Acts 5:33-39 – “When they heard this, they were furious and plotted to kill them. 34 Then one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people, and commanded them to put the apostles outside for a little while. 35 And he said to them: “Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men. 36 For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing. 37 After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed. 38 And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; 39 but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it — lest you even be found to fight against God.”   NKJV

In virtually every dimension of life, we have at least three options when confronted with something we either do not agree with or question.  We can WATCH and observe any new bits of information or clarification.  We can WAIT and see how it plays out if that is possible without grave danger.  We can go to WAR and seek to destroy that which we disagree or question.  I have observed all three on many fronts.  I always take to heart the words of Gamaliel and apply it in every situation I can.

I have seen new fads, doctrines, or modes of worship or action seek to have inroads in churches I have served.  Whenever possible, I would research it prayerfully to discover all I could about it and the originators of the fad, doctrine or mode and WATCH without making a big deal.  There were times I could not simply WATCH for that which was seeking an inroad was diametrically opposed to the written word of God.  There were times I would seek to WAIT and see if it fizzled out as a passing fad or if this was truly something God was birthing and the words of Gamaliel applied, “…if this is of God, you cannot overthrow it – lest you even be found to fight against God” and none of us want to be guilty of fighting against God.  There is a time to WAR and eradicate heresy quickly and swiftly seeking to do so without damaging tender plants in God’s garden.

In life, it is wise to WATCH the attitudes and actions to gain more knowledge of the purpose, source and intent.  It is often prudent to WAIT and observe how things shake out, when possible.  Then as the writer of Ecclesiastes informs, there is a time to WAR when doing less would be detrimental to tender plants, you personally, and those or that for which you are responsible.  If you go to WAR go with God’s weapons and with the intent to preserve and when possible restore.  But, before you go to WAR be sure that war is necessary and you are not “fighting against God” seeking to eradicate what you do not like rather than that which is destructively evil and harmful.

No wonder our Lord instructed us to be “wise as serpents and harmless as doves” in our dealings in this world.  If we react we can negatively impact lives and do far more harm than following the directive of Scripture in letting both grow until harvest lest we root up the wheat with the tares.  This is not an easy decision and one that must find its foundation in the study of God’s word and intercessory prayer.

God bless you richly is my prayer.  Have a fantastic day!