Wisdom's Corner
Use Your Microscope and Telescope

Have you ever looked through a microscope? These are used to see more clearly things that are very small. Sometimes it is very important to be able to see these small things. Germs are very small but they can cause people to be very sick. It is important to be able to see which germ is causing the sickness so that the right medicine may be given.

Have you ever looked through a telescope? These are used to see things which are far away. Large telescopes can look at things way out in space. Smaller telescopes such as binoculars can make things look closer that are across a field from you. Binoculars used to be very important in war. The one using the binoculars could see the enemy coming when they were still far away. This gave them time to prepare to battle the enemy.

In Romans 16:17-18, we read, "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good works and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple."

The word "mark" is the greek word for scope. You are to watch very closely those individuals who cause problems in the church. The problem may be a small one but able to cause great sickness in the church. Or the person may be one who has caused problems somewhere else and is on his way to cause problems where you are. You are to keep your eye on the person even though he is far off. This way you can see when he is getting close and can be ready to battle him.

In fact, you are to avoid this kind of person. This means to turn away from him. He must know that you do not want anything to do with him. And this keeps him away from those in the church who do not know enough not to be harmed by him.

You must study the Bible to make sure you are not one of simple who can be lead away by the trouble maker. You must learn to use your Biblical knowledge as a microscope and a telescope.

Until next time, keep reading your Bible. And if any of this is hard to understand, ask an adult to help you.

Mark McWhorter

Copyright 1999

Published by The Old Paths Bible School
(http://www.oldpaths.org)