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Today’s study is called “S.A.G.E.S.” This is an acronym for the topic we are covering today, which involves the principles of courtesy. This is a study that I’ve been considering for quite a while now, several months, but it is a fitting topic for today, which is a Sabbath and also an astronomical New Moon.
The word “sage” in English indicates one who is wise. I am sure that most of us are familiar with a few Bible verses that speak about the importance of wisdom. We may read a few examples – many, naturally, from the Book of Proverbs:
“The wise shall inherit glory, but shame shall be the promotion of fools.” (Pro 3:35)
“Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee; rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.” (Pro 9:8)
“Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.” (Pro 10:14)
“The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.” (Pro 15:24)
There are many, many more verses we could recite here regarding wisdom and those who possess it, but just from these four we see quite an impressive destiny for those who choose to be wise. And yes, I say “choose” to be wise, because while people may be born with different levels of intelligence, anyone may choose to be wise, to use knowledge effectively in facing life’s challenges.
We know this, because it is written, “My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.” (Pro 27:11) On the surface, this is written by a human father to his son, but consider the spiritual meaning of this statement, especially in light of The Great Controversy. As with any instruction, we may choose to obey it. When Yahweh says to His children, “be wise,” in that exhortation is the power to do it. We are all given the power to be wise, and therefore to be a witness for our Father against the accusations of the Enemy of Souls. What a responsibility this is…
From those verses we read, we see that the wise are destined for greatness, for leadership. They love being corrected, so they are humble. They are always learning, and learning in a way that enhances the truth, rather than proving to be a distraction from heavenly priorities. And finally, from Proverbs 15 we see that wisdom is an issue that affects character, and therefore one’s eternal destiny. It is a matter of salvation.
We know from the Parable of the Wise Virgins in Matthew 25 that it is the wise who have oil in their lamps, spiritual discernment to recognize the returning Savior, and they gather as one by the Door so that they may enter it quickly, while it is written that the foolish scatter about looking for more oil to buy.
We have read Ephesians 4 in several studies discussing the Church, which is the gathering-place of the wise virgins. We have read of spiritual gifts, and the roles of teachers, pastors, prophets, and so on “for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the Body of Christ.” (Eph 4:12)
But what is the result of that? What does this community of saints look like? What effect does it have on the people of Yah, that they have become wise? We may read that in the last two verses of this important chapter: “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice. And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as Yahweh for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” (Eph 4:31, 32)
Kindness, tenderness, understanding… these are the practical results of spiritual wisdom. A few weeks ago, I spoke about scholars, many of which have learned to trust in their own understanding, and that the people of Yahweh have nothing to fear from their carnal use of Yahweh’s Word and other blessings. In the ways of the world, they may be very wise, but spiritual wisdom produces genuine virtues and a Christ-like character. It produces a life of holiness, in which sin is conquered by the Spirit of Yahweh; thus, it may easily be distinguished from the wisdom of the natural man. One who neither claims nor teaches victory over sin is not wise according to the judgment of our Heavenly Father.
Spiritual wisdom, practically speaking, produces courtesy in those who possess it, and that is what I would like to speak about today.
We read of the close connection between divine wisdom and courteous behavior here: “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.” (James 3:17, 18)
This is the witness of our Father. Those who are wise are courteous to others, always thinking of the well-being of those around them, always sensitive to their needs, and committed to doing always those things that please our Father by serving our fellow servants. This does not mean we become men-pleasers; the Scriptures warn us about taking this principle to an extreme. (Eph 6:6, Col 3:22) We are not doormats to be abused, nor are we so compromising that we surrender the standard of Christian character. Nevertheless, where we can help others, give them comfort, give them counsel, give them assistance, we do so, avoiding officiousness and the role of a busy-body. If this seems like a lot of factors to balance, it can be… but it is necessary that the 144,000 learn to walk the narrow path in this, as with all else that pertains to our relationship with the Father, the Son, and our neighbors whom we love as our own selves.
The instruction is the power. Our Father says to us, “be wise;” therefore, we have been given the power to choose to be wise. And more than that, we who are born of Yahweh do choose to be wise, and to claim the many promises that were written specifically for our blessing. As the Psalmist wrote, so we declare with gratitude, rather than with pride: “Thou through Thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies, for they [the commandments, not the enemies] are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for Thy testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, because I keep Thy precepts. I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep Thy Word. I have not departed from Thy judgments, for Thou hast taught me.” (Psalm 119:98-102)
Remember that we spoke about the word “might” last week; this is not a mere possibility; this is a reality for all those with the faith to claim it. “I have refrained my feet from every evil way, so that I am able to keep Thy Word, so that I will be keeping Thy Word.”
