• Home
  • About This Blog
  • Contact Me
  • Subscribe
  • Comment Policy

Attempts at Honesty

Reflections on the interplay of the Bible and Culture

  • Westminster Shorter Catechism Series
  • Sermon on the Mount Series
Home Bible Reflection Black, White, and Grey

Black, White, and Grey

Posted on August 2, 2020 Written by Mark McIntyre Leave a Comment


All the way back in the Garden of Eden, the Tempter began his seduction of Eve with the question, “Did God really say . . .”

We, as humans, have succumbed to infinite variations of this same question. But at the core, it is the same old, “Did God really say . . .”

As a result, we have a tendency to look for wiggle room in what God has made very clear in Scripture. We like to muddle black and white and make it grey to suit our fancy or perceived need for expediency.

What prompted this line if thinking is an ongoing discussion that I’ve had with regard to our responsibility to fulfill vows taken before God. In the denomination in which I worship, every officer takes vows before God to uphold the constitution of the church (Presbyterian Church in America).

Scripture in many places reinforces the idea that vows made to God are in a special category and those vows should be considered inviolable. For example, Moses provides these words from God concerning vows:

“If a man vows a vow to the Lord, or swears an oath to bind himself by a pledge, he shall not break his word. He shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.”

Numbers 30:2 (ESV)

Yet I find some who would make the vow and then proceed to act in a way contrary to the constitution they vowed to uphold. Perhaps our culture says this is OK, but based on the verse quoted above, God does not.

I often wonder if the wives of the men that would so easily set aside their vows to God and their congregations would be OK with those men treating their marriage vows in the same manner.

Did God really say that when a vow is taken, it must be fulfilled to the fullest extent of our ability?

Yes, he did indeed say that. Some things are indeed black and white.


Filed Under: Bible Reflection

About Mark McIntyre

A follower of Jesus Christ who shares observations about how Scripture should impact the church and the world. Mark is the original author and editor of Attempts at Honesty.

Follow Attempts at Honesty

Honesty in your Inbox

Thoughts on the third commandment

The third of the Ten Commandments says this: “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.” Exodus 20:7 (ESV) Growing up, this commandment was considered satisfied as long as a person didn’t use the words, “God,” […]

What the Church can learn from Penn State

Something went horribly wrong at Penn State, that much is clear from all the dialog on the news and sports radio in the last week. The evidence points to the fact that evil was being perpetrated and nothing was done to stop it. If people were ignorant that something bad was happening, it seems as […]

Give thanks

Some Reflections Concerning Thanksgiving

As I sit and reflect on the value of a day dedicated to giving thanks many thoughts come to mind.

Counterfeit

Counterfeits and the real thing

The fact that evil deeds have been done by those who claim allegiance to Christ is a criticism that is sometimes raised against Christianity. In thinking about a response to this critique, it dawned on me that anything of value is likely to be counterfeited. The presence of the counterfeit is a backhanded compliment and speaks to the value of the original.

Golden Calf Idol

Confessions of a man-pleaser (idol worhipper)

I could blame it on the church of my youth . . . or, I could just face the fact that I am an idolater at heart and have made an idol out of the approval of others.

Post Series

  • Westminster Shorter Catechism Series
  • Sermon on the Mount Series
June 2023
SMTWTFS
 123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
252627282930 
« May    

Categories

Archives

Blogger Grid
Follow me on Blogarama

Copyright © 2023 · Focus Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in