AGITATING FOR EXCELLENCE ROSS SMITH
ALL REFERENCES FROM AMPLIFIED VERSION UNLESS NOTED
Hebrews 12:15 “EXERCISE FORESIGHT be on the watch to look after one another,” (but the demanding part is) “IN ORDER THAT to see that no one falls back from and fails to secure GOD’S GRACE”.
There are two areas of concern, (1) The “FALL BACK” and then (2) the “FAIL”. If we “FAIL” to notice”, then our Christian associates may indeed “FAIL TO SECURE GODS GRACE.” The follow on in this verse sets the reasons “why,” and I respectfully suggest that the rest of this verse be seriously considered. (PTO)
“EXERCISE FORESIGHT” is is to “AGITATE for EXCELLENCE” or helps to describe the process of progress to “CONFORMITY,” which is a more mundane term for “EXCELLENCE.”
EXCELLENCE EQUATES WITH RIGHTEOUSNESS, AND THE EFFECT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS IS PEACE. (ISAIAH 32:17)
LOOK OUT FOR ONE ANOTHER
2 Timothy 1:6 That is why I would remind you to STIR UP (REKINDLE the embers of, fan the flame of, and KEEP BURNING) the [gracious] gift (The same “Grace” as in Hebrews 12:15 .. comments mine) of God, [the inner fire] that is in you.
Obviously, for Paul to record these details, it seems there has been some cooling of ardour for the Lord, now there are just “EMBERS.”
“Stir” or “agitate” are the same thing, but this time, the “AGITATION FOR EXCELLENCE” is aligned with our personal growth and also the contribution we make to the health of the Body of Christ. Hebrews 10:24 begins to apply the pressure. The introduction says, “LET US CONSIDER,” which is not a casual suggestion. It means, let us reflect seriously on each other’s potential for harm. A concordance says, “Consider = to consider attentively, fix one’s eyes or mind upon,” and so there is a CONSCIOUS AND CONTINUOUS APPLICATION to the matter.
Hebrews 10:24 And let us Consider and give ATTENTIVE, CONTINUOUS CARE to watching over one another, STUDYING how we may stir up (stimulate and incite) to love and helpful deeds and noble activities,
We need to “study” for each instance or incident; it may require a different counsel or means.
“AGITATION” is very different from “IRRITATION,” but if implemented with the wrong attitude or motive, it can quickly turn to “IRRITATION.”
“AGITATION” can be applied in the right spirit, but if the “inner fire” of Hebrews 10:24 is just charcoal or cinders, then it may be seen as an “IRRITANT.” The first line of treatment against irritants (according to Wisegeek) is typically flushing the affected areas with water. In the context of what we are studying, this is excellent advice, and we use the “Washing of the Word”. (Ephesians 5:26)
Elihu, despite being a bit of a pain to Job, but also had some good advice.
Job 32:14 Now [Job] has not directed his words against me (But maybe “towards me” .. comments mine) [therefore I have no cause for IRRITATION], neither will I answer him with speeches like yours. [I SPEAK FOR TRUTH, NOT FOR REVENGE.]
Verse one says, “These three cease to answer Job – but there was a fifth man there also,” this was Elihu, and here’s introductory rhetoric is very well worth reading.
Elihu obviously understands that what we sow we also reap and has identified that proper motives are in order to maintain the truth and that there is no personal “axe to grind.”
MUTUAL CONSIDERATION, or “EXERCISING FORESIGHT”, IS TO BE A CULTIVATED INFLUENCE. However, our concentration is not WHAT the influence “DOES,” but WHAT now influences “IS”, and again, Hebrews 10:24 says it is to be “ATTENTIVE, CONTINUOUS CARE.” “IN ORDER THAT.”
“INFLUENCE” (of Verse 21) is not an easy thing to describe but is variously defined as “the power or capacity of causing an effect in indirect or intangible ways.” In our case, as Hebrews said, to “influence by our foresight for one another”.
The most significant influence on what we decide to do with our “opportunities “is not going to be the circumstances we face, but rather what and how we think. If we understand that our “response” will directly influence myriad others, we will be more careful about how we act, and we will exercise “FORESIGHT.”
