I have heard these youngsters at times say things that suggest to me that I should say something about what true maturity is. The expression be a man
carries a different connotation than be a woman
so at the risk of being a male chauvinist I want to challenge all the youngsters (male and female) with manhood. It seems to me that while many are on the right track they allow themselves to be burdened by the expectations of the world rather than freed by the simplicity of the Bible.
7 principles of Ecclesiastes 7
Developing good character is the same thing as growing up as far as God is concerned. How you die is far more important than how you are born so take it to heart.
Ecclesiastes 7:1 (KJV) A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth.
Because how we leave this world is more important than how we come in, all of us should study death. How important will your death be to God and man?
Psalms 116:15 [KJV] Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.
Men are wired to spend too much time playing (drinking, sports, whatever) and too little time focusing on DEALING with their mortality. In my opinion women mature earlier because from young they are more sensitive to danger while men cannot see any reason to be afraid. The greatest challenge to maturity is coming to terms with how you want to die. Do you want to be penniless in the poor house? What do you plan to do about it?
Ecclesiastes 7:2-8 (KJV) It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart.3Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.4The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.5It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.6For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity.
2..Accept that life is oppressive and corrupt
Oppression can turn an intelligent man into a raving lunatic with frustration because unseen side benefits and favoritism oils the cogs of society and corrupt at all levels. Don't let these things anger you. Life is unfair and it always was. Accept it. Grow up.
Ecclesiastes 7:7-9 (KJV) Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad; and a gift destroyeth the heart.8Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.9Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools. 10Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not enquire wisely concerning this.
3..Education and money are critical
The combination of intelligence and money is wonderful i.e. educate yourself and make some money. 'Excellency' is better translated 'advantage'. Even if you inherit money you still need to educate yourself.
Ecclesiastes 7:11-12 (KJV) Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun.12For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.
4..Having said all of that consider God.
God is in control and you you do cannot control your future.Plotting and scheming can give you an illusion of control over your life. Don't fool yourself. Who is actually better off? The man you participates in the corruption and and prospers but dies corrupt or the man who dies sooner but with his integrity intact?
Ecclesiastes 7:13-15 (KJV) Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked?14In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him.15All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness.
5..Don't make yourself a target for destruction.
Try not to be singled out as the smart one because you will be participating in your own destruction (e.g. jealousy). Try not to be seen as the trouble maker or the stupid one because someone may kill you.
Ecclesiastes 7:16-17 (KJV) Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself?17Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?
6..Everybody is out to get you.
Everybody is out to get you on some level but you still have to be God fearing in dealing with them. If you had ten (a perfect count) bodyguards it could not protect you from people. The best of them will hurt you.
Ecclesiastes 7:18-22 (KJV) It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all.19Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city.20For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.21Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee:22For oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others.
7..Be careful in dealing with people.
Be careful in dealing with people but be doubly careful when dealing with women. There are few examples of men without ulterior motives but to find a woman who has no ulterior motive is virtually impossible.
Ecclesiastes 7:23-29 (KJV) All this have I proved by wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me.24That which is far off, and exceeding deep, who can find it out?25I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things, and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness:26And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart is snares and nets, and her hands as bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her.27Behold, this have I found, saith the preacher, counting one by one, to find out the account:28Which yet my soul seeketh, but I find not: one man among a thousand have I found; but a woman among all those have I not found.29Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.
No Longer Babies
In the fourth principle above, Solomon said to consider God and we will spend the rest of the article doing that. To understand what adulthood is we must look to see how GOD views it.
1 Corinthians 3:1-10 (KJV) And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.2I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.3For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?4For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?5Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?6I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.7So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.8Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.9For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.10According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
Paul explains what it means to grow beyond a babe in Christ. That is the issue as far as God is concerned because to HIM adulthood means that we are no longer babes in Christ. The first point that Paul identifies is to be able to deal with the truth, to be able to recognise right from wrong based on evidence and not on emotional attachments to personalities or authorities. Paul subtly points out an object lesson outlined in Acts 18:18-28.
