“The Hebrew word
for sorrow pictures a shield that covers over; according to one commentator it
denotes the disease, which doctors say, restricts the heart as with a lid,
blocking out all relief. This is the hypocrite's sorrow in affliction, once
conscience revives and God fills him with an amazing awareness of his sin. But
now let me explore some particular kinds of affliction and show what comfort
sincerity offers in each one.
Sincerity supports
the soul under reproach from men. These are not just petty trials; they are
known among the saints' martyrdoms as "cruel mockings" worthy of
being recorded in the sufferings of Christ Hebrews 11:36. The matchless
greatness of Jesus' spirit appeared not only in His enduring the cross but in
"despising the shame" which the foul tongues of His bloody enemies
unmercifully loaded upon Him Hebrews 12:2. Man's ambitious mind cannot put up
with shame; applause is the idol he reaches out for and pays unbelievably high
prices to have.
Diogenes once
stood naked holding a heap of snow and drew gawking spectators to admire his
patience-- until someone asked him whether he would do the same thing if no one
were watching. The hypocrite feeds on credit; he lives on what the breath of
man's praise gives him. When that fails, his heart aches with disappointment;
but when acceptance turns to scorn he dies because he does not have the
approval of God while being reproached by man.
Sincerity, however,
supports the soul against the wind of man's vain breath because he has
conscience and God Himself as his character witnesses at the trials brought
against him. A good conscience and God's Spirit work together to make a
Christian rejoice in time of reproach. It does not matter then if the hail of
man's accusation batters the doors and roof. The Christian is secure inside.”
Quoted material from, ”The Christian in Complete
Armour Daily Readings in Spiritual Warfare” by Gurnall and James S Bell.
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