Whichever Way The Wind Blows
Several years ago, I worked with an elderly gentleman, whose reply to a question which required an opinion was: “Whichever way the wind blows, is cool with me”. Of course, we understand this meant he had no opinion on the subject at hand. This didn’t seem to matter if the issue was to take the lunch break now, or whether to impose overtime on the folks in the shop. He obviously did not want to “rock the boat”, or impose on anyone else’s feelings or opinions. Many seem to have this general attitude, especially when it comes to the church, worship and other things they deem “less important” than their own selfish desires.
There are multiple Bible references to “wind” and its forces. One of the most familiar is found in Matthew 14:23-24 just before Jesus walked on water. And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. 24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. Can any argue that the disciples were NOT afraid? Verse 26 clearly reports they “cried out for fear”.
Another case is in Mark 4:37-38 where the Lord was asleep in the boat. And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. 38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? It doesn’t seem to me that any of the disciples in the boat had the attitude: “whichever way the wind blows is cool with me”. They wanted Jesus to make them safe. He did this, when He said “Peace, be still”. Then the wind ceased and there was a great calm.
Jesus still brings peace and calm today, many years after those calming words were spoken in the midst of raging waves being churned up by the relentless wind on that lake. He does so now through His Holy Word. In that Word, He Commands that we not be tossed by every wind of doctrine. He had the Spirit direct Paul to write this in Ephesians 4:14. That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; This was written to Christians. As “joint-heirs” with Christ we have been granted multiple privileges. We are told in 2Peter 1:3, He “hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness”. This includes being granted the privilege and the right of prayer. James 1:6 tells us that we have to “ask” God for things in the right way. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
We, as children of God, must take care to stand strong, even in the face of adversity, persecution and tribulation. We must look to God’s Word so we will know how we may serve Him, and how He can use us as He directs through that Word. His gospel is, according to Romans 1:15-16, NOT “wind of doctrine”, and so Paul was not ashamed of it, or to sacrifice for the cause. So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
About twenty-five years ago, my wife’s father, O. D. Wilson, re-wrote words to a well-known song, “Bring Them In”. There’s nothing wrong with that song, but this was another way to show how God can “use us”, if we’ll let Him through His Holy Word.
God Can Use You
How can they preach, if they’re not sent?
How can the church be so content?
The voice of truth is seldom heard.
There’s such a famine in the Word.
Where are the men we used to know,
Who preached it straight not long ago?
Should it be preached because it’s true,
Or just to please some in the pew?
As goes the world so goes the church.
We need to carefully make a search.
For faithful saints with anchor cast,
Who’ll man the ship to shore at last.
(Chorus)
Will you stand, and demand,
Nothing more or less than God’s own plan?
Don’t fear men, Try again,
God can use you if you’ll let Him.
Song – O.D. Wilson - deceased
Article – Dennis Strickland- Mooresville church of Christ
