3: 18).
5            Have I honoured the Lord in everything I do?  “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (I Cor. 10: 31).
6            Have I cultivated the fruit of the Spirit – “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness temperance” (Gal. 5: 22-23)?
7            Have I made use of opportunities to learn God’s Word? “Study to shew thyself approved unto God” (II Tim. 2: 15).
8            Have I loved the brethren, the lovable as well as the unlovable? “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.  By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (Jn. 13: 34-35). 
9            Have I sought to minister to the brethren, visitors, children in our midst?  Have I brought encouragement/comfort to them? “Am I my brother's keeper?” (Gen. 4: 9).
10            Have I used my lips to edify and bless others?  “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers” (Eph 4: 29). 
11            Have I used my time well?  “… Redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Eph 5: 15-16).
12            Have I been a channel of blessing to others?  “… strengthen thy brethren” (Lk. 22: 32).
13            Does my life reflect God’s love and grace?  “Not purloinin (pilfering), but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things” (Tit. 2: 10).
14            Am I looking for the soon coming of the Lord, and watching as a servant who expects his Master’s imminent return?  “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come … Blessed is that servant, whom his Lord when He cometh shall find so doing” (Matt. 24: 42, 46).
 
Beloved, such soul-searching enquiries urgently demand our attention.  None is perfect; most of us will confess that we have fallen short in one area or another.  Our failings should stir us to action.  Get right with God and get right with our fellow men, especially our own brethren in the Lord.  Work on it, determine in our hearts to truly end the year with a clear conscience.  Let us prepare our hearts to start afresh this coming New Year!  May we continue to love the Lord, and serve Him with holy devotion and fear.   God bless.