And what does this man, made wise, do? We read at the end of the next Psalm, “I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for war.” (Psalm 120:7) The wise man, as James wrote, is peaceful, kind, and considerate.
The wise ones, the Sages of Yahweh, are courteous. They have Agape-love, and we read from the apostle that Agape “doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, and thinketh no evil.” (1Cor 13:5) They are like Christ who, although He spoke with authority when teaching others, was in His deportment One of whom it was written, “A bruised reed shall He not break, and the smoking flax shall He not quench; He shall bring forth judgment unto truth.” (Isa 42:3 as quoted in Mat 12:20)
It is sometimes useful to be reminded of the principles of Heaven. Certainly, we are in no genuine danger of forgetting those things that are made a part of our character. And yet, with so many factors to balance, Yahweh will occasionally give His people reminders. We read of one very physical reminder in the Old Testament with regard to their clothing, “Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue.” (Num 15:38) These blue-bordered fringes, or tzitzits, where given to the Israelites, “That ye may remember, and do all My commandments, and be holy unto your God.” (Num 15:40)
Today, we are given no particular instructions regarding dress, nor any special objects to remind us of our faithfulness to our Father. We are given a more enduring reminder: “Now He which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is Elohim, Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.” (2Cor 1:21, 22) “But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.” (Mark 13:11)
What I suggest, therefore, is not a physical “thing” to remind us of the connection between divine wisdom and courtesy, the way we treat others in fulfillment of the commandment to love others as ourselves. Instead, I suggest an acronym that will provide us with some rules of thumb, similar to the way that we use the acronym S.T.A.R.S. to remind us about the principles of good communication. This will work in us, with our consciences, so that the Spirit may more effectively guide us in Yah’s perfect Way.
The acronym for courtesy, conveniently enough, is S.A.G.E.S., those who are wise in Yah’s sight.
S - Saints Are Servants
Those who are raised up by Yahweh are those who humble themselves before Him and others. We read, “And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” (Mat 23:12) When we are around others, we make of ourselves their servants. We choose to think of ourselves as their servants, placed in their presence by our Father for their blessing. Have you ever thought to yourself, “I am a blessing to the people around me?” There is a prideful way to do that, which is just self-indulgence, but there is a responsible, sanctified way to acknowledge that truth.
“I am a blessing to the people around me, so let me see how I can make their lives better.” This way, you see, it is a responsibility, rather than self-praise. It is a way of being interested in the benefits and edification of others, and an interest in finding out how we can be Yah’s messengers to them most effectively.
We think of the comfort of others. We think of the challenges they may be facing, and we pray for wisdom regarding how to help them, not only with their immediate circumstances, but in such a way that will draw them closer to the Kingdom. The Saints of Yahweh are here on earth to be servants, and in such a way they manifest their divine wisdom for the blessing of those around them.
A - Avoid Officiousness
I briefly mentioned this before. In the course of serving others, we must also be cautious that we are not robbing them of a blessing instead. We must allow our fellow humans to use their wisdom, might, and knowledge, to overcome their own challenges so much as it is possible for them to safely do so. This is how they learn and grow. A mother who does everything for her child is stifling him, and the child will be aware of that one way or another, perhaps even growing resentful. A friend who is always helping others to avoid the legitimate consequences of their actions is enabling their defects of character. A family member who is always offering unwelcome advice is a pest, and one that is frequently avoided.
The Scriptures tell us, “For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.” (2Th 3:10)
“But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For every man shall bear his own burden.” (Gal 6:4, 5)
This is not opposed to the many verses about kindness. It is revealing a necessary balance. We must let our brethren bear the burdens they are able to bear, and triumph where they are able to triumph, or else they become dependent on the efforts of others, and weak in mind, spirit, and possibly body as well.
In spiritual things especially, we read, “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation, for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him.” (James 1:12) Let us not try to endure the temptations of others on their behalf.
We are probably the only Church in the world that recognizes this sin, officiousness, over-helpfulness, and teaches against it. Courtesy may seem to be fixing everyone else’s problems for them so they can have an easy life, but this has some long-term disastrous effects, not to mention introducing the risk of being seen as a busy-body, or a pest. We have several good studies about officiousness in particular, but it finds a good and natural place here, in a discussion of Christian courtesy.
G - Graceful Words Win Hearts
Courtesy is about how we speak to, and about, others as well as how we treat them.