Now Paul had spent eighteen months in Corinth before, where he met Aquila and Priscila (Acts 18:1-2, Acts 18:11). This is what happened when Paul left Corinth.
Acts 18:18-28 (KJV) And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.19And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.20When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not;21But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus.22And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up, and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch.23And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.24And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.25This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.26And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.27And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:28For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.
Paul was given the responsibility of the gentiles. Apollos was one of John's disciples not Paul's. He was already a powerful preacher but was unaware of some recent developments. Priscilla and Aquila updated Him. The brethren at Ephesus were able to see past the fact that he was not Paul's disciple and endorse him as a brother when he wanted to go to Achaia. The Corinthians did not seem to be able to do as the Ephesians had done. They could not focus on the issue of good and evil alone. It is obvious that Paul and Apollos did not speak exactly the same thing at the beginning, but the brethren were able to handle the situation with love and both men were united in the gospel or as Paul said he that planteth and he that watereth are one.
The Corinthians resorted to personalities.
1 Corinthians 1:12-13 (KJV) Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.13Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
We should be able to figure out good and evil no matter who is involved.
1 Corinthians 3:21-23 (KJV) Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours;22Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours;23And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's.
Paul himself had been able to see past the pride and personality and totally supported Apollos.
1 Corinthians 16:12 (KJV) As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time.
The issue is captured succinctly in Hebrews.
Hebrews 5:12-14 (KJV) For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.13For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.14But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Manhood means being able to tell what is right from what is wrong without looking to an individual to decide for us.
We know that the key to being an adult is to be able to discern good from evil but how are you able to do that? How do you become able to discern good from evil and become an adult. This is the main thing that Paul wanted to emphasize to Timothy who he was working with to make that transition, the transition to being an adult.
2 Timothy 2:15-16 (KJV) Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.16But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
Paul advised Timothy to study first of all but also to avoid being caught up in secular arguments and biblical ones that do not accomplish anything. So a real man has focus. He is not at all perturbed by the secular. He is very concerned about biblical matters which accomplish something. Accomplishing something depends on the purpose of Christ not on ours so he knows who are Christ's and what He wants to make of us.
2 Timothy 2:17-21 (KJV) And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;18Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.19Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.20But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.21If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.
So we have some control over our own growth i.e. it is up to us to turn from iniquity and specifically in this situation, to avoid looking to personalities but to look to God's word. The Corinthians had not been able to do this.
2 Corinthians 4:1-5 (KJV) Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;2But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.3But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:4In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.5For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
So by honestly using the word of God and focusing on the truth we mature. The Bereans are also an example of how to mature.
Acts 17:10-12 (KJV) And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.12Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.
Maturity had to do with being able to tell right from wrong and the way to do that is to check the Bible. Know what the Bible says and if you are not sure then check. Don't allow yourself to be swayed by people or emotions; look for the truth.
Life is full of disappointment, at least for most Christians. The bible says Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life
- Proverbs 13:12 (KJV). It means that as life builds up our expectations and then casts hope to the ground our spiritual health is affected. Constant disappointment can permanently damage our hearts and cause us to lose our love. Life tries to wear us down and wear us out. It can cause us to compromise on love. Paul brings the issue back into sharp focus.
1 Corinthians 13:1-13 (KJV) Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.2And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.3And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.4Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,5Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;6Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;7Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.8Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.9For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.10But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.11When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.12For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.13And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
What is this talking about? Paul first explains that without love we have nothing of value. Then he explains what love is. Then he explains that it is one of very few things that we take with us into eternity, everything else is too inferior. He then jumps to musing about maturity, in other words he wishes that he had known this earlier. Maturity is marked by the understanding that even hope and faith have less value because they depend on love but love is the part of us that goes into eternity. That is when we become fully mature so it is love that we must focus on. Life will fill you with reasons to hold back on love. Don't give in. It will tell you that you are stupid, you can't accomplish, you need to look out for number one and much more. That is Satan. Luke talks about how we can develop into the children of God, or in other words to have a chance of maturing into GOD.
