LIBERATION FROM AGITATING PASSIONS & MORAL CONFLICTS ROSS SMITH
Our point of reference for this study is found in:-
James 3:18 And the harvest of righteousness (of conformity to God’s will in thought and deed) (it means that the conformity is both internal, viz “thought” and external, viz “deed” …. Comments mine) is [the fruit of the seed] sown in (in the soil of .. comments mine) peace by those who work for and make peace (are “peaceable”, also “making peace” is a simile for “break up your fallow ground …. See study on “Factor of Eight” part 2) [in themselves and in others, that peace which means concord, agreement, and harmony between individuals, (there would be no “weeds”!!!) with undisturbedness, in a peaceful mind FREE FROM FEARS AND AGITATING PASSIONS AND MORAL CONFLICTS]. (good soil free from the cares of the world as in the parable of the sower)
AGITATING PASSIONS can be one of the most disruptive mechanisms we can encounter. They can be multi-faceted but seldom are they multi-tasking, because there is an “obsessive compulsive” component involved.
They can be “habits, hobbies, husbands, (never wives!!!), hair, health, harping, help, history, home and house, hospitality, him, her, humility, humour,
I want to insert a chart here from “KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING because it has relevance later.
WISDOM = The ethics of God
KNOWLEDGE = The will of God
UNDERSTANDING = The work of God and this is why we need ethics in the workplace!!!
INTELLIGENCE = The blessing of God
My initial study was limited to the aspect of “AGITATING PASSIONS” as I felt we didn’t need to go further as we are not generally troubled with “MORAL CONFLICTS“, but as I proceeded I was acutely aware that this is a key aspect of this subject. But then I am reminded of:-
Galatians 6:10 So then, as occasion and opportunity open up to us, let us do good [MORALLY] to all people [not only being useful or profitable (doing “things”) to them, but also doing what is for their spiritual good and advantage]. (the “ethics” …. I am yet to study what is the difference between “useful and profitable” and “spiritual good and advantage”.)
The FRUIT referred to here is that same fruit referred to in 2 Corinthians 9:10 and Philippians 1:11. One is “increasing” the other is “abounding”, we cannot abound if we do not increase. And if we are not increasing then dare I suggest we are going backwards.
2 Corinthians 9:10 And [God] Who provides seed for the sower (this would be “organic” seed, not “GM”) and bread for eating will also provide and multiply your [resources for] sowing and increase the fruits of your righteousness [WHICH MANIFESTS ITSELF in active goodness,(gentle) kindness,(easily entreated) and charity].(mercy. These are some of the “ethics” that comprise “The Wisdom from Above”)
Bunyan wrote “If my life is fruitless it doesn’t matter who praises me, if my life this fruitful it doesn’t matter who criticises me”.
I think there is a medical term for “AGITATING PASSIONS” and that is “OCD”. This condition is many faceted in its expression however it is accompanied by “intrusive thoughts that cause disorder”, “unwanted thoughts”, “uncontrollable compulsions, difficult or impossible to resist”. And whilst it is not necessary that we suffer from OCD it is interesting that sometimes our behaviour would seem to indicate otherwise. For example, when you have a shower do you do it exactly the same way every time, or do you change hands or arms etc?.
When we looked at “The Hierarchy of Holiness” we saw that one of the conditions or “qualities” required was Self Control. In this situation however, where there is OCD (as an Agitating Passion), self-control may not be adequate as the medical profession indicates that there is sometimes a biological reason for this state. This is despite the word saying in: –
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives (or the medical profession … comments mine) do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.]
Now if He has LEFT His peace with us, then it must be me who moves away from that provision, and that is why the rider is attached to this verse, STOP ALLOWING YOURSELVES —– DO NOT PERMIT YOURSELVES and so this is where the “self-control” of 2 Peter 1 becomes applicable. When we come to Christ these “fears and agitating passions” were dealt with, but we then pick up where we left off, like a dog returning to its vomit.
