When holding opinions holds us back

Dear friend

There is the epic story in the scriptures about the masterful Prophet Elijah and his frustration at King Ahab. Ahab had turned almost all of Israel to paganistic idolatry, including the worship of Baal and the establishment of those infamous "groves" that were no more than an ecclesiastical excuse for debauched decadence.

Elijah set up a spectacular contest; between himself on behalf of the True God of Israel, versus Baal as represented by his priests. It would be Elijah alone verses 450 Baalists; a really unfair contest (when you think who had got Elijah's back). To this moxie mismatch was invited no less than the entire population of Israel.

Before the battle of the bonfires and subsequent perishing of the priests, Elijah posed a question to those who were meant to be God's chosen people. It is found in the Old Testament, 1 Kings 18:21.

21 And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.

The question was an incisive interrogation, cutting to the hearts of the hearers. The Israelites wore their chosenness like a chain of exclusivity. But at the same time they wanted the wanton. Their silence spoke volumes.

On this matter of having a split loyalty, the Prophet Hosea similarly sermonised in
Hosea 10:2.

2 Their heart is divided; now shall they be found faulty: he shall break down their altars, he shall spoil their images.

I think the general principle - about the dilemma of decisions in relation to moral choices - is simply presented by the pragmatist James, as found in the New Testament, James 1:8.

8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

So we might ask ourselves, "Am I sitting with instability on any fences in my choosing between right or wrong?" "Am I faithfully following the Father, or do I desire the devil's inducements?" We need to think deeply about these sorts of questions because the devil might have already buried the uncomfortable answers far from our mental moral compass.

I hope we can recognise any recalcitrance that might have muddled our pursuit of righteousness. I pray we will choose, without delay, to be dedicated disciples when faced with "opinions". And once we commit to the right option, we stick to it and don't look back with any lingering longing.

Samuel.