Ephesians 5:15-16 - Suffer Not Fools

        The founders of America understood the need to check power, to restrict the ability of tyrants to control others.  They knew the reality of human nature and they had no more patience to suffer tyrants and fools.  It’s a key principle of freedom, a key biblical principle.

        I almost didn’t go to Bible study with my men’s group yesterday morning (we meet at 6:30 a.m. at a local bagel shop).  I felt discouraged and frustrated.  I actually turned the vehicle off and went to go back in the house, but then was prompted to go.  And I’m thankful I did.  I was encouraged by these mature Christian men to remain in fellowship with Jesus and the Father.  Yes, we fail.  But we get back up again and press on.  Let’s do that today.  Let’s press on.

        This passage says, “So be careful how you live.  Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise.  Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days” (5:15-16).  Amen.  Lead and encourage those in your sphere and be determined today to do just that.

        We know that everything in creation praises God.  The heavens, seas, fields, and forests all announce that God is coming to judge the world with justice.  And we know that God judges fairly (Psalm 96:10-13).  We simply can’t fool God.  He knows the heart of every person.  Our lives are like a shadow - our time on this earth is brief.  Make the most of it.

        God takes no pleasure in fools - neither shall we (Ecclesiastes 5:4).  Doing what is right shows that we are God’s children (1 John 2:29).  Live wisely, do right.  When we suffer fools in our organizations and turn a blind eye to injustice we are in grave danger of God wiping out all of our achievements - with a stroke of His pen.

        King Solomon tells us that we should not be surprised to see self-serving grifters in the church.  The key is to set an organization up so that we submit to each other rather than being lorded over by tyrants.  Christians should never approve of power structures that enable men to “milk the land” for their own profit (Ecclesiastes 5:9).  The Bible is clear that wealth and good health are a gift from God, but don’t love money!  

        Solemnly assess yourself and your organizations.  Do we revere Christ?  If we do we should submit ourselves to each other as servant leaders.  All too often our leaders don’t look to submit themselves to one another - instead, they work tirelessly to have others submit to them.  They don’t fear God.  And they don’t revere Him.  

        Father God, we need your guidance.  Thank you Holy Spirit for indwelling us - teaching us and reproaching us.  May the church revere and honor you.  May our organizations give you honor and praise as the fields, forests, heavens, mountains, and seas do today.  We shout God’s praise and give Him thanks as we humbly and confidently look forward to His return.  Amen.

President George Washington, Philadelphia, PA.