Beside the Well
I was a bit puzzled about what I kept seeing on the news and social media. The anger and hurling words coming through politics and social attitudes astounded me. Where is all this hatred coming from?
I looked back to my journal and saw I had recorded this from Burroughs on the Beatitudes, and things began to fall into place.
“Righteousness is enough to stir up the hearts of men to oppose it, and to cause them to persecute it.” Amazing, but true. Is this not the basis of bullying? The bully sees someone doing right and attacks?
Cain and Abel are perfect examples. Abel had done as God directed. Cain was mad as a hornet because he had tried to do things his own way and was rejected. Instead of taking responsibility for his failure, Cain blamed his brother and killed him in an attempt to remove the reminder of his own guilt.
Burroughs gave five reasons why men persecute those who try to do right.
1. Because all men’s vices are revealed by righteousness. The light exposes the blotches of sin. It creates two sides—good and evil.
2. Because the carnal heart sees no reason for righteousness. To them, law and order are a hindrance, an obstacle they must eradicate or manipulate for their own benefit.
3. Because righteousness condemns the world. It sets a standard they mock. Noah preached righteousness for over a hundred years, and they all mocked—until the rain came.
4. Because righteousness causes men to hold consistently to principle. The world thinks righteous people are stubborn, but righteous people know that principles keep their hearts strong and steady creating a more solid home and society.
5. Because righteousness holds a special claim of interest in God and the world cannot bear that. They will storm at it. God has no place in their plan; He is a complete distraction and an unnecessary obstruction.
I looked back to my journal and saw I had recorded this from Burroughs on the Beatitudes, and things began to fall into place.
“Righteousness is enough to stir up the hearts of men to oppose it, and to cause them to persecute it.” Amazing, but true. Is this not the basis of bullying? The bully sees someone doing right and attacks?
Cain and Abel are perfect examples. Abel had done as God directed. Cain was mad as a hornet because he had tried to do things his own way and was rejected. Instead of taking responsibility for his failure, Cain blamed his brother and killed him in an attempt to remove the reminder of his own guilt.
Burroughs gave five reasons why men persecute those who try to do right.
1. Because all men’s vices are revealed by righteousness. The light exposes the blotches of sin. It creates two sides—good and evil.
2. Because the carnal heart sees no reason for righteousness. To them, law and order are a hindrance, an obstacle they must eradicate or manipulate for their own benefit.
3. Because righteousness condemns the world. It sets a standard they mock. Noah preached righteousness for over a hundred years, and they all mocked—until the rain came.
4. Because righteousness causes men to hold consistently to principle. The world thinks righteous people are stubborn, but righteous people know that principles keep their hearts strong and steady creating a more solid home and society.
5. Because righteousness holds a special claim of interest in God and the world cannot bear that. They will storm at it. God has no place in their plan; He is a complete distraction and an unnecessary obstruction.
The natural man cannot understand, so, he rejects, ridicules, and persecutes what he fears. For him, a life of righteousness is a reminder of the ultimate judgment of God. (Romans 1:18,19)
So what are the righteous to do? The Bible says we are to stand against evil (Ephesians 6:11-14). We will suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12), but we will grow stronger (1 Peter 5:10). And, we will also reign with Him (2 Timothy 2:12).
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore…” (Ephesians 6:11-14).
Let the unrighteous be as mad as a hornet, I choose to live a righteous life.
So what are the righteous to do? The Bible says we are to stand against evil (Ephesians 6:11-14). We will suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12), but we will grow stronger (1 Peter 5:10). And, we will also reign with Him (2 Timothy 2:12).
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore…” (Ephesians 6:11-14).
Let the unrighteous be as mad as a hornet, I choose to live a righteous life.
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