We do however HAVE TO LEARN NOT TO REACT to outside stimulation, and by that I mean agitation initiated within us by events without or within, or by the behaviour of other people or events who/which evidence their agitating passions, with a consequential effect on us. It is called “PROVOCATION”.
PROVOCATION is a circumstance that has existed from antiquity. We see in:
1 Samuel 1:6 [This embarrassed and grieved Hannah] and her RIVAL PROVOKED her greatly to vex her, because the Lord had left her childless.
Have you noticed that if we are challenged or we challenge someone about “agitating passions” there is always a “because” follows!!
Romans 1:20 For ever since the creation of the world His invisible nature and attributes, that is, His eternal power and divinity, have been made intelligible and clearly discernible in and through the things that have been made (His handiworks). So [men] are without excuse [altogether without any defense or justification], (there will be no “becauses” when we stand before the Lord … comments mine)
God has given to all men such means of knowledge as is to eliminate any excuse, so we can have no pretence of ignorance.
James 4:17 So any person who knows what is right to do but does not do it, to him it is sin.
Peninnah, triumphant in her fruitfulness, yet she is Hannah’s adversary, because, in spite of her barrenness, she has the larger portion of the husband’s love; Hannah is so sorely vexed at the taunts of her rival, that she weeps from sheer vexation, in vain Elkanah tries to give her comfort.
Psalms 106:33 For they provoked [Moses’] spirit, so that he spoke unadvisedly with his lips.
Hannah Provoked outwardly
Moses Provoked inwardly
Now Moses was regarded as the meekest man on earth and yet the Israelites were so “provocative” that they even caused Moses to sin, a classic example of “AGITATING PASSIONS” in other people that affect us. When we take into consideration the characteristic of WISDOM we see that they are intended to prevent this occurring. Not that Moses did not have good cause to be angry, and it was not his words that got him into trouble so much as his actions, and he paid dearly for it, even though it was initiated by others. I would suggest that even submerging the Agitating Passions within us when we are provoked is almost as bad as expressing it. Remember, God looks at the heart, or in other words “Our attitude”.
It is OVERCOMING not just OVERLOOKING
Hebrews 3:10-11 And so I (The Lord) was provoked (displeased and sorely grieved) with that generation, and said, They always err and are led astray in their hearts, (attitudes or motives, refer Factor of Eight #1, re “PURE MOTIVES”) and they have not perceived or recognized My ways and become progressively better (“transformed” and on the way to being “conformed” … comments mine) and more experimentally and intimately acquainted with them.
Is this not the challenge that the Lord has been bringing to us over many months now …. “to become better acquainted with Him”. Notice from Hebrews 3 that it is not enough to know about it, it has to be tried out, and I find the word “experimentally” really comforting and is quite different to the word “expertly”.
2 Corinthians 3:17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (emancipation from bondage, freedom).
True liberty is living as we should, not as we please!
Even the Apostle Paul understood the vagaries that overtake us and was aware of the conflicts or “AGITATING PASSIONS” that interfere when he wrote in:-
Romans 7:22-23 For I endorse and delight in the Law of God in my (inmost self) [with my new nature]. But I discern in my bodily members [in the sensitive appetites and wills of the flesh] (outmost self…. The bit that causes the problems … comments mine) a different law (rule of action) at war against the law of my mind (my reason) and making me a prisoner to the law of sin that dwells in my bodily organs [in the sensitive appetites and wills of the flesh].
I think ISAIAH had some insight into this problem as well, but he also had the remedy, and we find in this verse the essence of “LIBERATION”, and note the all-encompassing nature of his anointing.
