If you take the time to read chapter 17 of Deuteronomy, it is a harsh chapter and really shows what living by the letter of the law entails.
The sacrifice that is mentioned in the first verse of this chapter is what God used to be an example of how perfect his sacrifice would be and that theirs must be also. But on to the last verse...
20. That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left: to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he, and his children, in the midst of Israel.
When I read this I couldn't help but see our own estate in comparison to those who do not yet know the truth of the gospel of Jesus. It is in reference to a king that God would choose and actually a word of instruction to him not to forget where he came from. We who know Christ would do well to bare that in mind as we daily engage in life and living with those around us. We were just like them and if someone would have come to us with a condescending attitude we would not have given their words any credence. Instead we responded to those who we knew loved us as we were and yet we knew they were experiencing a peace we did not have. Peter admonishes us to win our spouse without a word but by simply observing how we live.
So just like the king that hadn't been chosen yet was being given instructions not to think he was better than those he ruled, I would say that it fits for me to do the same with those around me.
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ah yes. I too have recently had to learn this also. Now I also notice here that (branching off a bit) that this future "king" is not to accumulate riches, horses, wives. Pretty much anything that is going to make him appear to be favored among the people. This man is not to be a stranger and he is not to .... well... he is already to be in a position where he is obviously going to have more pull than the majority of the people around him. I think that is why I really like how much God is laying out that he is not to be catered to. A real man who is there because God chose him to be there. Not because he is the most influential and not because he has the best family line and/or the most money. I dare say that this is one of the many things that did not last for very long when it came to how well this man stayed in line with God's instruction for this position.
Now, as you were saying.You know, there seems to be a very fine line between just being right about something, and being involved with someone in conversation and discovering the truth together. VERY FINE LINE. When I am in a conversation with someone and I believe something that I have read in the Bible and I am talking about it with someone who may not have read that, it becomes very easy to be a lecturer and not a caring friend. I dont want to think that I get haughty about it, but why would I be exempt from having it happen to me.
What you said about Paul there is a good application I think. Do I simply live out what I am reading and learning and exeriencing with God or am I waiting to the opportunity to impress people with how much I think I know or with the morals that I hold to. Dont get me wrong....I DO think that there is a right and wrong and sometimes it is necessary to speak up. However for the sake of a relationship with another person it is important to keep in mind what is really going to benefit them. How are they going to be able to learn the best and am I being a hinderence, or a help.
I guess this all kind of sums up to an, "I hear what you are saying and think about it too."
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