6/24/10- Truth is for application more than for dissection

24 "Consider carefully what you hear," he continued. "With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more. 25 Those who have will be given more; as for those who do not have, even what they have will be taken from them." (Mark 4:24,25)

Truth that is not understood or lived will be taken away.  Jesus was telling them to listen- not just with their ears, but with their hearts.  Christians who are quick to judge and gossip- are measuring others but not themselves, and are not allowing themselves to be convicted by the gospel.  God reveals Himself in nature.  Creation tells the glory of God- but we distort that glory, so that many will have even that revelation taken away because they do not apply it to their lives (Romans 1:19-21).  The Bible is not just academic- it is first and foremost applicable.  The academics of the Bible are secondary to the truth of Christ that changes lives for the better.  We live in a skeptical country and a skeptical age, and this is a great way to hide ourselves from the Holy Spirit who desires to love us and make us who we were designed to be. 

Prayer: Lord, give me ears to hear today, and a heart to respond to you.  Help me be quick to listen, slow to wrath, and slow to judge.

John Calvin abridged: "Judge not"- this is not an absolute prohibition from discernment, but is intended to cure a disease that is common to all of us.  Too many overlook their own vices to criticize others, and in doing so seem to give themselves more freedom to sin.  The depraved eagerness to bite, censure, and slander is here restrained by Christ.  Curiosity into the behavior of others is abated.  We are allowed- even bound to condemn all sins.  But we do so recognizing that He is the ultimate judge.