NOTES ON THE WISDOM OF GOD: EIGHT GROUND RULES FOR CHRISTIAN TRUTH TELLING

SCRIPTURE. “But the wisdom from above is first pure [morally and spiritually undefiled], then peace-loving [courteous, considerate], gentle, reasonable [and willing to listen], full of compassion and good fruits. It is unwavering, without [self-righteous] hypocrisy [and self-serving guile].” – JAMES 3:17, AMP

QUOTATION. “[Gandalf] It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and ‘if you don’t keep your feet,’ there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to.” ― J.R.R. TOLKIEN, The Lord of the Rings, 1937; edited

FIRST THOUGHTS

It is gross understatement to say that we now live in a Time of Division not seen since the American Civil War of the mid-19^th century. It truly has increasingly been morphing, for the past seven years or so, more and more into violent confrontation among and between us.

And why has this been happening to so many of us today, beloved? While I have addressed that Vital Question any number of times in past months and years, I reduce to simple structure here by a Single Diagnosis most pointedly uttered by Russian dissident ALEXANDR SOLZHENITSYN at his acceptance of the Templeton Prize on May 10, 1983, at Buckingham Palace, Prince Philip presiding.

“Over half a century ago, while I was still a child, I recall hearing a number of older people offer the following explanation for the great disasters that had befallen Russia: ‘Men have forgotten God; that’s why all this has happened.’”

This simple Maxim pierces through all the philosophies and dogma and shrill debates we see and hear all around us today. And it applies just as much if not more so to the American Church that I continue to sadly propose has also “Forgotten God,” to replace Him with our own version of a Golden Calf in the form of an Ungodly Tyrant who worships Might, Mammon and Megalomania as his core values.

So has America recklessly, wantonly Forgotten God, along with His assemblage of Ancient Virtues embodied in thousands of years of the Biblical Canon, a thousand years of the Common Law Tradition, and our Founding Documents. We have increasingly dared to ‘Sow to a foreign wind, only to Reap the Whirlwind’ of God’s inevitable Fury in the months and years just ahead.

This essay once again seeks to awaken Christian Sensibility, before all of the Dreadful Consequence of our sustained National Disobedience soon falls upon us like the fire and brimstone of Former Times.

II. THE TEACHING

KEY TERM: “WISDOM FROM ABOVE.” ‘Sophia’ [σοφία]: “From a root word, ‘Sophos’ [σοφός], meaning: ‘Wise, not necessarily implying brilliance or scholastic training, but rather the ability to apply with skill what one knows;’ hence, skilled in the affairs of life, learning and the current philosophies of men that draw away from the truth; intelligent, expert; judicious management in forming the best plans and selecting the best means by sound judgment and good sense; also, deep knowledge, moral insight [and discernment], implying cultivation of the mind and enlightened understanding; knowledge of hidden things and symbolic language; learned research; appreciation for the simplicity of the Gospel of Christ.”

COMMENTARY. “‘But the wisdom that is from above’ — Of Celestial Origin; which comes from God; ‘Is first pure’— From all unholy and corrupt mixtures, whether of error or sin.It is agreeable to the tenor of Divine and Evangelical Truth, and conscientious in the discharge of every duty to God and man; it is therefore purified from all that is earthly, sensual, and devilish; ‘Then peaceable’ — Desirous of making and maintaining peace; and willing, in order thereto, to sacrifice anything, ‘except important truth and manifest duty;’ ‘Gentle’ — Soft, mild, yielding, not rigid.

‘Easy to be entreated’ — Persuaded and reconciled where any matters of disgust may have arisen; not stubborn, sour, morose; ‘Full of mercy’ — Of pity and compassion toward persons in a state of ignorance, guilt, and depravity; ready to relieve the miseries and pardon the faults of others; ‘and good fruits’ —Both in the heart and in the life; two of which are immediately specified; ‘Without partiality’ — To those of our own sentiments or denomination, to the injury of others; loving all without respect of persons; embracing all good things, ‘rejecting all evil.’ The original word, αδιακριτος, is, literally, ‘without making a difference.’ This character of True Religion was very properly mentioned to those whom the Apostle had rebuked for their respect of persons, James 2:1-9. ‘Without hypocrisy’ — Intending all the kindness it expresses, and glad to extend its good offices as universally as possible; or ‘without dissimulation,’ as ανυποκριτος

may be rendered; that is, frank and open.

