When I began school in kindergarten, way back in 1970 something, I was not as attentive as I needed to be toward my classwork. For some reason I chose not to do the work, or to do it slowly. After ample time had gone by for me to heed the teacher's instruction, no progress had been made. The teacher then wisely decided to give me a paddling to encourage me. After that, there were no more issues with my classwork, and I was often the first student to complete the work each day. I am glad she was my teacher, and she is among my favorites, in part because she helped me to take things seriously.
God wants his children to take life seriously. In writing to a young Timothy concerning prayer in the assembly, the apostle Paul said, I exhort therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings, be made for all men; for kings and all that are in high place; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and gravity(1 Timothy 2:1,2 ASV). We are to pray for our leaders that they may govern in such a way that our lives can be peaceful, and in every way characterized by godliness and gravity. This translation is from the American Standard Version, and in my opinion, captures best the translation of the Greek word for "gravity." Gravity means a seriousness of purpose. Are you serious about your life?
This verse does not mean that we can never have light-hearted and fun moments, as the wise man wrote, To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance (Ecclesiastes 3:1,4 NKJV). However, there are things we must take seriously, and a failure to do so will lead to ruin. A father must take his family responsibilities seriously. In writing about the qualifications of a man who seeks the office of an elder, Paul notes he must be, one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity (1 Timothy 3:4 ASV). The Holy Spirit through Paul also instructed Titus to take his teaching of the gospel seriously: ... in all things showing thyself an ensample of good works; in thy doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity (Titus 2:7 ASV).
Two charges come to mind from two apostles about the necessity of taking life seriously. The first comes from the apostle Peter: Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble (2 Peter 1:10 NKJV). The second is from the apostle Paul: Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall (1 Corinthians 10:12 NKJV). To keep these charges, the Christian has to be a serious person.
We read of some priests in the book of Malachi that did not take their charge seriously. Look at what God said to these men: “And now, O priests, this commandment is for you. If you will not hear, and if you will not take it to heart, to give glory to My name,” says the Lord of hosts, “I will send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings. Yes, I have cursed them already, because you do not take it to heart" (Malachi 2:1,2 NKJV). The phrase, "you do not take it to heart," is another way of saying "you do not take it seriously." Their punishment certainly was serious. One of the ways you can discern whether to take something serious or not is by looking at the consequences of not doing so. As we begin this new year, let us have a renewed seriousness of purpose. May we never make light of God's grace. Rather, may we reflect upon how serious God is about our salvation (John 3:16), and thereby lead a "life in all godliness and gravity.”
Brotherly, Jamie