Isaiah 61:1-3 THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD GOD IS UPON ME, because the Lord has anointed and qualified me to preach the Gospel of good tidings to the meek, the poor, and afflicted; He has sent me to bind up and heal the brokenhearted, TO PROCLAIM LIBERTY to the [physical and spiritual] captives and the opening of the prison and of the eyes to those who are bound, (those lacking spiritual intelligence …. Comments mine) To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord [the year of His favor] and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, To grant [consolation and joy] to those who mourn in Zion–to give them an ornament (this is the external whereas 1 Peter 3:4 refers to the “inward adorning” so it is both inward and outward that we evidence God at work in us … comments mine) (a garland or diadem) of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment [expressive] of praise instead of a heavy, burdened, and failing spirit—(or a spirit weighed down with agitating passions … comments mine) that they may be called oaks of righteousness [lofty, strong, and magnificent, distinguished for uprightness, justice, and right standing with God], the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.
This is the defining quality of a person who will recognise Father God in all His majestic intervention if we will just submit to the “Anointing” and get away from the “Agitating”. We do that by implementing the opening comments in verse 1 and we would do well to recall a similar thrust from Isaiah 58. The fact that there were “ifs” and “thens” nominated in Isaiah 58, there is no such provision in Isaiah 61, they are all “Thens” when the Spirit of the Lord is upon us.
1 Peter 1:2 Who were chosen and foreknown by God the Father and consecrated (sanctified, made holy) by the Spirit to be obedient to Jesus Christ (the Messiah) and to be sprinkled with [His] blood: May grace (spiritual blessing) and peace be given you in increasing abundance [that spiritual peace to be realized in and through Christ, freedom from fears, agitating passions, and moral conflicts].
1 Peter 5:14 Salute one another with a kiss of love [the symbol of mutual affection]. To all of you that are in Christ Jesus (the Messiah), may there be peace (every kind of peace and blessing, especially peace with God, and freedom from fears, agitating passions, and moral conflicts). Amen (so be it).
Isaiah 26:3 You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination (internal) and its character (external)] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You.
Just as it has been thoroughly enunciated in the past couple of weeks that the responsibility of preparing the soil of our heart is ours, so here in Isaiah 26 there is an energy required to “commit, lean, hope” which can only come from within us.
Note the extent, (“perfect”) but also note the conditions “Constant peace”. Agitating passions would seem to have a repetitive nature, they recur at the most inconvenient times and are designed to cause the greatest havoc. Note that this is the opposite of what we can expect if we adopt the recommendations made by Isaiah, conditions which are pre-requisite if we are to qualify as His children. Isaiah is strident in suggesting it is not enough just to be inclined in our mind, but requires the essence of our mind to be stayed on God. Surely in this condition we would be free from Agitating Passions, and that’s what the word declares.
2 Timothy 2:23 But refuse (shut your mind against, have nothing to do with) (this is where the “character” aspect become relevant …. We are able to refute those thought that are contrary to a Christlike nature) trifling (ill-informed, unedifying, stupid) controversies over ignorant questionings, for you know that they foster strife and breed quarrels. (or “Agitating Passions” Notice how puerile the items causing the controversies … comments mine)
Knowing is not enough, we must apply
Willing is not enough, we must do
It is interesting to note that most “Agitating Passions” are based on objects, items or subjects which add very little to our spiritual growth, in fact, they inhibit spiritual growth. After we expose or are exposed to an “Agitating Passion” no doubt you have found that it takes some time to regather your thoughts and emotions to the point where you feel confident enough to reach out to the Lord. Those passions are deceitful. They lead us astray, they plunge us into ruin. All the passions and pleasures of the world are illusive. They promise more than they perform; and they leave their deluded votaries (another name for people who are filled with enthusiasm for some hobby or fixation. I have used this word here because of its wide ranging relevance to our study, you may need to look it up in a thesaurus) to disappointment and to tears.
