THE POWER WE POSSESS

Oran Rhodes

It amazing to see how much mankind has a tendency to think of himself. The big “I” is capable of almost anything, according to the big “I”. That is not, however, man’s place in the universe according to God’s revelation. “There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it” (Eccl. 8:8). When it comes down to basics, man really has no power.

Man is not on this planet because he decided to be here. Man was created by God (Gen. 2:7) and by the natural laws which He put in place, every individual who has since lived has come into being. Thus life is still through the wonders of God. “The spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life” (Job 33:4). Mankind needs to be constantly reminded of their lack of control over whether or not they were to come into existence. “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well” (Ps. 139:14).

Neither does man have the power over when death is to come to him. Oh, euthanasia or suicide is now popular among some folk, but even then, the control is of no absolute certainty. For most people life seems so short, even at its longest, and is uncertain at best. “For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth and the flower thereof falleth away:” (1 Pet. 1:24). No matter how long sustained by healthy living and a great outlook on life, the fact is that sooner or later, all must come to this end. “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:”(Rom. 5:12). “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:”(Heb. 9:27).

There are, though, some things which God has placed in the hands of men while in this life. Man does have the power to mold his life life into the shape of the example of Jesus Christ. “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps”(1 Pet.2:21). It is then by choice that men and women can live a separate, sacrificial life in His service. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Rom. 12:1-2). This is what is properly termed, a Christ-centered life, as Paul describes it in Galatians 2:20: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and thelife which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” This is the only kind of life worth living in view of eternity, and it is each individual’s choice to make as to whether they will take advantage of what God has made available to them.

Judgment by our fellow men ends here; but the judgment of God is yet to come. Men pass judgment upon the actions and relationship which they have with any individual who departs this life. No matter what that judgment may be, its value ends at the grave. On the other hand, the judgment of God is not based upon the determinations one’s fellow man may have come to. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good of bad” (2 Cor. 5:10).

The only power afforded us is the power to shape our lives while we have the time and opportunity. May we use the power in our possession wisely. “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep his commandments: for this is the whole of man” (Eccl. 12:13).