Luke 6:27-36 (KJV) But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,28Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.29And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also.30 Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.31And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.32For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.33And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.34And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.35But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.36Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
So accept that you will be disappointed by people but you will love them just the same.
Luke 12:13-15 (KJV) And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me.14And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?15And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.
Life will get you down at times but don't give in and let it darken your heart.
Proverbs 24:15-20 (KJV) Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place:16For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.17Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:18Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.19Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked;20For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out.
Psalms 42:11 (KJV) Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.
Romans 8:28 (KJV} And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Philippians 4:6-7 (KJV) Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.[7]And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Colossians 3:23-24 (KJV) And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;24Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
This brings us to the subject of authority. There are always people under authority if there is someone in authority. At some time all fall into both categories. Most of the time it is not under our control. It is in the family, in the church and in the world and the tendency is always to feel that we should resist authority. God says no.
1 Peter 2:13-17 (KJV) Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;14Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.15For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:16As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.17Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.
Maturity means recognising the realities (truth) of the situation and acting accordingly. We have to make every effort to be positive even when we feel oppressed.
Manhood and maturity is the same thing. Being a man means being mature and being able to lead a family corresponds to having the same characteristics. The defining example is found in Genesis with Adam and Eve.
Genesis 3:1-13 (KJV) Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?2And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:3But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.4And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:5For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.6And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.7And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.8And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.9And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?10And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.11And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?12And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat.13And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.
In verse 13 Eve said that the serpent tricked her and so she was deceived. Adam was not tricked but let Eve determine what was right from wrong rather than God. He acted based on personalities. It goes back to what we identified earlier as to be able to deal with the truth, to be able to recognise right from wrong based on evidence and not on emotional attachments to personalities or authorities. Adam's problem was dealing with truth. Paul recognised this and pointed out this weakness to Timothy. Men can be swayed in how they deal with truth based on emotional attachments and the greatest potential is with the one that they love. Leaders are warned to watch out for this in the leadership of the Church.
1 Timothy 2:12-14 (KJV) But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.13For Adam was first formed, then Eve.14And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.
To be a man goes beyond recognising the truth but he (and metaphorically she) must always do what is right even at the risk of offending the ones that he loves. A hen pecked man cannot be an honest leader. He must be the ultimate stronghold for his family.
1 Peter 3:7 (KJV) Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
Therefore a man must learn to somehow do what is right while letting those that he loves recognise that he respects them. Paul left the Corinthians with this admonition.
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (KJV) Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.14Let all your things be done with charity.
They were to show moral fortitude and knowing the truth, act out of true love, which is the love of GOD.
When king David was about to die he wanted to advise Solomon to be a mature leader, a man and a king. The issue again was how Solomon dealt with truth.
1 Kings 2:1-9 (KJV) Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die; and he charged Solomon his son, saying,2I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man;3And keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself:4That the LORD may continue his word which he spake concerning me, saying, If thy children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail thee (said he) a man on the throne of Israel.5Moreover thou knowest also what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, and what he did to the two captains of the hosts of Israel, unto Abner the son of Ner, and unto Amasa the son of Jether, whom he slew, and shed the blood of war in peace, and put the blood of war upon his girdle that was about his loins, and in his shoes that were on his feet.6Do therefore according to thy wisdom, and let not his hoar head go down to the grave in peace.7But shew kindness unto the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be of those that eat at thy table: for so they came to me when I fled because of Absalom thy brother.8And, behold, thou hast with thee Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite of Bahurim, which cursed me with a grievous curse in the day when I went to Mahanaim: but he came down to meet me at Jordan, and I sware to him by the LORD, saying, I will not put thee to death with the sword.9Now therefore hold him not guiltless: for thou art a wise man, and knowest what thou oughtest to do unto him; but his hoar head bring thou down to the grave with blood.
He explained that his success and therefore the success of the nation depended on maintaining the agreement that GOD had made with the nation. That law contained the truth.