Ephesians 4:23 And be constantly renewed (do we understand that this means not “daily” but “continually) in the spirit of your mind (not just in its “inclination” but also in its “character”) [having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude], (a quiet mind but an active spirit! … comments mine)
Here we have that same constancy as referred to in Isaiah 26:3 and again reflects the opposite of that intermittent and repetitive nature found in “Agitating Passions”. The references to taking control of our mind so that it does not wander onto inappropriate debate are numerous, such as 1 Peter 1:13, 2 Timothy 2:23 and in particular 2 Timothy 2:14 – 16 which reads as follows: –
2 Timothy 2:14 -16 REMIND [the people] of these facts and [solemnly] charge them in the presence of the Lord TO AVOID petty controversy over words, which does no good but upsets and undermines the faith of the hearers. Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), (do you remember that “tribulation works patience” and similarly “wisdom” is accumulated by “actual and costly experience” .. Proverbs 5:1) a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analysing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skilfully teaching] the Word of Truth. (this constitutes “Knowledge and Understanding” … comments mine)
2 Timothy 2:16 But avoid all empty (vain, useless, idle) talk, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness. (or further Agitating Passions)
An interesting commentary on what Agitating Passions does to us!
FATHER IS MORE INTERESTED IN MY FRUITS THEM IN MY FUMING
MORAL CONFLICTS
As I mentioned previously I had not intended to address this particular aspect of James 3:17 as I considered that this particular statement related to improper relationships, taking drugs, stealing cars etc.
And this is the reason why I inserted that small chart at the beginning of the study and as you will note I consider that “WISDOM” is equivalent to “GOD’s ETHICS”. God’s ethics comprise the characteristics of James 3:17, and if we can embrace the enormity of that and demonstrate the qualities then we can be fairly sure we are free from “MORAL CONFLICTS”.
This of course will raise questions in many people’s minds as to the definition of “ETHICS”. There are various definitions bandied around such as: –
The principles that govern a person’s behaviour, or the conducting of an activity
“The rules of conduct recognised in respect to a particular class of human actions, or a particular group, culture etc.”
“A set of principles of right conduct”
“A basic concept of fundamental principles of decent human conduct. It includes studies of universal values such as the essential equality of all men and women, human or natural rights, obedience to the law of the land, concern for health and safety, and also care for the natural environment.”
You will notice that in almost every definition that the concerns are all on a horizontal level, in almost every case identifying conduct as the basic component but nowhere mentioning the qualities has set out in James 3:17, which if analysed and implemented would fulfil the requirements of all the dictionary definitions.
Let me quickly table these qualities to refresh our minds of what “WISDOM FROM ABOVE” consists of, and see that the application of these 8 virtues will direct and control our ethics and as a consequence relieve us of “MORAL CONFLICTS”.
Pure
Peaceable
Gentle
Accommodating
Full of mercy
Good fruit
Impartial
Not hypocritical
James has extended the principle of how we should live, what we should believe, and how we think about God’s ways in relation to humanity. It is a paraphrase of: –
Matthew 6:33 But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right) (in simplification, “God’s Ethics … comments mine), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.
The behaviour of the church at large has deteriorated in that the purity of instruction, the clarity of direction and the urgency of implementation has become harmless and therefore the theology has been modified to suit the masses. The attitude of the church is as a putrefaction because it has caught an infection from the world, that is, “if it feels good it’s okay”. Some things may look right but God says they are wrong.
Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seems right to a man and appears straight before him, but at the end of it is the way of death.
This I would suggest is a system called “SITUATIONAL ETHICS” which is a system of ethics by which acts are judged within their contexts instead of by categorical principles or “bending the rules to suit”. This is a complete contradiction to the instructions of Scripture, which is God breathed and therefore the unchangeable, applicable and attainable.
“MORAL CONFLICTS” is not the avoidance of improper relationships, or taking of drugs, or stealing cars, et cetera. “Wisdom” is in fact God’s ethics. God’s ethics comprise characteristics of James 317, and if we can embrace the enormity of that, plus demonstrate qualities then we can be fairly sure we are free from “Moral Conflicts”.
If ever there was an incentive to seek “The Wisdom from Above” it should be in this context of the “FREEDOM from MORAL CONFLICTS”.
Ross Smith 