Can we learn from history

 

Paul writes in Romans 15:4, "For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope." This wonderful verse reminds us of many things God has written in the scriptures that we should learn from and be encouraged to continue to walk with God with hope.

Somebody wondered whether we should learn history. It is really difficult, and we repeat the same mistakes repeatedly.

Life is a marathon, not just a sprint. By learning things that people did well and sometimes failed, God did not give up on them. We should take the Long view of our lives and be patient with ourselves. We will only sometimes do the right thing, and even if we try to do it, we may need to improve. God knows this and will help us grow and get better at it.

I did an introduction study introducing at least 50 characters from the Old Testament who lived righteous lives. This is by no means an exhaustive list. Even in the New Testament and church today, we need people living by faith and virtuous lives. It has to be possible and doable at the same time.

I was reading about Dwight Eisenhower and his father, who was a Russellite. A Russellite was an early Jehovah's Witness. Russell was a womanizer and a con artist, and after he died, the Jehovah's Witnesses did everything they could to distance themselves from him. The continuing leadership wanted a slice of the pie for themselves. Dwight's father spent all
his adult life trying to put together abstract ideas to make sense in life. And yet he failed at being a father and was too harsh and cold to his family. When he died, General Eisenhower did not go to the funeral.

We need to be practical in our walk with God. Our faith must be doable in the here and now, a faith that works in real life.

Now, I think we get that encouragement as we study the lives of God's people. If we can see people like ourselves who lived for God and did so practically, we can see that it works.

I hope these studies will encourage us to live for the Lord, improve our relationships, find ways to love people effectively and help people as the Lord helps us. So, I'd like you to consider joining the study with me as we go through these characters and challenge the perception that people have that a practical, doable, righteous life can’t be done. Life is somewhat dysfunctional—far from it, I think. Keep walking.