‘Thus, in this beautiful passage, St. James describes the excellent nature of ‘That temper which is recommended by the Christian Religion, and the happy effects which it produces.’ It is the Highest Wisdom; it comes from God and makes those who receive it holy and happy. All the Apostles, except Paul, were illiterate men; but, according to their Master’s promise, they had, by the inspiration of the Spirit, a wisdom and eloquence given them, far exceeding what they could have acquired by the deepest erudition. Of the fulfilment of Christ’s Promise, the Epistle of James is a striking proof.” – JOSEPH BENSON, Notes on the Holy Bible, 5 vols., 1811-1818; edited

DK’S STRUGGLE. Okay, Dr. Kelly’s ‘Come to Jesus’ moment, as I have been praying endlessly about my furious contempt for those “believers” who dangerously malign the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Thus, my probable, occasional failure on the word, “GENTLE:” From a primitive root, ‘Eikó’ [εἴκω], or “Willing to yield, give place, or submit; to resemble or be like.” The formal term is, ‘Epieikés’ [ἐπιεική], meaning, “Appropriate, patient, moderate; properly, equitable; ‘gentle’ in the sense of: ‘Truly fair by relaxing overly strict standards only in order to keep the Spirit of the Law.’”

Thus, for me, I must labor toward gentleness and moderation in my manner generally, but not when I am dealing with a ‘Belligerent’ individual who claims the name of Christ. NOAH WEBSTER (1828) defines such people as those whose basic desire is to “wage war” against God’s Truth. To these, after a first and second warning, I am singularly severe (cf. Titus 3:10).

RECIPROCITY. The root implication of all this is housed well inside the Biblical Principle, or what I prefer to term: THE LAW OF RECIPROCITY:

“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked [He will not allow Himself to be ridiculed, nor treated with contempt nor allow His precepts to be scornfully set aside]; for whatever a man sows, this and this only is what he will reap. For the one who sows to his flesh [his sinful capacity, his worldliness, his disgraceful impulses] will reap from the flesh ruin and destruction, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Let us not grow weary or become discouraged in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap, ‘if we do not give in.’” – GALATIANS 6:7-9, AMP

It is not unlike the much maligned and misunderstood concept of ‘Lex Talionis.’ Canadian Supreme Court Justice MORRIS FISH writes accurately of this of this Old Testament Principle of “An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth” (Exodus 21:23-25).

“The Lex Talionis of the Old Testament has been widely perceived understandably, but mistakenly, as a barbaric Law of Retribution in kind. It is better understood as ‘a seminal expression of restraint and proportionality as moral principles of punishment.’ This has been recognized from the earliest times. Over the intervening centuries, the Lex Talionis has lost neither its moral significance nor its penal relevance.’ – “An Eye for an Eye: Proportionality as a Moral Principle of Punishment,” Oxford Journal of Legal Studies, Vol. 28, Issue 1, pp. 57-71, June 25, 2008; edited

We have nearly always been taught that in every single case we are to remain gentle, never return a false charge or accusation with forcefulness, nor to stretch the point, raise our voice in opposition to any anti-Christian statement or behavior. But if that were true, our own King would have been guilty of violation of The Law and sent to Perdition, when He spoke so harshly to the Scribes and Pharisees on that day so long ago.

Indeed, He called them out publicly, mind you, and loudly, angrily, and severally, labeling them: “Hypocrites!” Blind guides!” “Fools!” Whitewashed tombs!” “Lawless!” “Serpents, brood of vipers!” Then adding to severe public insult, this: “How can you escape the condemnation of hell?” – MATTHEW 23:13-33, NKJV

As I gaze upon what I believe, by the Scriptures, are the breathless hypocrisies, betrayals and abominable blasphemies of Christ and Canon by so many Church Leaders, I can only do likewise, beloved. But as with Jesus, only toward Church Apostates – ‘not toward the unwashed,’ a crucial distinction made sharply by Paul (cf. 1 Corinthians 5:12).

III. TOWARD A THEOLOGY OF PRACTICAL WISDOM

We begin this important section of course with the well-worn Benchmark of “The Beginning of Wisdom” found in PROVERBS 1:7: “The [reverent] fear of the Lord [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] is the beginning and the preeminent part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence]; But arrogant fools despise [skillful and godly] wisdom and instruction and self-discipline.”

So to the meat of what I am trying to resolve in my own mind and conduct in the form of an Historic Question: When should I be severe with an errant brother, and when should I be gentle?

EIGHT SCRIPTURAL PRINCIPLES TO CONSIDER. These serve as my Theological Foundation for what and how I teach; for your prayerful study and consideration.