Deuteronomy 17:17-20 (KJV) Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold.18And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites:19And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them:20That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left: to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he, and his children, in the midst of Israel.
But then he went on to advise him how to deal with truth in wisdom. Acting on the truth can sometimes depend on circumstances and we have to learn how to apply wisdom. Sometimes we can be tempted to ignore our responsibilities to act on truth and instead sweep it under the carpet, but a king can never afford to do that. It may be prudent to defer justice for a more appropriate time but a king recognises when circumstances change and acts appropriately. Joab was an ambitious murderer but he was an excellent soldier. While the nation was at war he did more good than harm plus there were complications. Shimei was a traitor and accused the king of terrible things which were not true. He could not be trusted. In 2 Samuel 16 the word curse there is better translated as accused because Shimei never asked God to act against David directly but he did accuse him before God.
Shimei was unforgiving and could have been the basis of the parable of the king which took account of his servants.
Matthew 18:23-35 (KJV) Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.24And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.25But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.26The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.27Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.28But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.29And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.30And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.31So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.32Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:33Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?34And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.35So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.
In 2 Samuel 16:5-13, we are told that Shimei was a relative of Saul. He pelted David and his men and accused David of being a bloody man who usurped Saul's throne. This was a horrible lie and according to law David should be put to death if it was true or the witness if he was found to be a false witness. At this time David ignored him. In 2 Samuel 19:18-23 Shimei made sure that he was first to meet David when he returned from exile and begged forgiveness which David granted. Apparently Shimei never showed that he deserved forgiveness since David brought the matter up with Samuel in 1 Kings chapter 2, as noted above. In 1 Kings 2:36-46, soon after Solomon became king he addressed the matter by confining Shimei to Jerusalem as a city of refuge. They both agreed that this was fair that if he crossed over the Kidron valley he would die. Three years later two of his servants ran away and instead of forgiving them he crossed the Kidron to bring them back and the matter was told to Solomon. That was the end of Shimei.
There isn't enough space here to comprehensively cover Joab but essentially he was a powerful fighter, a shrewd ambitious politician, and a ruthless murderer at heart. Joab was David's nephew. He was the son of David's sister Zeruiah and had two brothers, Abishai and Asahel (1 Chronicles 2:16). Joab was complicit with David in the murder of Uriah the Hittite (1 Samuel 11) so David knew the heart of the person that he was dealing with.
Joab also murdered Abner and Amasa. When David was made king over Judah in 2 Samuel, Abner took Saul's son Ishbosheth and made him king in Israel so Abner was a powerful general in Israel. At that time Joab was a leader in David's army as demonstrated by him thrashing Abner's men over a chance meeting at the pool of Gibeon. In the aftermath of that meeting the men of Benjamin switched sides, also Abner killed Joab's brother in the retreat after warning him several times.
In 2 Samuel 3 we find that for several years there was war between Israel lead by Abner and Judah. Eventually there was a falling out of Abner and Ishbosheth and Abner forged a peace with Judah and made David king over all Israel. By this time Joab had risen to be the general over all of David's army (2 samuel 8:16). Joab realised that his ambitions to be over the army of Israel was being threatened and murdered Abner. By this time David had become wary of Joab (2 Samuel 3:39). Joab went on to do mighty deeds for Israel in battle.
Joab is the one who ordered David's son Absalom to be killed (2 Samuel 18:9-17). Absalom was a threat to his power because he was a threat to David's power. Joab realised that David loved Absalom (2 Samuel 14:1) and in that same chapter had shrewdly caused Absalom to be reunited with David (2 Samuel 14:35) after his exile over the incident with Tamar. At that time Absalom was no threat to Joab. Absalom usurped David's throne in 2 Samuel 15 and made Amasa General over the army instead of Joab, threatening Joab's position over Israel, and so Absalom had to go.
