Why Not…Admonish One Another? Pt. 2
As we continue in this three part series, let’s work our way through the verses of this old invitation song. Remember, if we are to build one another up to good deeds, we need to consider how effective will we be at admonishing…
Many will remember this song of invitation and the plea that follows, ‘as we stand and as we sing.’ But what admonition (warning or encouragement) do we receive from this spiritual song written in the late 1800’s? “While we pray, and while we plead, while you see your soul’s deep need. While your Father calls you home, will you not, my brother come?” Do we prayer for the lost? Do we personally plead for them (urge them) to examine their life and turn to Christ? Unfortunately, too many think they are, ‘doing just fine, thank you very much.’ There is no ‘deep need’ because the world tells me that if I just love Jesus, I’m OK. Do not settle for “I’m OK! You’re OK!” Paul was very clear as he penned Romans chapter 3 expressing that, “…apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” He further admonished (warned) the church in Thessalonica, “If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him so that he will be put to shame. YET, do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.” (II Thess. 3:14, 15) In this latter passage the message is clear; don’t be pulled away into a false teaching. At the same time, we must be careful that we don’t hate the one who has. Rather, warn him, urge him and admonish him as a brother. This spiritual song is a call for the wandering one to come to Christ.
As we continue with verse two we aren’t singing, ‘IF you have wandered far away…’, rather, this is a declarative statement, “YOU HAVE wandered far away, do not risk another day.” No stronger urge can be made than to declare the obvious. The absolute truth is clear, either you are or you are not following God! And we know who has wandered far away because Christ provides the insight. “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s 
clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit.” (Matthew 7:15-18) Many will turn their face away from God and run the risk of eternal condemnation. Why not accept His grace? The answer to this (for some) is simply a stubborn pride. Regardless of the age, many across our globe have bought into the belief that…“I’m OK.”
Next month we’ll conclude this series and bring to close the message behind this song of admonishment and encouragement. Not that we will ever get to the end of our responsibility to seek and save the lost, but Lord willing, that we will be better suited to encourage…
Why Not…Admonish One Another? Pt. 1
For the next three months we’ll look into how we can better admonish one another. There’s more to admonishing than ‘giving them what for.’ But does this include more than just encouragement? Join us as we spend some time asking the question, “Why not admonish one another?”
Consider for a moment what it means to ‘admonish?’ Is that the same as encouraging someone? If I’m correcting someone, am I admonishing them? When we try to restore a brother who has turned from following God’s Word, do we encourage him to come back or correct him for his error? It’s important that we understand the word “admonish” if we ever hope to fulfill God’s directive “…restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness,” (Galatians 6:1). To admonish someone is to warn them, and yet at the same time it can also mean to advice, encourage or earnestly urge them. And since there is more than one meaning, we are compelled to consider the context for each use. Some may come away thinking, “He needs a good, strong reprimand, so I’ll ‘admonish’ him.” When in actuality what that individual may need is a spirit of gentleness and encouragement. As Paul was saying his final farewell to the saints he loved in Ephesus (Acts 20), he reminded them of his constant admonition that they stay faithful. For three years was Paul warning them to watch out for savage wolves? 
Yes! (Acts 20:29) Was he encouraging them with humility and tears? Yes! (Acts 20:19) Therefore, it behooves us to consider this word “admonish” and how we might better know what we should do as we serve in the Kingdom.
With the singer’s voice and with Paul’s pen let’s consider how we might be better at ‘teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, SINGING with thankfulness in your hearts to God…’ (Col. 3:16). In this way, we’ll examine the practice of encouraging/warning and look closely at what we are singing. Within the Lord’s church we have sung songs that admonish and urge the listener (and the singer) to examine the life they live. Songs like, “Oh do not let the word depart, and close thine eyes against the light. Poor sinner, harden not thy heart, be saved, O tonight.” Or perhaps you’ll remember, “Will you come to the fountain free? Will you come? ‘Tis (It is) for you and me. Thirsty soul, hear the welcome call, ‘tis a fountain open for all.” These two spiritual songs are not alone as they encourage the singer and the listener. But for this discussion, we’ll focus on one of our spiritual songs that ask a simple question, “Why 
not now, why not come to Jesus now?” Let’s analysis the request in this song, evaluate the complete message and strive to fulfill the Hebrew writer’s call to, ‘spur one another on toward love and good deeds…’ (Hebrews 10:24)
Next month we’ll dig deeper into the idea of building one another up, spurring each other on, “while we pray and while we plead…”
“…In the Light of His Word.”
How often do we focus on the unbearable heat of the sun (that we dread encountering… especially in the summer time) as opposed to its soft, soothing warmth? As I was driving to class one morning, I got a bit of a chill and then happened to drive past a portion of sunshine that had broken through the trees and immediately I felt its warmth. This feeling, which to me is an indescribable feeling, brings a sense of comfort and ease, and in that moment, I felt peaceful. If you take a moment to think about it, are you at peace? Are you focused on what is happening within the ‘darkness’ of our current events, or are you focused on a more positive ‘light’? Just by watching and observing the people around me and even tuning into the 
news for 5 minutes, I can tell that our focus has been diverted. Our comfort, has been ‘disrupted’. I would also go so far as to say, that our way or pattern of how we do things has been absolutely shredded to pieces. All because our main goal has been lost (in the eyes of the Almighty God) in the minutest and most miniscule of things. Feelings have been hurt and many are taking those actions performed by others, personally. How long has it been since you felt at peace? Peace, comfort, and ease are things that are very much lacking within our country right now.
So, I’ll ask this. Where is YOUR focus? Has it been diverted, upon hearing all about the lack of trust and ease within the government and among people around you? As unsettling as it is, do not let the overwhelmingly (and at times unbearable) place that we often find ourselves in, affect how we trust God. Will you focus on the dreaded and unbearable ‘heat’ that is being demonstrated so prevalently today, or will you be the gentle and soothing ‘warmth’ (example) of the trust and peace we can find in God? Re-direct your focus to God and you’ll find it is much
easier to walk, “in the light of His word…”. You are the light of the world.” Matt. 5:14
“When we walk with the Lord, in the light of His word; what a glory He sheds on our way. While we do His good will, He abides with us still, and with all who will trust and obey.”
A big thank you to my dad, Myron Bruce, for giving me the opportunity to write for his website!