We read, “A soft answer turneth away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger.” (Pro 15:1) And again, “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” (Col 4:6)
Courtesy is about behavior, of course, but it is also about polite, respectful speech whenever possible. There are times for a direct testimony, and the saints of Yah do not let evil go unopposed, therefore we see that wisdom is required here as well. As in all things, those who choose wisdom will be guided by the Spirit. A useful rule here is to be like the Father and Son. At times fire will come down from Sinai, but unless there is an emergency, we should speak with the least amount of force necessary to effectively convey a message.
The following passage is often applied to actions, but there is a clear lesson here for the way that we speak as well: “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay,’ saith Yahweh. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink, for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Rom 12:19-21)
Those who follow this principle will save themselves from unnecessary arguments, inspire sanctifying guilt in others, and reveal a character that will draw those around them closer to the Savior.
E - Effectiveness is Judged by The Effect
Here is a way to know that we are effectively serving others, giving them what they need without going beyond the limits: we must reason from cause to effect.
It is necessary to employ this reasoning, because even if the cause is a good motive, or an innocent mistake is made, it is the effect of our action that determines whether or not we have been courteous indeed. Yah does judge the heart, and the motives are important to Him; however, if the motive does not include a reasonable assumption of what the result will be, or a disregard of what those results are, or how they will impact others, that motive truly cannot be pure. If one wishes to be a “helper,” but doesn’t actually help, that individual has not employed divine wisdom.
If I say to someone, “You are tired, so I will wash the dishes,” that is a good, courteous, and helpful intention. If, however, I complete the task and someone points out that the dishes are still dirty, and that I missed a number of spots to clean, it does not matter that I intended to wash them properly; I did not. I purposed to help, but I did not successfully do so. Effective courtesy was not accomplished. As James tells us, “Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? Let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.” (James 3:13) It is not, “Let him have many intentions of being the servant of others.” It is not, “Let him attempt to be helpful.” No, it is, “Let him show.” Let him reveal what he has done. Saying, “I intended to,” is not an excuse for failure… not in the spiritual world, and not in the material world.
This is not to say, again, that a good motive is not appreciated… if it weren’t for good motives, good works would never begin. But the saints are not failures in even the “little” things, because they are being prepared for the great ones. Whatsoever we are called do, because our Father blesses us with wisdom, that is what we accomplish. And if we ever find that we have fallen short of excellence through ignorance or inexperience, by our Father’s grace we have found a defect from which our Father is about to heal us. Either that, or we are being shown that we have been officious in attempting to do something that would be better accomplished by someone else. In either case, we learn and we are sanctified. Everything is perfect.
S - Self-Justification Denies Yahweh
Finally, and this a little subtle but very important, those who would be courteous and wise know that justification comes only from Yahweh. We cannot justify self. This is connected to the above example of leaving dirty spots on dishes that we may have washed. If someone says, “You missed a spot,” and your response is, “But I washed it,” you are denying Yahweh the opportunity to sanctify you. Remember, one of the first verses we read about wisdom today said, “rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.” (Pro 9:8)
If the response to reasonable criticism is, “Well, I did it,” you are calling the other person’s testimony into question and putting your motive over their experience. “I did it, so you must be misunderstanding, lying or exaggerating.” And certainly, people do misunderstand, lie, and exaggerate, but our initial impulse must never be to put others down in order to exalt our own efforts. It is written, “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” (Phil 2:3) This is a great principle for an examination of courtesy in general, but it is particularly applicable for this point.
And do you know, this is actually a form of blasphemy? This is a “name of blasphemy,” and a characteristic of Satan. Self-justification, the idea that “I didn’t do anything wrong, even if there is evidence of a mistake” is an attempt by one’s self to justify one’s self. Not only does it demonstrate that either “self” is alive in the worldling, or some illusion of self remains in the convert, but it takes away the opportunity for Yahweh to teach and justify the transgressor, which would convert him or her into a saint.
Salvation is not by works, but those who are saved are justified by Yahweh, and this does not merely mean “considered” just, it means actually being “made” just.
Here is an example using the same kind of word, using “rectify” instead of “justify.” Let’s say I am a mechanic and you bring a car to me because it has stopped working. I might say to you, “Don’t worry about it, I am going to rectify the problem.” You accept my help and you trust me, so you go away for a bit. When you come back, I tell you, “I have rectified the problem.” At that point, you get in and turn the key, expecting to be able to drive the car - but nothing happens. You might turn to me and say, “The problem still isn’t fixed.” I can’t then say, “Well, I consider it fixed, so the problem is rectified.”