EMPATHY. “To those who are without (outside) the Law, [I became] as one without the Law, though [I am] not without the law of God, but under the law of Christ, so that I might win those who are without law. To the weak I became [as the] weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means [in any and every way] save some [by leading them to faith in Jesus Christ]. And I do all this for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings along with you.” – 1 CORINTHIANS 9:21-23, AMP

RECIPROCITY. “For they sow the wind and they shall reap the whirlwind. The standing grain has no heads; it shall yield no meal; if it were to yield, strangers and aliens would eat it up.” – HOSEA 8:7, AMPC

HUMILITY. “But He gives us more and more grace [through the power of the Holy Spirit to defy sin and live an obedient life that reflects both our faith and our gratitude for our salvation]. Therefore, it says, “God is opposed to the proud and haughty, but [continually] gives [the gift of] grace to the humble [who turn away from self-righteousness].” – JAMES 4:6, AMP

HOLINESS. “But actually, I have written to you not to associate with any so-called [Christian] brother if he is sexually immoral or greedy, or is an idolater [devoted to anything that takes the place of God], or is a reviler [who insults or slanders or otherwise verbally abuses others], or is a drunkard or a swindler—you must not so much as eat with such a person. For what business is it of mine to judge outsiders (non-believers)? Do you not judge those who are within the church [to protect the church as the situation requires]? God alone sits in judgment on those who are outside [the faith]. Remove the wicked one from among you [expel him from your church].” – 1 CORINTHIANS 5:11-13, AMP

ACCOUNTABLITY. “And this account of them is [really] true. Because it is [true], rebuke them sharply [deal sternly, even severely with them], so that they may be sound in the faith and free from error,[and may show their soundness by] ceasing to give attention to Jewish myths and fables or to rules [laid down] by [mere] men who reject and turn their backs on the Truth.” – TITUS 1:13-14, AMPC

JUDGMENT. “Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!” says the Lord. Therefore thus says the Lord God of Israel against the shepherds who feed My people: ‘You have scattered My flock, driven them away, and not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for the evil of your doings,’ says the Lord. ‘But I will gather the remnant of My flock out of all countries where I have driven them, and bring them back to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase.’” – JEREMIAH 23:1-3, NKJV

WRATH.“And in the temple [enclosure] He [Jesus] found the people who were selling oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers sitting at their tables. He made a whip of cords, and drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen; and He scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables; then to those who sold the doves He said, ‘Take these things away! Stop making My Father’s house a place of commerce!’ His disciples remembered that it is written [in the Scriptures], ‘Zeal (love, concern) for Your house [and its honor] will consume Me.’” – JOHN 2:14-17, AMP

LEADERSHIP. “And that servant who knew his master’s will, and yet did not get ready or act in accord with his will, will be beaten with many lashes [of the whip],but the one who did not know it and did things worthy of a beating, will receive only a few [lashes]. From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more.” – JESUS CHRIST, LUKE 12:47-48, AMP

KELLY’S COVERING LAW. From these Scriptural Mandates I derive the following General Principle for Christian Truth-Telling: ‘With the wise be wise; with the gentle be gentle; with the strong be strong; with the ignorant be forbearing, especially with the “Outsider;” but with the seasoned or proud or greedy “Christian Leader” who is confusing the sheep, be most severe so as to rescue him and God’s flock from their Departure from the Truth of God toward Perdition.’

This is my counsel first to myself, and to you all. In these Last Times of massive Apostasy in the House of the Lord and myriad False Teachers and the Doctrines of Demons everywhere, I offer this as Doctrinal Defense of my strategic and obvious Severity with Church Leaders.

Though I remain open to rebuke, should I be wrong here.

IV. LAST THOUGHTS

Much of my Reconstruction as a follower of Christ and Teacher of the Law has been image of Christ that is far too often a reprehensible “taming” of Biblical Canon and its royal Lion of the Tribe of Judah – if such a thing were possible!

I see endless lines of pastors lining to just be sure to be nice, or be funny, or be gracious to the most perverse ingrates among those who claim to be followers of Christ. Who preach sermons that sound to me like watered down broth, served up neither cold nor hot, but rather the temperature that was nemesis to our King: ‘Lukewarm!’ that does not nourish God’s flocks, but weakens them to the point of spiritual disembowelment, beloved.

So much so that after a while they are no longer willing or able to make the simplest distinctions between Good and Evil, True and False, Right or Wrong. So it is with the disgraceful, cowardly American Shibboleth that commands the Christian disciple:

“Always. Be. Polite!”

Now stop and think: If indeed we are in a Spiritual War holding life or death consequences in an Era of Truth battling mightily with Falsehood, then just how is it “Christ-like” to always be, no matter the audience nor the occasion, “polite”?

The Question: Has Yahweh always been “polite” to the Jewish people? Was His Son Jesus always polite to His disciples and more, the religious leaders? How about the Apostles or further back, the Prophets of the Old Testaments? Precisely. So let’s turn to some saner, wiser counsel from an author whose eyes have been opened to this suffocating cultural myth.

