Read Psalm 12:1-8
Whenever you get the idea that you are the only one left who is godly, beware. That's how David was praying in Psalm 12. He said, "The godly man ceases! For the faithful disappear from among the sons of men" (v. 1). I call this the Elijah complex. You will remember that Elijah had this problem (I Kings 19). He left his place of ministry, went out into the wilderness and sat down, pouting. God asked, "What are you doing here?" Elijah replied, "I'm the only godly one left, and they are trying to kill me." God said, "I have 7000 people waiting in line. I can pick any one of them to get My work done."
When you begin to think you're the only godly person, it quickly leads to pride. In this passage David refers to the sin of flattery (v. 2). Our world is filled with flattery. Sometimes it's called advertising or promotion, but it's still flattery. God doesn't flatter people. He tells the truth. Flattery is manipulation, not communication. It comes from a double heart, from mixed motives. David said, "Unite my heart to fear Your name" (Ps. 86:11). Don't fall for flattery or flatter yourself into thinking you are the only godly one left.
Verse 6 tells us where to turn: "The words of the Lord are pure." Listening to your own words may lead to discouragement or pride. And the words of others may be flattery, lying or vanity. So listen to the Word of God and test everything you hear by it.
The godly person has not completely vanished from the earth. We'd be surprised to find where God has His people, waiting to accomplish His will. Others are waiting to stand with you and help you. Lay hold of God's Word. It has been tested and proved. You can trust it.
The remedy for discouragement is the Word of God. When you feed your heart and mind with its truth, you regain your perspective and find renewed strength. Feeling discouraged? Encourage yourself with the Word of God.
Be the first to react on this!
Warren Wiersbe (1929 - Present)
Warren W. Wiersbe is best known as a Bible teacher, author, and conference speaker. He has ministered in churches and conferences in Canada, Central and South America, Europe, and the United States. He has published more than 150 books and was awarded the Gold Medallion Lifetime Achievement Award by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association.He is known as a "pastors' pastor," and his speaking,writing and radio ministries have brought new understanding of the truths of God's Word to people around the world. Wiersbe is perhaps best known for his series of 50 books in the "BE" series: Be Real, Be Rich, Be Obedient, Be Mature, Be Joyful, etc. and other theological works.
Warren Wendel Wiersbe is an American pastor, Bible teacher, conference speaker and a prolific writer of Christian literature and theological works.
A contributing editor to Baker Book House. He has been writing books since the 1950s under several publishing house labels; completing more then 150 books including the popular BE series of commentaries on every book of the Bible which has sold over four million copies.
Warren Wiersbe was awarded two honorary Doctorate Degrees and has accumulated in his personal library more than 10,000 books; some times referred to as "the pastor's pastor", Dr. Wiersbe has become a well known and trusted Bible theologian and scholar throughout Fundamental and Evangelical circles.
Warren W. Wiersbe is a well known international Bible conference teacher with a heart for missions and is a former pastor of Moody Church in Chicago.
He served for ten years as General Director and Bible Teacher for Back to the Bible. Dr. Wiersbe is author of more than 80 books, including the best-selling "BE" series.
He is known as a "pastors' pastor," and his speaking,writing and radio ministries have brought new understanding of the truths of God's Word to people around the world.