James 3:10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
There are some things that we “ought not” do. That phrase is interesting. In just two words it tells us there is a standard of right and wrong (established by God) and the wrong should be completely avoided while the right should be embraced whole-heartedly. To put it simply, some things are just wrong. God says so and we should not do those things. Our opinion concerning the standard is unimportant for God has no need of our opinion on the matter. This godly standard need not be explained away or watered down to suit us but should be sought after, believed, and practiced.
“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (Proverbs 14:12) “The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.” (Proverbs 21:8) That word “froward” means to be perverted. So, the way of man is a perverted way in comparison to the way of God. To be “froward” takes what God has said is right and alters it into that which man says can be justified. God says that is a perversion of his truth. God doesn’t compromise his word. God doesn’t compromise his standard.
The devil has always been slick with his deceptions but it seems that our current trends of religious practice are so foreign from God and his word that the devil has fooled even the saved into believing the “froward” rather than the right. (He has simply fooled people into believing their wrong standard is the right standard.) Worldly religion is not God’s way. Worldly practices are not God’s way.
“God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.” (Romans 3:4)
We may say we love God but, what does God say about loving him?
John 14:15, 21, 23
15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me…
23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
If we truly love God, it changes everything about us. God’s ways become our ways, not in part but the whole. Let us consider our ways today and see what we “ought not” do and “follow after” that which is right. (1 Timothy 6:11)
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