In one of his morning devotions, C H Spurgeon made some thought-provoking comments on Titus 3: 9 –‘Avoid foolish questions’ – “Our days are few, and are far better spent in doing good, than in disputing over matters which are, at best, of minor importance. The old schoolmen did a world of mischief by their incessant discussion of subjects of no practical importance; and our churches suffer much from petty wars over abstruse (obscure) points and unimportant questions. After everything has been said that can be said, neither party is any the wiser, and therefore the discussion no more promotes knowledge than love, and it is foolish to sow in so barren a field. Questions upon points wherein Scripture is silent; upon mysteries which belong to God alone, upon prophecies of doubtful interpretation; and upon mere modes of observing human ceremonials are all foolish, and wise men avoid them. Our business is neither to ask nor answer foolish questions, but to avoid them altogether; and if we observe the apostle’s precept (Titus 3: 8) to be careful to maintain good works, we shall find ourselves far too much occupied with profitable business to take much interest in unworthy, contentious and needless strivings.”
The Prince of preachers added that there are some issues we must not avoid. These are questions that concern the well-being of our souls and our walk with the Lord. We agree wholeheartedly with Spurgeon. The end of the year is an appropriate time to review our spiritual lives in 2021 by making some soul-searching enquiries. To help us in our personal reflection, I have listed some relevant questions:
1. Have I set the Lord first in my life? “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself” (Lk 10: 27).
2. Have I watched over my heart with great diligence? “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life” (Prov 4: 23).
3. Have I been faithful in my daily communion with the Lord? “Early will I seek Thee …” (Ps 63: 1).
4. Have I made progress in my spiritual life? “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (II Pet 3: 18).
5. Have I honoured the Lord in all my actions? “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (I Cor 10: 31).
6. Have I manifested the characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit – “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness temperance” (Gal 5: 22-23)?
7. Have I devoted my time to study God’s Word? “Study to shew thyself approved unto God” (II Tim 2: 15).
8. Have I loved the brethren, the lovable as well as the unlovable? “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (Jn 13: 34-35).
9. Have I used my lips to edify and bless others? “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers” (Eph 4: 29).
10. Have I used my time and opportunities well? “… Redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Eph 5: 15-16).
11. Have I been a good witness for the Lord through my life and my lips? “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matt 5: 16; cf Matt 28: 18-20).
12. Am I preparing for the Lord’s coming, and watching as a servant who expects his Master’s soon return? “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come … Blessed is that servant, whom his Lord when He cometh shall find so doing” (Matt 24: 42, 46).
Beloved, such soul-searching enquiries urgently demand our attention. Can we truly say that “It is well with my soul”? No one is perfect; most of us will confess that we have fallen short in one area or another. Our failings should stir us to action. Resolve to end the year with a right relationship with God and man.
If we have set the Lord aside, let us return to Him. He promises to restore us: “I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him” (Hos 14: 4). If we have harboured ill-feelings against another, let us obey God and be reconciled to the offender. Follow the Lord’s example by forgiving and showing grace – Eph 4: 31-32: “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” May each of us seek to honour the Lord and do His will in 2022.
- Pastor