Bitterness or Thanksgiving?

From the Pastor: Dr. M. J. Seymour, Sr.

“…and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled” (Heb. 12:14,15) “I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O LORD: That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.” (Ps. 26:6-7)

The words “Looking diligently” carry the idea of carefully inspecting. The thought is that the sheep of the Lord Jesus are to look upon Him with a careful inspection of His character, manner of life, and purpose that they may emulate the very essence of the Lord. Refusing to do so causes the sheep to fall short of living in and exhibiting the grace of God. To not identify with the Christ of God is to not clearly perceive this journey as God would have us to value it. Thus, bitterness takes root, consumes the heart, and distracts the sheep from the grace and the blessings of God in Christ. Not living in the grace of God is to live a life of foolish bitterness.

The Palmist under inspiration reveals the appropriate mindset every sheep ought to have before the LORD. First, they are to purify their hearts, thoughts, and deeds. Second, they are to spiritually and continuously encircle the altar of God carefully studying the workings and the unveilings of God to man. The believers are to absorb the fact that God works all things for the purpose of glorifying Himself and for their eternal good. Third, as a result of diligent study, the sheep turn away from bitterness and begin to offer sacrifices of thanksgivings to God and proclaim to man the wondrous works of the heavenly Father. Bitterness is changed into gladness, gladness grows into thanksgivings in all things, and then those thanksgivings are publicized for the duration of one’s journey.

Some say that “life is not fair.” Fairness is relative to one’s perspective. If one’s eyes are upon the world then perhaps not, but if one’s eyes are carefully investigating the purpose of God, they would find life to be beyond fair and embedded in the depths of God’s grace. Thanks be unto God that His sheep walk in grace instead of fairness! When the sheep take their scrutinizing eyes off of the Good Shepherd, they will give way for the root of bitterness to take hold of their lives. Examine and imitate the Lord in grace!