Christian Living

---

COMMITMENT VS CUSTOM


The author of Hebrews sets forth four admonitions in quick succession, giving the impression of
urgency. First, “let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith” (10:22). Which recalls the provocative hymn lyrics: “Come, ye disconsolate, where’er ye languish, come to the mercy seat, fervently kneel.” While along with the assurance, “Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.”
Consequently, the emphasis is on commitment, rather than custom. As for the former, it is a matter of personal devotion. As for the latter, it may simply be to accommodate others.
Second, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess.” Since he who promised is faithful. In this regard, I was talking with a medium. At one point, she offered to inform me of the future. In reply, I observed: “One does not need to know what the future holds, as long as one knows who holds his future.”
She apparently felt threatened by this assertion, and abruptly terminated the conversation. Conversely, I would have welcomed the opportunity to discuss the matter further, with the prospect that she might embrace the faith I enjoyed. Even so, I continued to remember her in prayer from time to time.
Third, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” The term agape is employed here for love, as over against alternatives. It refers to love generated from within, rather than solicited from without. Then to earnestly strive to cultivate such love in others.
Love is appropriately coupled with good deeds. Such as promotes truth, instead of error. Consequently, to serve in a constructive manner, and in doing so, to meet the needs of persons. Whether individually or in conjunction with the efforts of others.
Finally, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” While in context of the previous exhortations: to draw near to God, hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, and consider how we can encourage one another to cultivate love and good deeds.
This brings to mind the Jewish practice of counting toward the Sabbath. Sunday being the first day, Monday the second, and so on. Thus anticipation builds as the week progresses. Moreover, the rabbis taught that one cannot appropriately observe the Sabbath unless he has been conscientious throughout the days preceding it.
Conversely, there are many reasons why we may be reluctant to assemble together. What then? Do so anyway. More times than not this proves to be a blessing. But even if that were not the case, it offers the opportunity of encouraging others. Accordingly, be concerned for others more than for oneself.
As a relevant aside, it is common practice to take leave of one assembly, with the prospect of joining another. Granted, there are occasions when this is preferable. However, it can be exceedingly painful for the persons left behind. So that discouragement unfortunately results.
This recalls a devout individual in a struggling congregation. When asked if he planned to move on to another church, he replied: “No, not when the fellowship is trouble. When things hopefully improve, I will consider it.”
Meanwhile, the text allows that some have altogether given up on meeting together. We are not told for what reason(s). Perhaps under the duress of persecution, as has often been the case. Perhaps offended by alleged hypocrisy, whether this is actual or simply perceived as such. Perhaps simply focused on worldly concerns, whether deliberately or not.
In contrast, we are enjoined to follow Christ. If so, then to follow him into community. Moreover, into service. Whether in good or difficult times. While regardless of the behavior of others, in single-minded obedience.
In any case, but so much more as we sense the time of Christ’s return approaching. Not that we know precisely when this will occur. As C. S. Lewis, observed, “Only God knows when more time will serve no constructive purpose.”
Thus am I reminded of a time shortly after we had moved from New England to the Mid-West. I was driving along the road when storm clouds began to build. Then there were gusts of wind that created a dust storm of threatening proportions. My car began to shake, so that I pulled over to the side of the road. This was unlike anything I had previously experienced. The thought occurred to me that it could signal Christ’s return.
I waited expectantly for some time, before the wind slackened, and I was enabled to continue on my way, but not without a sense of disappointment. While given Fanny Crosby’s lyric refrain, “This my song through endless ages; Jesus led me all the way.” If so, then by way of commitment, rather than simply custom.

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE