Proverbs 29:18 Without a Vision is a people made naked, And whoso is keeping the law, O his happiness! YLT
Chesterton talks about “nature.”” He says, “it won’t work to form our ideas from some principle found in nature, for the simple reason that (except for some human or divine theory about nature) there is no principle in nature.” “He goes on to say, “there is no equality in nature, neither is there any inequality. “Both need, says Chesterton, some “standard of value.”
He illustrates: Some try to project “aristocracy” onto the anarchy of the animal world. But, both aristocracy and democracy are human ideas, and both say something about “value.”
“Nature doesn’t say that cats are more valuable than mice.” “Nature has no comment on the subject.”
“You can’t say there is victory or superiority in nature unless you have some doctrine about what things are superior.” “You can’t say that the cat ‘scores’ unless you have some system of scoring.”
Still considering “nature,” “Some say ‘the simple passing of time brings superiority’.” (in the animal world). They assume some evolutionary idea. Like “survival of the fittest”
Question? if the passing of time brings superiority, what are we to do meanwhile? “Some are content to sit and do nothing. In this belief, we have no reason for doing anything and no reason for not doing anything. Others try to guess what nature is up to by doing something, by doing anything. For example,
“Because humans might possibly grow wings, they decide to cut off their legs.” Chesterton
Friends, we need a firm and familiar goal. Are we contented at guessing and guessing again? Do we affirm a “possible” vision and run after it in fear of embarrassment ? Do we assume the conclusions of self-made scholars because of their life dedication? Maybe we may, because we have no better vision. But we have frankly: vagaries, subjective ideas, hunches, emotional intelligence, unproven theories and downright BS to choose from. Will we forsake truth for feel-good stuffing, paint it as close to the truth as we can, and rest in it with supporting accomplices? But watch…
Proverbs 29:1 “He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing. “ESV
“We note:
- the license of Eli’s time, when there was no open vision (1Samuel_3:1-21.);
- in Asa’s days, when Israel had long been without a teaching priest. (2Chronicles_15:3);
- and when the impious Ahaz “made Judah naked” (2Chronicles_28:19);
- or when the people were destroyed by reason of lack of knowledge of Divine things, (Hosea_4:6). In every case destruction resulted.
Beloved, Paul explained in 1Corinthians 6:12 “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” and “all things edify not.”
Free thought, though truly free, must have parameters. Freedom cannot entertain thought that destroys freedom. And another from Chesterton, “‘free’ thought is the best way to protect against freedom.”
“Without a Vision is a people made vulnerable, exposed to enemy tactics, unwarned, without knowledge. Necessary restraints are cast off, goals discarded, the true picture of human purpose and function muddled in confusion and unclarity. The spirit of the age, yes, seeks to dominate and in its flood bombards liberty to smithereens. Satan is capturing men at his will. See 2Timothy 2
Yes, darkness brings a vision which encourages a challenge to all that is good and wholesome. All that speaks of liberty- protecting truth stands in a battle for life and freedom.
In closing, Isaiah saw a vision of the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. ” Isaiah 6:1
Sovereign, all powerful, the Lord rules Supreme. Reverential fear evokes “undone” from the heart of Isaiah. Lips being his problem, a coal touches those lips and a miracle of cleansing happens. Not destruction, but mercy, happened in the vision of Isaiah — And then a calling to a true personal vision.
Believers, keep yourself in His love, cast not off the restraints of His glorious vision, let it clothe you and protect you. Then go Love ya
