A Right Way

 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 12
We learn from the Scriptures that there is not only the giving out of the truth, but that there is a time and state for it, such as John 16:1212I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. (John 16:12) and 1 Cor. 3:1-31And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. 2I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. 3For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? (1 Corinthians 3:1‑3). Then also we see in Acts 16 that even with the Apostle Paul, his first thoughts as to his pathway were not always the mind of the Lord. "They... were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia." Again, "After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not" (vv. 6, 7).
Jude tells us: "Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." v. 3.
We can see from 1 Cor. 13:1, 21Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. (1 Corinthians 13:1‑2), that though one may have remarkable gifts of tongues, prophecy and faith, yet if the gifts are not used with a sense of love, the speaking may be as "sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal." So the manner in which the truth is brought before the assembly is of great importance.
J.L. Erisman