Resources/Articles
The Liberal Soul
Would you consider yourself liberal-minded or conservative-minded in your thinking? While the benefits and liabilities of each mindset need to be considered, by what rule or standard shall we make such a determination? Who among humanity has the wisdom to define “liberal” and “conservative?” Additionally, who has the right to say that his or her definition qualifies as a universal standard? Such is the problem when man assumes the role of God.
Job, in Job 28.12,20,23 both asked and answered as to the source of wisdom. He then gave his proof as to why God, rather than man, is the true source (vv. 24-27). Therefore, God’s statement on any matter is a fitting judgment, universal in application. God has declared that man can attain to this wisdom in only one way:
“And unto man he said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding’”
Job 28.28
(cf. Psalm 111.10; Proverbs 1.7; 9.10; Ecclesiastes 12.13).
Since God has identified wisdom and understanding with departing from evil, man has two choices in how he will respond: obey or disobey. As this relates to liberalism and conservatism, how will you define those terms in view of what God has declared on the matter? Are you wiser than he who created and sustains life (cf. Acts 17.28-32)? We need to consider God’s definition of “liberal,” and then determine if being such is conducive to obedience or disobedience.
There are two words which we need to consider in this study: “liberal” and “liberality.”
Liberal
In Proverbs 11.25, we read,
“The liberal soul shall be made fat; and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.” The meaning of the first phrase, “the liberal shall be made fat,” is repeated, yet more clearly explained, by the second phrase, “he that watereth shall be watered also himself.”
Generosity reaps prosperity. This truth is prevalent throughout scripture. You reap what you sow, good or evil. God has said wisdom begins to be manifested when man turns from evil. The same truth is stated in Psalm 1.1-3 in greater detail, as it explains how liberality, wisdom, and turning from evil are all connected:
“How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the Lord and in his law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers.”
The generosity and prosperity here are clearly spiritual in nature. This same truth is taught by the apostle Paul in Galatians 6.6-10:
“But let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. Be not deceived: God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth unto his own flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth unto the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith.”
This is what is meant by “the liberal soul shall be made fat.”
Liberality
In Romans 12.8, Paul explains that our sharing (giving) is to be done with liberality. This points to the motive for sharing. Jesus warned in Matthew 6.1 against practicing our righteousness “before men to be seen of men.” Paul, in dealing with our “spiritual service” (Romans 12.1), states that our gifts differ “according to the grace that was given to us” (v. 6). He goes on to state,
“Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. In love of the brethren be tenderly affectioned one to another;
in honor preferring one another; in diligence not slothful; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord…”
Liberality in our sharing means that it is free of pretense and hypocrisy.
The apostle Paul and his companions preached the gospel in this manner (cf. 2 Corinthians 1.12; 2.17). Their spiritual generosity resulted in spiritual prosperity for others and God was glorified. The Corinthians, although themselves impoverished, gave to other brethren in need (2 Corinthians 8.2; 9.13). In this, we see “love of the brethren” exemplified (cf. Romans 12.10; Hebrews 13.1; 2 Peter 1.7).
That God is glorified from our liberality is clear from 1 Peter 2.11-12. In view of what God has declared, does your life reflect liberality? Should it not?
“Seeing ye have purified your souls in your obedience to the truth unto unfeigned love of the brethren, love one another from the heart fervently”
1 Peter 1.22.
