“Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life…” Do we really think that we can take the Scriptures, regardless of what we believe them to be (the Jews think the same thing about their Scriptures), and delineate a “way of life”, a “way to live life”, or anything else that will secure eternal life for us? Many do! They say they have faith in Jesus, yet, they have list after list of “things we must do, and must not do”, and deny their legalistic attitude. But, they expect everyone, and, the church in particular, to conform. Remember that this thing we call “church” is an organization, regardless of denomination (more especially, because of), we have formed to conform to our idea of what the Scriptures have to say about it. The “church” is “of this world” regardless of how right we believe we are about its character. “…be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” Even when we believe and have faith, we should still heed Paul’s admonition, “not to think of himself (or his church) more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man (or group of men) the measure of faith.” Our sole sovereign is God, individually and collectively. Allegiance to anything less is unacceptable to Him.

“I receive not honor from men.” And, again, “A prophet is not without honor, save in his own country, and in his own house.” The honor of men is generally based on our continued conformation to what he has “made us out to be.” Sometimes, exceeding man’s expectations gets his praise; just so it isn’t too far out in left field. We can totally disagree with some men and receive the praise of their opposing forces. We can then turn around, laud the previous opponents, and be praised by those with whom we previously disagreed. Man’s fickle nature! If you’re involved in the task of getting recognition from man, you need to do some serious contemplation on the Christ. Both Jesus, the Christ, and, the Christ within you. Just take a look at the ‘saints’, both recent and of the past. Whatever wonderful works they may have performed, or didn’t perform, are applauded on the one hand; and, on the other hand, they are disannulled by the unacceptability by the intelligentsia. Who do we think we are? Oh! But that God might behold me in mercy, compassion and forgiveness for my shortsightedness (Jesus called it blindness) (and deafness). “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.” God has given us ‘His Honor’. If we will just follow God in “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Even the natural man can appreciate these things.

“But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you. I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. How can ye believe, which receive honor one of another, and seek not the honor that cometh from God only? Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?”