BEING NICE VS. BEING REAL. Wrongly or rightly, I began to cease ‘being nice’ around seven years ago, as I watched my polite conversations about Church treachery fall on deaf and progressively churlish ears. So I had a choice to make: Stay all smiles and aphorisms, or start telling the Truth. All of it, not just the fun and easy parts.

One more introductory comment about what you are about to read. I want our men in the pulpits to start acting like men. Not cute little story tellers who are insufferably affable and friendly, equally to all comers, often absent the dignity and gravitas of a man of God.

Thus, my selection of this excellent piece by pastor, accomplished author, former missionary, and pastoral counselor, MARK BALLENGER. His article, “4 Reasons Christian Men Should Not Be Nice,” was published in his online blogsite, Apply God’s Word on April 14, 2023 (edited).

INTRODUCTION. “Rather than using the word ‘nice’ to describe the care, thoughtfulness, and social hospitality that a grown man should possess, I prefer to use the word ‘kind.’ The Bible commands all Christians, men included, to be ‘kind,’ not ‘nice.’ So as you will see, I’ll being using the words ‘nice’ and ‘kind’ in two very different ways in this article. It takes strength to be kind, which is why we can only truly be kind when the Holy Spirit is producing this fruit through us (Galatians 5:22). While kindness is a fruit of the Spirit, niceness is not.”

SELF RESPECT. “‘You Won’t Respect Yourself If You Are Just a Nice Guy.’ I’m not talking about a worldly self-love. Rather, I’m referring to knowing your true identity as a man. God’s original design for men was to rule and subdue the earth (Genesis 1:28). While we should be kind as we rule over God’s Creation, niceness is just not going to cut it. God made men to be strong and even violent when necessary (like when fighting against an invading army). This is not bad. This is good.”
MEN’S RESPECT. “‘Other Men Won’t Respect You If You Are a Nice Guy.’ Of course, as men we should show respect to all humans regardless of their behavior because they bear the image of God (sic erat scriptum). So I’m not saying that other men have the right to be disrespectful to you if you are too nice. In fact, most guys will probably like you if you are ‘a nice guy’ … [But] Being likable, however, is not our calling as Christian men. It’s not bad to be likeable, but as Christian men, ‘we are called to lead!’ … [And] the whole structure of authority breaks down when the men who are leading lack true strength and are simply ‘nice guys.’ Men you are called to lead will walk over you because they will not sense your leadership.”
WOMEN’S RESPECT. “‘Women Will Not Respect You If You Are a Nice Guy.’ Women like nice guys but they don’t fall in love with nice guys. Why? Because deep down women know there are violent men out in this world, and they know that their only true protection against a violent man is a good, strong man … All that to say, one reason women want a strong man and not a nice man is because they know this world is full of evil men. Even if all these desires for a strong man are subconscious, they are in her. She’s already thinking about her future children. She knows for the sake of her future family, she better marry a strong man who can take care of her and the kids when push comes to shove.”
WORLD’S RESPECT. “‘The World Will Like You If You Are a Nice Guy.’ If the world likes you, you are not following God passionately enough (James 4:4). Can you show me one saint in the Bible that was loved by the world? All the disciples except one were martyred. John the Baptist had his head cut off. All the great kings in the Old Testament had enemies. And most importantly, Jesus was not loved by the world … If no one is trying to cancel you, are you even a Christian man? Seriously. If you’ve never had an enemy, the only possible explanation for that is that you’ve never taken a public stand for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”

CODA. Though I have quoted him several times over the last several years, JOSIAH GILBERT HOLLAND’S epic poem, “God Give Us Men!” simply suits the conclusion perfectly here, so I cite an abbreviated form of his work as we conclude.

“God give us men! A time like this demands strong minds, great hearts, true faith and ready hands; Men whom the love of office cannot kill; Men whom the spoils of office cannot buy; Men who possess opinions and a will; Men who have honor; men who will not lie; Men who can stand before a demagogue and damn his treacherous flatteries without winking! Tall men, sun-crowned, who live above the fog in public duty and in private thinking. For while the rabble with their thumb-worn creeds, their large professions and their little deeds mingle in selfish strife, lo! Freedom weeps, wrong rules the land, and waiting justice sleeps!”– Bartlett’s Familiar Quotations, 1919; edited, reformatted

So may God grant this Last Day Generation with such men, to do good, to seek justice, to rebuke the oppressor, defend the fatherless, and plead for the widow. Lest we all perish in our Indifference.

YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/WaGo7Eemh8g