When a child is young, the parent is constantly speaking, teaching, correcting and guiding him as he grows. As the child matures, the parent speaks less and allows the child to discern the correct way to walk. The child learns to judge all things, discerning good and evil. When the child becomes an adult he, in turn, becomes a teacher. This pattern can be seen in our relationship with our Father in heaven.
In the book of Hebrews, the apostle Paul addresses a failure in the church to conform to that pattern. For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (Hebrews 5:12-14 KJV)
The new believers were not growing up. They were still asking to be spoon fed the basic milk doctrines of the faith without ever trying to search, hear or learn on their own through the instruction of the Holy Spirit. It is vital that we learn to recognize the voice of the Holy Spirit as He leads us into all truth. So why are there times when He does not speak. He does not answer with a yes or a no. Why is that? Sometimes sin in our lives will grieve the Father and hinder our prayers and our ability to hear. But it would be wrong to always attribute the silence to a problem of sin.
When a child becomes an adolescent he will begin to face more challenging situations. His parents have taught him not to lie, cheat or steal. So when he is in a place where he is tempted to cheat on his final exam in order to get a higher grade and a guaranteed spot in the best college, he doesn't have to call his parents and ask them what to do because they have already provided all of the counsel that he needs for that situation. He now needs to judge for himself what is the right way to act.
The bible is God's parental handbook to us as His children. It contains examples and principles that we are to live by. It shows us both the good and bad that came as the result of people's choices. He warns us of dangers and pitfalls that we will face and gives us guidance in avoiding them. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. (Psalms 119:11) Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (Psalms 119:105)And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left. (Isaiah 30:21)
Consider the following example: Chris has just graduated from high school and is ready to head off to college. His childhood best friend is also going to the same college and has told him that there is a vacancy in the house that he shares with five other college freshmen. It seems like an answer to prayer. The location is perfect and the price is almost half of what he would pay anywhere else. It sounded great until he heard that there are regular parties, alcohol, occasional drug use and regular overnight stays with girlfriends.
Chris has a close relationship with the Father and has heard His voice before. His upbringing in the Word (God's parental handbook) has taught him that bad company corrupts good morals (1 Cor. 15:33). So now he is faced with a decision. If he has grown and matured in his walk with the Father, will he immediately know that that is not the place for him? Or does he need to go to God and say, "Father, if I'm not supposed to do this just tell me. Otherwise I'll go ahead and move in until I hear differently."
Sometimes asking the wrong question and expecting the right answer can get us into trouble. If he was not able to come to a decision on his own, the proper question would have been from the opposite position. "Father, according to your Word, I should not move in to that house because it is contrary to Your counsel. If You want me to move in there you will have to speak to me, otherwise I will continue to look elsewhere."
Are you asking the right questions? And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: (Acts 17:30 KJV)
I used to belong to a particular church denomination, but then as I joined an outside bible study group I began to see many errors that had been previously hidden to me. I needed to make a decision. Did I continue in the tradition of my elders and ignore what was being revealed to me. Did I wait until I heard a personal word that it was wrong. Or did I act on the knowledge that I received from studying God's Word. My prayer was not "should I leave?" but "I have to leave. And if You want me to return, please tell me."
This principle must be applied to all areas of our walk with the Lord. If we receive knowledge that what we are doing is contrary to the principles revealed in scripture then we need to step away and ask the Father if there is any reason for us to return. Just because a tradition may have been around for generations it does not mean that we accept it without question.
We are to be faithful workmen, rightly dividing the Word of truth (2 Tim 2:15), asking the right questions and moving on to maturity.
You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master." (Genesis 4:7 NLT)
