[Anglican Devotional 29 October 2021] Topic: Chastity And Charity
TOPIC: Chastity And Charity
READ: Ecclesiastes 5:1-10 (NKJV)
Walk prudently when you go to the house of God; and draw near to hear rather than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they do evil.
Do not be rash with your mouth, And let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God [is] in heaven, and you on earth; Therefore let your words be few.
For a dream comes through much activity, And a fool’s voice [is known] by [his] many words.
When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it; For [He has] no pleasure in fools. Pay what you have vowed —
Better not to vow than to vow and not pay.
Do not let your mouth cause your flesh to sin, nor say before the messenger [of God] that it [was] an error. Why should God be angry at your excuse and destroy the work of your hands?
For in the multitude of dreams and many words [there is] also vanity. But fear God.
If you see the oppression of the poor, and the violent perversion of justice and righteousness in a province, do not marvel at the matter; for high official watches over high official, and higher officials are over them.
Moreover the profit of the land is for all; [even] the king is served from the field.
He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; Nor he who loves abundance, with increase. This also [is] vanity.
THE MESSAGE:
Chastity in the context of this passage, is defined as the state of showing restraint, simplicity in expression and purity in conduct and intention, while charity is defined as benevolent goodwill or love towards humanity. This passage focuses on critical issues that man needs to live well – ‘chastity’ – our service to God (verses 1-7), and ‘charity’- our service to fellow humans (verses 8-10). In rendering our service to God, we should observe these three points as the preacher states:
i. To be prudent in hearing (obedience) than making unnecessary sacrifices and vows in the presence of God (verse 1; see 1 Samuel 15:22).
ii. To be careful in making vows to God and not to delay in paying them (verses 2-4).
iii. To be cautioned over too much words, especially in making vows, lest it becomes sin on us (verses 5-7). On the other hand, charity to our fellow humans is required from us; not to oppress the poor, to share in our wealth with others, and to guard our hearts from the vanity of gain and honour (verses 8-10).
Christians are admonished to live in obedience to God’s word. It is better to obey God and follow His injunctions than to perform religious rites that might endanger our lives. We should not allow our conversations, discussions and vain promises to bring us into sin. Also, we must practically extend our hands of charity to our neighbours, especially the poor. We should not aim to gain more possessions through perverted justice. We must also remember that there is a higher official (God) that watches over us all (verse. This virtuous living – chastity and charity can only be practised by a heart that fears God (verse 7).
PRAYER: Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, than great treasure with trouble (Proverbs 15:16)
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