NO MAN IS AN ISLAND

We might have the idea that what we do is our own private affair and that the life that we live affects only ourselves, but this is far from true. God says that we do not live unto ourselves and we do not die unto ourselves. Everything that we do is observed by someone. God sees those things that we hide from everyone else, and on the day of judgment, those sins that we take with us will be revealed. However, most of the things that we do are seen by others. There are our enemies just waiting to find something that they might use against us, so we need to be careful. Of course, all the good that we might do might not have the desired effect upon them, but we do not want to give them an opportunity to use our deeds as an occasion of blasphemy.

Our friends are likewise watching what we do. And this is an area where we can have great influence. Our friends will be watching to see what kind of example we will set. Many times, they might wait under a particular circumstance, to see how we would react. If we do those things that are right in the sight of God, then we might well lead them to follow in our footsteps, however, if we do those things that are sinful, we might lead them in the paths of destruction.

Since these things are true, how do we determine what we should do in this life? It is dangerous to try and chart our own course, because Proverbs 14:12 tells us, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Then, the only way to know what will be pleasing in God’s sight is to follow the instructions given in His Holy Word. David said, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” (Psalms 119:105). And Paul says, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Tim.3:16,17). Therefore, if we live in accordance with the word of God, we have nothing to worry about, we will be a proper example to whomever might be observing us. Let us each strive to so live that the world might be a better place for our having been here, and a greater number of people in heaven because of our manner of life.