Christian Living

My Brethren

by Olawale Ogunsola
08/18/23
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Lessons are available to learn for a ready mind. People of God have always wondered why should strange behavior manifest among people of God. Do you know that it is not a new thing to find evil people in the congregation of Saints? The Book of Job reveals,

"1. Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before God." Job 1.

The word "again" which starts the above-quoted verse of the Holy Bible shows that it has become a norm for sons of God to assemble for satan to register his presence in their midst. He repeated the same in Job 1:1. What was his assignment? To accuse the brethren before their God, period! (Revelation 12:10).

During the time of Prophet Jeremiah, the people of God lost great benefits. They were denied beautiful things that could make their lives comfortable. Why was this so? It was their iniquities. Was it all of them? The answer is "No!" It was the presence of contaminators among saints.
"5:26 For among my people are found wicked men: they lay wait, as he that setteth snares; they set a trap, they catch men." Jeremiah.

Do you know this similar scenario takes place in the congregations of Saints today? That is the truth.

In the days of David's troubles, he had six hundred mighty men with him. They shared in all his sufferings and pains. Yet, the Bible reveals the type of warrior with him. After a victorious escapade against the Amalekites who invaded Ziklag, their abode in their absence, the heart content of some men was revealed,
"30:22 Then answered all the wicked men and men of Belial, of those that went with David, and said, Because they went not with us, we will not give them ought of the spoil that we have recovered, save to every man his wife and his children, that they may lead them away, and depart.
"30:23 Then said David, Ye shall not do so, my brethren, with that which the LORD hath given us, who hath preserved us, and delivered the company that came against us into our hand.

39:24 For who will hearken unto you in this matter? but as his part is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his part be that tarrieth by the stuff: they shall part alike." 1 Samuel

There are lots of lessons to learn from David's life. In many respects, he is a very good pattern to follow, except in the matter of Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah the Hittite. The Holy Bible called those who sang a discordant song, "wicked men and men of Belial". Still, David called them, "My brethren." He did not deny them but he rejected their evil counsel outrightly. He did not engage them in any unnecessary debate. He stood his ground to act righteously. He also made it a law and practice in the nation of Israel to curb people like them in the future.

Now to leaders of today, how do we handle people with dissenting voices? How do we treat wicked men among the congregation of God? Do we pray that they should all die or do we pray, counsel, and show them the right path to follow? Let us learn a great lesson here.

Why did David act the way he did?

1. He was sure that his decision was final. He was still in control. No one could oppose his decision. He reserved the sole right to act righteously.

2. He saw it as an opportunity to teach them righteousness. He promised to teach sinners the way of the Lord (Psalm 51:13).

3. He gave room for repentance. He did not throw anyone into the dust bowl. He didn't write them off as nonentities but made provision for them to have new hearts. His conduct resembles that of the Lord Jesus Christ. He knew Judas Iscariot to be a thief, yet, He called him an Apostle, and he was also made the Treasurer of the Ministry. However, Judas Iscariot chose to perish.

4. As at that time, the troubles David was in were not over yet; he needed the support of the wicked men of Belial. He could not afford to part with them because of what they had to offer, including occasional wise counsel.

Let every leader learn from David's experience and be wise. Those who will perish will perish but we should not aid their destruction. Stay blessed and prepared for the imminent coming of the Lord.