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The Beginning of the End
The tribes of Gad and Reuben now placed an inscription on their
altar pointing out the purpose for which it was erected. They said, “It
is a witness between us that the Lord is God.” In this way they tried
to prevent future misunderstanding and remove a possible cause of
temptation.
How to Avoid Useless Strife
Often difficulties spring up from a simple misunderstanding,
and without courtesy and self-control serious results may follow.
The ten tribes decided to act promptly and earnestly; but instead
of courteously asking about the facts in the case, they met their
brethren with scolding and condemnation. If the people of Gad and
Reuben had responded in the same spirit, war would have been the
result. It is important not to be careless in dealing with sin, but it is
equally important to stay away from harsh judgment and groundless
suspicion.
No one was ever rescued from a wrong position by scolding
and blame, but these things have driven many further from the right
path to harden their hearts against conviction. A self-controlled,
courteous approach may save the ones who have made a mistake.
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While honestly seeking to promote the cause of true religion,
the Reubenites were misjudged and severely reprimanded; yet they
listened with courtesy and patience to the accusations before attempt-
ing to make their defense, and then fully explained their motives and
showed their innocence.
Even under false accusation, those in the right can afford to be
calm and considerate. God knows the truth about everything that
people misunderstand and misinterpret, and we can safely leave our
case in His hands. He will defend the cause of those who put their
trust in Him.
Just before His crucifixion, Christ prayed that His disciples might
be one as He is one with the Father, that the world might believe
that God had sent Him. This touching prayer reaches down the ages,
even to our day. While we are not to sacrifice one principle of truth,
it should be our constant aim to reach this state of unity. Jesus said,
“By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love
for one another.” (
John 13:35
).
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