Our influence can be for good or bad. 1 Corinthians 15:33 says, “Evil companionships (communion, associations) corrupt and deprave good manners and morals and character.” Just being in the company of some people or events can derail our progress and distract our attention, not just temporarily while we are with them, but long-term, affecting our motives or character.
“EVIL COMPANIONSHIPS” sometimes are very close to home!
Commercial advertising aims solely to “influence” us to purchase, appealing to our wants more often than our needs. “Peer pressure” is another term for influence, and we read of the Mafia “leaning on someone,” or in this case, forcefully influencing, as 1 Corinthians 15:33 says.
We can be insulated to a considerable degree from improper “INFLUENCE” by our reliance and application of the Word of God, which we know means to “Adhere, trust and rely.” Matthew 5:13 suggests influence is represented as “salt,” and we know the characteristics of salt. It is (1) A preservative, (2) A taste enhancer, (3) Melts ice, and how relevant is that in this context, (4) In Old Testament time it was used as currency, hence the term, “salary”,
SALT HAS GREAT INFLUENCE, AS DOES LIGHT, and our disposition at any one time has to be both.
Titus 2:7 lays it out very plainly, introducing this verse by “And show yourself in all respects to be a pattern and model,” that is set an example of great influence by every means. An example is “one that serves as a pattern to be imitated or not imitated”.
Titus 2:7 And show your own self IN ALL RESPECTS to be a pattern and a model of good deeds and works, TEACHING (Or “Influencing” .. comments mine what is unadulterated, showing gravity [having the STRICTEST REGARD for truth and purity of motive], with dignity and seriousness. (C.A.R.S)
IF there is any diversion from the “IN ALL RESPECTS”, it detracts from” EXCELLENCE.”In the secular world, “INFLUENCE” is often referred to as the “HALO EFFECT” and is described as the tendency for positive impressions of a person, company, brand, or product in one area to positively influence one’s opinion or feelings in other areas. The company we keep has a defining influence on our behaviour, and our INFLUENCE is how well we wear our “HALO”!!!
Paul’s exhortation in Hebrews 2 that we should “EXERCISE FORESIGHT” or be concerned for the well-being of God’s people is starkly reinforced in these verses in Proverbs and an in important incentive to “AGITATE FOR EXCELLENCE.”
Proverbs 11:11 By the BLESSING of the INFLUENCE (Read “AGITATION”) of the upright (The “Agitation for Excellence” or “blessing” we have applied .. comments mine) and God’s favor [because of them] ( The “UPRIGHT” .. comments mine) the city is exalted, but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
Proverbs 13:20 He who walks [as a companion] with wise men is wise, but he who ASSOCIATES with [self-confident] fools is [a fool himself and] shall smart for it.
A Dutch proverb says, “He that lives with cripples learns to limp;” We also have an English proverb, “He that lies down with dogs shall rise up with fleas.”
People often generalise, identifying one outstanding trait or characteristic to form a favourable view of a person’s whole personality. It is like the cliché, “first impressions count,” and it would be nice to think that the “Halo effect” was an impression we cast because of our Christlikeness. Scripture, however, warns us not to be influenced by appearance BUT BY FRUIT.
1 Samuel 16:7 But the Lord said to Samuel, LOOK NOT ON HIS APPEARANCE or at the height of his stature, for I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but THE LORD LOOKS ON THE HEART. (Motives)
Our heart is our attitude or our motives, so we must look at the “MOTIVES” of the agitator.
THE BEST INFLUENCE IS “EXAMPLE,” and scripture abounds in suggestions, none of which are vocal, just evidential, for example,
- “By this shall all [men] know that you are My disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35),
- “For we are the sweet fragrance of Christ [which exhales] unto God, [discernible alike] among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing” (2 Cor 2:15),
- “Therefore, you will fully know them by their fruits.” (Mat 7:20),
- “Take no part in and have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds and enterprises of darkness, but instead [let your lives be so in contrast as to] expose and reprove and convict them. (Eph 5:11) just as a few examples.
The responsibility for the “AGITATION for EXCELLENCE” lies with each of us, and the objective of “AGITATION” is for “CONFORMITY.”