Multitudes, multitudes of Christians treat the word “justify” this way. They say, “I am justified! God considers me just.” You might rightly ask, “So, are you just? Do you only do just things?” Nominal Christians today are likely to say, “No,” or “Not completely.” They contradict their own testimony. They use the idea that Yahweh “considers” them just as an alternative to allowing Him to actually “make” them just. They do not admit their lack of faith, or their defects; therefore, He cannot heal them. When people make excuses for their shortcomings, not only do they avoid the duty of being actually courteous, but they prevent Yahweh from fixing the problem by allowing them to grow in grace and knowledge. They say, “I did it, and I did it correctly.” They justify themselves, so Yahweh cannot justify them.
Yahweh is truth. When He says you are justified, He is not just seeing Christ instead of you and blind to the reality. No, it is written that He “will by no means clear the guilty.” (Exo 34:7) His seeing Christ in you is not an illusion. He sees Christ in you when Christ is in you. He calls us justified and makes us just; indeed, in reality. When, therefore, we are rebuked for an error, or when we receive useful criticism, we see this as an opportunity for our Father to sanctify us, to maintain our “just” status, and for Him to guide us in making things right. This is how we respect Him and our neighbors.
We have our guidelines for courtesy, then, in the word S.A.G.E.S.
- S - Saints Are Servants
- A - Avoid Officiousness
- G - Graceful Words Win Hearts
- E - Effectiveness is Judged by The Effect
- S - Self-Justification Denies Yahweh
I pray you will find this a useful reminder of Heavenly principles.
I will conclude, then, with this: Courtesy is an essential virtue. Courtesy is fulfilling the two greatest commandments in the Law; therefore, it is about character. Therefore, it is about destiny. Therefore, it is about salvation. Satan will inspire temptations associated with neglect, inexperience, or forgetfulness, to think we are not capable of being perfectly courteous because we may have various challenges of the body and mind. Nevertheless, in the instruction is the power. In the Word of Yahweh we find the choice. We choose to be wise, and therefore to produce the fruit of the Spirit, including the greatest testimony of them all, the Christ-like character manifest in love, respect, and kindness for others.
For those who are members of the Church, or seek to be so, when you are baptized as a CSDA, you are making a commitment to dedicate your life to the Father and Son and by that, in that, with that, you are making a commitment to dedicate your life to helping others. We are caught up before the Throne, standing in the light of salvation, and rejoicing that we have been set free, but we are yet here on earth to do our Father’s good pleasure. This is what the commitment is, through service to share that experience with as many other people as we can. We are signing up to be a healers, teachers, helpers, and above all, those who are always invested in the well-being of those around us. This work requires our Father’s perfect wisdom.
Let all who choose to be wise today stand before Yah and declare their acceptance of His precious promises.
David.
An Enduring Witness
“No matter how high the profession, he whose heart is not filled with love for God and his fellow men is not a true disciple of Christ. Though he should possess great faith and have power even to work miracles, yet without love his faith would be worthless. He might display great liberality; but should he, from some other motive than genuine love, bestow all his goods to feed the poor, the act would not commend him to the favor of God. In his zeal he might even meet a martyr’s death, yet if not actuated by love, he would be regarded by God as a deluded enthusiast or an ambitious hypocrite.” [Acts of The Apostles, p. 318]
“The soul that accepts Jesus places himself under the care of the Great Physician, and let men be careful how they come between the patient and the Physician who discerns all the needs of the soul. Christ, the physician of the soul, understands its defects and its maladies, and knows how to heal with the purchase of His own blood. What the soul lacks, He can best supply. But men are so officious, they want to do so much, that they overdo the matter, leaving Christ no room to work.” [Selected Messages Book 1, p. 178]
“Those who profess to be servants of the living God must be willing to be servants of all, instead of being exalted above the brethren, and they must possess a kind, courteous spirit. If they err, they should be ready to confess thoroughly. Honesty of intention cannot stand as an excuse for not confessing errors. Confession would not lessen the confidence of the church in the messenger, and he would set a good example; a spirit of confession would be encouraged in the church, and sweet union would be the result.” [Early Writings, p. 102]
“But while God can be just, and yet justify the sinner through the merits of Christ, no man can cover his soul with the garments of Christ’s righteousness while practicing known sins or neglecting known duties. God requires the entire surrender of the heart, before justification can take place; and in order for man to retain justification, there must be continual obedience, through active, living faith that works by love and purifies the soul.” [Selected Messages Book 1, p. 366]