Articles
We're Not Gonna Take It
With my deepest apologies to Mr. Snyder, it is important for saints to remember that there is a part of our former lives of rebellion that was involved with “taking” the things we wanted from the world. Like toddlers with a ball or rattle, we loudly shouted “mine!” with no respect for propriety, decorum, or rightful ownership. Many things that were not ours to have, we grabbed with both hands and refused to let go, only to look for something else to fulfill our wanton greed.
When Christ, in his magnificent grace, paid the price for our sin and provided salvation, He also gave us a new way to live. Instead of only “taking” what we want from the world and others, we give openly and trust that we will be cared for by our Father. As those raised with Jesus we’re not going to take like we did, but give like He showed us.
Instead of taking worldly possessions from others, we work to give. Paul in Ephesians describes the new mentality that saints are to have in the “new man” they are to put on in Christ. One of his examples of changed behavior is, “He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have [something] to share with one who has need.” (Ephesians 4:28) This same mentality was shown in Paul when he was with the saints there (Acts 20:34-36) and he attributed that attitude to the teaching of Jesus Himself, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Instead of taking sexual gratification from others, we give honor to their souls. When Paul wrote to the church in Thessalonica, he was writing to people who had come out of pagan idolatry with all of its wicked practices. He had many excellent things to say about their growth in Christ, but encouraged them to “excel still more.” (I Thessalonians 4:1, 10) One of the ways he encouraged further growth was how they used their bodies in holy ways, not for the fulfillment of carnal appetites. When we use one another for quenching our lusts, we “defraud” our brethren and can expect vengeance from the Lord. (I Thessalonians 4:3-7) Therefore, we must use our bodies to give honor to others, considering their benefit in holiness. (Romans 12:10-13)
Instead of taking blessings from God, we give back a crop of faithful actions. God is so good to provide all that we need to live according to His will, thus it is our duty to respond with growth and demonstrations of faithfulness. We are to be the “good soil” (Matthew 13:8) that takes in the “word implanted” (James 1:19-22) and returns the crop God expects from us. (Galatians 5:22-24) However, if we fail to produce as He expects, we must be warned that an unfruitful field “is worthless and close to being cursed, and it ends up being burned.” (Hebrews 6:7-8)