In 2 Samuel 17 we find that Joab murdered Amasa because he too threatened Joab's ambitions. Under Absalom rJoab was replaced with Amasa as head of Israel's army. After David regained the throne he realised that Amasa (who was his nephew from Abigail his sister) was a better person for the position than Joab and established Amasa in that position (2 Samuel 13:19). Joab pretended to kiss Amasa and murdered him (2 Samuel 20:10). Joab once again became head of the army.
Joab was shrewd to the end. In 1 kings 1:51-53, Adonijah had held on to the horns of the altar and Solomon spared him considering him a 'worthy' man. After Joab got news that his plot to overthrow Solomon by using Bathsheba, Solomon's mother, against him was discovered, he tried the same as a ruse but Solomon saw through him and ordered him killed on the spot.
Sometimes we think that we can solve our problems by getting in bed with evil but God says not to do it.
1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 (KJV) Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.[22]Abstain from all appearance of evil.
The very first psalm in the Bible also says that the opposite is what works.
Psalms 1:1-6 (KJV) Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.2But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.3And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.4The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.5Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.6For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
While David was in exile when Absalom overthrew him Barzillai sent a generous supply of food, beds, and other important items for David and those with him.
2 Samuel 17:27-29 (KJV) And it came to pass, when David was come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel of Lodebar, and Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim,28Brought beds, and basons, and earthen vessels, and wheat, and barley, and flour, and parched corn, and beans, and lentiles, and parched pulse,29And honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of kine, for David, and for the people that were with him, to eat: for they said, The people is hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness.
On David's return, Barzillai accompanied him as far as Jordan. David offered to provide for him in the royal city but he declined citing his age and consequent infirmities. He sent his son Chimham as his replacement (2 Samuel 19:31-39).
David had to make choices and Solomon had to make choices but their circumstances were different. The king has responsibilities to the nation that must be dealt with according to the circumstances.
The standard of maturity is Christ. Christ is not only good He is able to make others good and that is perfect maturity.
Ephesians 4:11-15 (KJV) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;12For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:13Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:14That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;15But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
Now what do we see emphasized here. It is not money or houses or children or power or status in this world that brings us to the same level of faith and knowledge as Christ and hence to perfection. What is emphasised as the objective is knowledge and faith so that we can take the next steps which is to first stand firm and secondly speak the truth in love. We are directed to learn the truth and to speak it in love. Sometimes the first part is not that hard but when it comes to always speaking hard things in love that can only come through maturity. That is the real challenge.
Galatians 2:11-13 (KJV) But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.12For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.13And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.
Matthew 18:15-20 (KJV) Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.16But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.17And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.18Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.19Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.20For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
You can also read Leviticus 19:17, Proverbs 25:9, Matthew 18:21, Luke 17:3, 1 Corinthians 9:19, Galatians 6:1, James 5:19 and many more that show us our obligation to show people their faults in love. So again in this area it is about knowing what is right (always having the right solution) and acting on it in love. None of us can know everything and none of us can do everything so what then can we do? What does God expect from us?
What does God expect of the mature person? Is it to acquire a lot of knowledge, riches and power so that we have a lot to give in sacrifice. We can sometimes make it hard but God says that it is simple.
Micah 6:6-8 (KJV) Wherewith shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old?7Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?8He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?
You see what the key to it all is? Learning to be humble before God. To recognise that what is required is more than we can do on our own and prostrate ourselves in humility. Not necessarily physically but emotionally and from a sincere heart. The best time to learn it is when we are young, and it is not easy.
Lamentations 3:22-33 (KJV) It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.23They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.24The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.25The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.26It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.27It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth.28He sitteth alone and keepeth silence, because he hath borne it upon him.29He putteth his mouth in the dust; if so be there may be hope.30He giveth his cheek to him that smiteth him: he is filled full with reproach.31For the Lord will not cast off for ever:32But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies.33For he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men.
That is why you youngsters face hardship. You are on the right track to maturity. We have to learn humility to mature and humility comes from suffering because the pain drives us to God for relief. Stay focussed on the truth because people will try to deceive with worldly things but let these things drive you in humility to GOD.