We are so often loathe to recognise our own shortcomings, those idiosyncrasies that constitute what scripture calls “his own [little] load [of oppressive faults]. (Galatians 6:5 B) We need the stimulus of like-minded people who will point us in the direction leading to conformity to the nature of Christ. We can have confidence in such people when they exhibit appropriate fruits and Christlike characteristics. (Refer to the recent study on “Washing Feet”)
2 Peter 1:12-13 SO I INTEND ALWAYS (Similar to “IN ALL RESPECTS” of Titus 2:7) TO REMIND YOU (Or “AGITATE for EXCELLENCE” .. Comments mine) about these things, although indeed you know them and are firm in the truth that [you] now [hold]. (V13) I think it right, as long as I am in this tabernacle (tent, body), TO STIR YOU UP (OR “AGITATE” .. Comments mine) BY WAY OF REMEMBRANCE,
It is a great aggravation of sin when it is committed against knowledge (James 4:17)
Peter’s “BY WAY OF REMEMBRANCE” is necessary because there is obviously “FORGETFULNESS.” We can only be “FIRM IN THE TRUTH” when we have applied the principle of 2 Timothy 2:15, that “careful analysis, accurately handling, rightly dividing and skilfully teaching” of God’s Word both in our preparation and our presentation, demanding our “Confidence in the subject, conviction of its relevance, commitment to its purpose, conclusion of clear explanation.”
And so, we should have no compunction in applying the “ALWAYS REMIND” so that there is no laxity in “FIRM IN THE TRUTH.”
To “STIR UP” is to excite, and the excitement of God’s Word intensifies as we find the relevance to our every moment, every incident, every trial and temptation as we engage as we should and “Press towards the mark” (Phil 3:14) that “EXCELLENCE” our light exposes, and Matthew says, “men may see your MORAL EXCELLENCE (Matthew 5:16)
Light is not just for our own benefit but for our “MORAL EXCELLENCE” and is to be an incentive for all men, so they too may “recognise, honour, praise and glorify God.”
“AGITATION” is not “IRRITATION” when delivered in the right attitude and from a heart of love. It is recognised by those being encouraged that they are not being criticised but are being carefully guarded so that “no one falls back.”
Hebrews 12:15 EXERCISE FORESIGHT (Or “Agitate for Excellence where required .. comments mine) and be on the watch to look [after one another], to see that NO ONE falls back from and fails to secure God’s grace (His unmerited favor and spiritual blessing), IN ORDER that no root of resentment (rancour, bitterness, or hatred) shoots forth and causes trouble and bitter torment, and the many become contaminated and defiled by it– (it is “IN ORDER” for us to watch each other’s back)
Mark 4:24 And He said to them, BE CAREFUL what you are HEARING. The MEASURE [of thought and study] you give [to the truth you hear] will be the MEASURE [of virtue and knowledge] that comes back to you–and more [besides] will be given to you who hear.
This “MEASURE” has a similar connotation as “EXCELLENCE,” the small measure is not of great value to anyone, but when “good measure, pressed down and running over” is made available, it is remarkable that everyone is not scrambling to participate.
“GOOD MEASURE” RESULTS FROM CAREFUL HEARING AND INTENSE STUDY.
Luke 6:38 Give, and [gifts] will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will they pour into [the pouch formed by] the bosom [of your robe and used as a bag]. For with the measure you deal out [with the measure you use when you confer benefits on others], it will be measured back to you.
The benefits here are the preservation of folk from unconscious sins or idiosyncrasies of which we are ignorant. This scripture in Luke does not refer to things like that proposed by the “Prosperity doctrine” or similar aberrations that detract from spiritual “EXCELLENCE”.
The previous verse is in Luke 6 will confirm this and forms the basis for what follows. The important part of verse 38 clearly defines that as we strive to assist and encourage others to attain “EXCELLENCE,” we will also benefit in our pursuit of this goal.
This “VIRTUE AND KNOWLEDGE” is the “FUEL OF EXCELLENCE.” “VIRTUE” is called “EXCELLENCE” in 2 Peter 1:5. EXCELLENCE is going beyond the AVERAGE or the “JUST ENOUGH”; it is ascending higher than any set standard or any previously attained goal not on a “one-off” basis, but with consistency, both setting the standard and reinforcing it.
