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SEEKING OCCASION

Jesus faced many dishonest people while he lived on earth. There were times when the Scribes and Pharisees sought to find fault with his words, or actions, so they could accuse him before the people (Lk. 11:54). Fortunately, Jesus was able to perceive their tricks and had the last word (Lk. 20:40)

When Jesus sent forth his disciples he told them "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves" (Mt. 10:16). He knew they would face men seeking opportunity to use their teaching against them.

Some tried to discredit Paul's apostleship. To that charge Paul said "I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing. Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds (II Cor. 11,12). Like Jesus, Paul was aware than some men would use any means to cast blame to discredit his teaching.

Peter warned of false teachers who "through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you" (II Pet. 2:3). Again, the warning comes to be aware of those who profess to be religious, but in reality have other motives.

All christians need to be aware of what is going on around them, whether in religion, government, or other walks of life. We need not fear man, but must be aware of his tactics, and not give him occasion to cast blame, or twist the truth. Notice the many scriptures that give warning concerning this:

DANIEL: Daniel, on the contrary, was aware of his influence. "Then the presidents and the satraps sought to find occasion against Daniel as touching the kingdom; but they could find no occasion nor fault, forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him" (Daniel 6:4) As the story played out they finally realized the only way they could find a charge against him was to make prayer to his God illegal. Daniel stood true to God, and was rewarded for it (Dan. 6:23). In this case the governing body was contrary to God, as was the case with Jesus and the Jews.

A BROTHER: We must be careful not to allow our actions to become an occasion of falling for a brother. Also, our life should not be such that it can be used by a fellow christian to justify their sin. The instruction is "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Give no occasions of stumbling, either to Jews, or to Greeks, or to the church of God" (I Cor. 10:31,32). Not only do those in sin seek occasion for blame, but sometimes a brother seeks to justify his action by the faults of a another. The Roman church was told "I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple unto that which is evil" (Rom. 16:19). This statement was in reference to those "causing the divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which ye learned".

YOUNG WIDOWS: Our society has changed, but God's law concerning responsibility has not. All members of the church have obligations concerning their conduct, but some young widows were allowing occasions of blame by their life. "I desire therefore that the younger widows marry, bear children, rule the household, give no occasion to the adversary for reviling" (I Tim. 5 :14). Sometimes our actions speak louder than words.

PAUL'S ADVICE: As pointed out earlier some sought opportunities to discredit Paul. Knowing this he went to extreme actions to prevent any occasion of blame. He brought the gospel to Corinth free of charge (I Cor. 11:8). Concerning the collection for the saints he made sure each congregations had messengers. He said "But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them that desire an occasion" (II Cor. 11:12).

It seems that the advice of Paul would be good for all of us. Many seek opportunity to speak against the church, and often its founder, Jesus. They will blaspheme God, and His teaching if occasion is given. It is the responsibility of every christian to prevent this by setting the right example, by strictly following the teachings of Jesus and his apostles (I Pet. 2:12)