“All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” (1st Cor. 6:12)
I have been blessed with an imaginative mind, with the ability to see a situation from many different angles and envision the end result of each possible scenario, and so, in part, our opening verse applies to me, as well as to those who have been blessed in the same manner. Spiritual discernment is a necessary requirement, another blessing, that must be added to the first, for not all those possible endings will edify others, cause growth in myself, or glorify God.
The evil that is growing rapidly across the planet is a prime example for us.
“But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.” (1st Cor. 5:13)
As men of God we know what needs to be done, but it would not be profitable for us, and would possibly dishonor the name of the Living God.
“Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.” (Eccl. 8:11)
And it is in nearly every nation today, but that does not give us the right to step outside the boundaries, so to speak, of those who have been placed in authority over us, even when they have determined, and even assisted in the forward progress of these evils.
If you are in agreement that we are indeed in the beginnings of sorrows, that the days of Jacob’s Troubles are approaching rapidly, then you also know that the Almighty is the one that has allowed these evil rulers the positions they now hold. As such, in a way, Acts 5:39 has become a truth to us who have been crucified with Christ in these most evil of times.
“But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.”
We are thereby then torn, we desire to stand against the evil, yet because of these truths offered, in one sense, we are commanded to stand down, for the Most High is directing these evil men towards His own design.
“And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.” (Exo. 9:16)
These are difficult thoughts for the warriors of Christ, and, if only in a minor way, can be compared to how the angels must have felt when they watched as those evil men in His day beat Him, whipped Him, and then crucified Him. I voice only conjecture here, but only the Almighty Living God of all creation could hold them back that day from doing what they wanted to do.
We must do the same.
There may be individualized moments that will arrive in your life that will require you to act, in those ways that are lawful, as the verse says, for you to do, we are always to stand against evil. But in relation to these days, where entire governmental agencies have determined to undermine and even destroy all that is called good, we must remember, it is God who has placed them there.
“The LORD forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the LORD’S anointed:” (1st Sam. 26:11a)
It is going to get worse, perhaps much worse before we are removed my friends, before the wrath of God falls upon this planet, until then, as it is said, pick your battles with wisdom, make sure it is profitable, do not overstep your bounds.
“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” (John 14:3)
Soldiers of Christ do not pick their battles, He places us where He desires, our responsibility is to obey, no matter how insignificant it may seem. But we must always be at the ready, the armor must be checked daily, the sword of the Spirit must be kept sharp.
You may end up watching more than doing, but rest in this, what He has you doing is what He asks you to do, no more, no less. The victory is assured, the battles may be rough.
Prepare yourself accordingly.
