Galatians 4:18
18 But [de] it is good [kalos] to be zealously affected [zeloo] always [pantote] in [en] a good [kalos] thing, and [kai] not [me] only [monon] when [en] I [me] am present [pareimi] with [pros] you [humas]. KJV-Interlinear
18 But it is good always to be
eagerly sought in a commendable manner, and not only when I am present with
you. NASB
Paul makes it clear, that compliments are not bad
things, but very much so they are good things when they are offered in a
legitimate manner, then they are very good things. And in fact, they are even
desirable.
Most of us, at least most normal people, appreciate
compliments and being told that we are valuable and important and so forth. And
as long as you don’t let it go to your head or turn a blind eye to possible negative
motives behind the compliments, then there is nothing wrong with receiving and
appreciating the accolades that are presented in your direction.
Of course things can get out of hand and you can
let compliments or applause go to your head, and all that can turn into an
approbation lust that can blind you as to who or what you really are.
But there is another principle attached to this
verse. And that is the principle of responsibility in doing the right things
regardless of whose company you happen to be around.
When Paul was around, the Galatians listened to the
teaching of truth and adopted it into their daily practice in life.
When Paul left and was not around, then the
Galatians easily succumbed to false teachers who happened along. And even more
so, they listened to the false compliments and accolades to the point that they
abandoned truth and pursued the false teachings that were being offered.
Teenagers are perfect example of this type of
fickle behavior. When they are in the presence of good kids, then they have a
tendency to behave well. But when they are in the presence of bad kids, then
they have a tendency to go along with the crowd, forgetting the principles of
correct behavior so that they can go along with and be a part of those bad kids
that are around them.
In society, these principles apply as well but on a
larger scale, and they have a tendency to be more detrimental to people in
general and to society on the whole.
Whatever becomes popular or acceptable within
society, becomes the norm for behavior. For example, if a person is accused of
being a witch, then there were times in history when they would be burned at
the stake. And that was an acceptable practice.
There were times in history when people were
accused of being heretics, because their beliefs were not compatible with the
church standard. So they were executed or thrown into prison.
There have been times in history, and even now,
when bias and prejudice are based on the most ridiculous things. And yet in
some neighborhoods they are deemed acceptable practices.
But when you have a society that is deficient of
truth, then their standards and their willingness to compromise have a tendency
towards very atrocious practices. Laws are passed and enforced, that should not
be passed. Behaviors compromise biblical standards and have a tendency toward
degeneracy in society. Fundamental principles of volition, marriage, family,
even patriotism are set aside, such that liberties and freedoms begin to fade.
When you are in the middle of your Bible study, you
should ponder and think about the thoughts and attitudes and behaviors that
should guide your life.
When you are away from your Bible study, those same
standards and principles should apply, and not be turned loose in exchange for
a Saturday night party, as it were.
Live in the dark side, or even flirt with the dark
side from time to time, and it will grab you and take you down. And you won’t
realize your failure and loss, unfortunately, until it is too late.
