Take Heed (2)By Steven F. Deaton |
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The Lord repeatedly warns us to “take heed.” There are various matters to which we must take heed. In the last article we noted that Jesus said to take heed in our charitable deeds, leaven of the Pharisees, attitude and actions toward “little ones,” and being deceived (Matt. 6:1; 16:6; 18:10; 24:4). Let us notice more admonitions. Jesus said, “But take heed; see, I have told you all things beforehand” (Mk. 13:23). This was said in the context of an explanation about the destruction of Jerusalem. Similarly, in reference to His return, Jesus said, “Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is” (Mk. 13:33). Jesus has told us all things we need to know beforehand about His return. He sent the Holy Spirit to guide the apostles into all truth (Jn. 16:13). There is nothing missing from the gospel that pertains to man’s salvation. God has revealed “all things that pertain to life and godliness” (2 Pet. 1:3). Therefore, no excuses will be accepted at Judgment. Jesus said, “Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given” (Mk. 4:24). He also said, “Therefore take heed how you hear. For whoever has, to him more will be given; and whoever does not have, even what he seems to have will be taken from him” (Lk. 8:18). What and how we hear is very important. We must be careful not to ingest and digest error. Too many Christians swallow the polluted doctrine of denominations and end up accepting their beliefs. We must also watch our attitude as we listen to others. If we have a chip on our shoulder, we may put a twist on what another is saying and draw the wrong conclusion. Jesus said, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of things he possesses” (Lk. 12:15). The world focuses on the material aspect of life. The Bible tells us to focus on the spiritual. The desire to be rich brings with it many temptations; greediness brings many sorrows (1 Tim. 6:9, 10). If we make possessions our priority, we will face perdition. Therefore, Christians need to lay up treasures in heaven (Matt. 6:19-21). They will bring true and lasting happiness, benefiting us in this life and the next. Jesus said, “Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; if he repents, forgive him” (Lk. 17:3). Sin among Christians is no surprise. A Christian who claims he has no sin is a Christian who lies—which is another sin (1 Jn. 1:5-10). Sometimes when Christians sin they do it against one another. In such a case, the one against whom the sin was committed has the obligation to rebuke his wayward brother. This is not out of spite, but out of love for his soul and to gain a brother (Matt. 18:15-17). If he repents, he must be forgiven, even if it is seven times in one day (Lk. 17:4). If we are unwilling to forgive the penitent brother, then the Lord will be unwilling to forgive us (Matt. 6:14, 15). Jesus said, “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly” (Lk. 21:34). This is like the warning given in Mark 13:33, but with a different emphasis. As the cares and affairs of this life pile up, we may be drawn away from righteous living. We may push the return of our Lord to the back of our minds and begin living as though He will not come at all. Carousing and drunkenness are rampant sins in the world around us; celebrated as real living. However, both are sinful works of the flesh and will cause a person to lose his soul (Gal. 5:19-21). If we live in them, we will be caught off guard when Christ returns. Therefore, we must work to remain sober minded, both free from intoxicants and undistracted by the cares of this life. Let us be diligent to “take heed.” The warnings are given for our benefit and, when observed, will bless our souls. |
That which has been is what will be, |