Ephesians 6:13 THEREFORE put on God’s complete armour, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, HAVING DONE ALL [THE CRISIS DEMANDS], to stand [firmly in your place]. (“EXCELLENCE” requires “doing more than enough”)
Endurance, Steadfastness, and Patience (ESP) are required for EXCELLENCE. We are not made to fit in; we are meant to stand out. For example, (1) a life of contrast,(Ephesians 5:11) (2) the spiritual man, (1 Corinthians 2:15)
EXCELLENCE IS THE OUTCOME OF THE INTENSITY OF EFFORT. 2 Peter 1:5 says, “expend every effort”, and that includes going the extra mile, and described in 1 Peter 2:9, “that YOU may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light.”
EXCELLENCE is “TRANSCENDENCE” (Ephesians 1:19, 2:7) or “SURPASSING.” Paul says we can “know and understand” and have the experience.
2 Timothy 4:2 says, “Keep your sense of urgency”. Firstly, do we have a sense of urgency, for if so, that compulsion will be like God’s grace, “many-sided”? A sense of urgency is essential in avoiding distractions, whilst narrowing the focus does not become tunnel vision. But the demand includes the word “keep,” KJV says, “be instant”, and Thayer’s translation of G186 “EPHISTEMI” makes an excellent subject for contemplation.
Simply, however, the Word warns or infers a guard against complacency, or neglect, or worse, of pride, thinking that the apex has been achieved. “Keep” or “maintain” is relevant to both current and future potential for “EXCELLENCE.” However, “CURRENT EXCELLENCE” soon becomes the “FAMILIAR,” it is the essential element called “KNOWLEDGE”, which Father is working assiduously in us to convert to understanding by experience.
The reason it is both “current and potential” is because Paul, with his deep insight, saw the “in season and out of season” (in KJV, and carrying the same thought in AMP), whether the opportunity as we know it, where opportunity = circumstance, or event, and each of these come in many flavours. They can be favourable or unfavourable convenient or inconvenient, welcome or unwelcome, or as stated, “current and potential,” but in every case, an opportunity to “AGITATE FOR EXCELLENCE.”
REMEMBER, EVERY “CIRCUMSTANCE OR EVENT” IS ACTUALLY AN “OPPORTUNITY.”
Does not that one phrase open the vista EXCELLENCE demands? It was recorded recently in a Psalm, “Living purposely, worthily and accurately no matter the demands being placed upon us.” It is also known as “LIVING URGENTLY.”
There are many areas where we can develop “EXCELLENCE” and concentration in one area will undoubtedly lead to “EXCELLENCE” in all things; it becomes a habit, or conversely, as recorded, “Luke 16:10 He who is faithful in a very little [thing] is faithful also in much, and he who is dishonest and unjust in a very little [thing] is dishonest and unjust also in much. “
Do we need to visit any of these areas and develop excellence by example?
- Purpose
- Spirit
- Achievement
- Appearance
- Fruit
- Report
- Demeanour
- Devotion
- Declaration
- Conformity
“EXCELLENCE” IS DEVELOPED. IT IS NOT DERIVED. IT HAS TO BE PROPAGATED AS WELL AS PERPETUATED, CHERISHED AS WELL AS CULTIVATED, BUT HELD IN AWE AS WE SEE THE ULTIMATE AS SHOWN IN JESUS NATURE.
To “EXCEL” or to “EXCEED” requires that we “EXPEND,” not a popular doctrine in many quarters, but just as Peter said in 2 Peter 1:5-7 that we must “EXPEND EVERY EFFORT” and lists a compendium of results that are seldom seen, together with the converse.
2 Pe 1:8-9 For as these qualities are yours and INCREASINGLY ABOUND (The “attentive, continuous care of Hebrews 10:24) in you, they will keep [you] from being idle or unfruitful unto the [full personal] knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). (V 9) For whoever lacks these qualities is blind, (No “Foresight” .. comments mine) [spiritually] short-sighted, seeing only what is near to him, and has become oblivious [to the fact] that he was cleansed from his old sins.
That is the reason to “EXERCISE FORESIGHT, to look after one another” (Hebrews 12:15) or to crystallise the instructions to “AGITATE FOR EXCELLENCE.”
SELAH
Ross Smith 