“… ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time…But I say unto you”~ Matt. 5:33-34.
I like little sayings referred to as aphorisms, maxims, or adages. They’re brief, but can say a lot. But Christians must be careful not to equate all of them with the Scriptures. Some are humanistic, and completely opposite from the Bible’s teachings. On the other hand, there are those with great Biblical principles, which can be incorporated into one’s daily Spiritual life.
Speaking of the former of the two afore mentioned, a good example of mistakenly associating a familiar saying with the Scripture is, “Honesty is the best policy.” But, as old Dr. Bob Jones Sr. used to say, “If you’re honest because it’s the best policy, you’re crooked.”
Another popular Christian cliché among the feel-gooders of our day is, “I love you just the way you are.” Oftentimes, this is made by someone who wants you in return to do the same with them. But, upon close inspection, you will find someone whose life is in shambles, and who has no intention of ever changing. The effort would take character, and that would be just too much for anyone to ask of them.
Such people do not realize, we love them in spite of, not because of. By desiring us to love them just the way they are, they’re seeking approval for their sorry life. If one loves them just the way they are, then, to them, we’re condoning their sinful life-style. Hence, no need for change.
God loves us in Christ; He did not love us for the way we were, but the way He could make us. He saw what we could become in Christ.
To stay the way one is would be to accuse God of loving the sin as well as the sinner. And that, my friend, ain’t ever gonna happen!
by an Old Disciple