Be Aware of God
The "beware of men" attitude has nothing to do with surmising or suspicion. Sad is the man who views men through doubting and distrusting eyes. These are in need of praying David's prayer, "Renew a right spirit within me" (Ps. 51:10). But the wise-as-aserpent person is one who reserves judgment either for or against—until discernment born of the Spirit brings conviction as to which attitude to assume. Much of the minister's work is in the area of judgment. How earnestly we need to pray "for a spirit of judgment" (Isa. 28:6). Paul clearly indicates how a man can judge properly. "The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth [discerneth] all things" (1 Cor. 2:14, 15). Another way of saying "beware of men" is "be aware of God."
Undried Baptismal Robes
The experience of Peter with Simon the sorcerer clearly illustrates the truth involved in the words "beware of men." Simon was a big-time operator in the field of sorcery. The record declares that about everyone from the "least to the greatest" had confidence in, him as one who was the recipient of God's great power (Acts 8:10). Not only was he a big-time operator, but a "long time" operator (verse 11). When the apostles preached the gospel in that area we are told that Simon both believed and was baptized. The conversion of a man of his stature probably hit the headlines of the apostolic Review and Herald. I have often wondered if the early church catapulted certain celebrity converts into the denominational spotlight before their baptismal robes had a chance to dry as the church has sometimes done in modern times. The whole story isn't told of Simon, but Peter evidently followed the Lord's admonition "beware of men" until time and events indicated just where Simon really stood. There was no hesitancy on Peter's part to inform Simon of his perilous condition. Furthermore, there is no indication that Peter was greatly shocked or disappointed in Simon's greedy performance. Beware of men! Be aware of God!
Exaggerator
A certain speaker held a series of meetings in my home town church. His theme dealt with soul-winning experiences he had in a certain part of the world where prejudice made witnessing extremely difficult. What I heard was astounding. Standing before me was a modern Paul! The immediate judgment of the congregation classified the speaker as a saint! For weeks after his visit the church talked about how great this man was and what fantastic experiences he had. Years later I heard this same man repeat his soul-winning stories. It was no small shock to barely recognize his stories as the same I heard before. His sensational additions caused me to wonder. The story of Daniel in the lions' den sounded like a mild, pleasant everyday occurrence compared to what this man claimed he had gone through.
A lesson was learned. Had I not mentally prostrated myself at his feet the first time I heard him, how different would my attitude have been after hearing him the second time! To have held back judgment—either for or against—would have been the true course of wisdom. Beware of men! Be aware of God!
Underminer
A certain local church leader made it a point to cultivate my friendship through the subtle art of praise and entertainment. My lack of experience and spiritual growth permitted him to achieve his goal (see Heb. 5:14). I sought his counsel frequently. He was one of my most loyal supporters—I thought! Other leaders gently attempted to point out that this man and Judas had something in common. At the time I couldn't see it. No one could be more trustworthy than this "close friend." Time passed. Mounting evidence indicated that behind the scenes this leader was working against the entire church program and was attempting to undermine me as the pastor.
Why? To this day it still puzzles me. I don't think he realized fully what he was doing, or why he was doing it. Disloyalty seemed to be a part of his nature. In spite of his treachery I could never dislike him. It was my first real experience of victory in maintaining an attitude of charity and respect toward one who attempted to undermine my leadership. Beware of men! Be aware of God!
Beware of Hairy Hands!
Good judgment is no accident. Some men seem to be born with more than others. Yet, certain steps can be taken to improve what discerning equipment we possess. Refuse to judge solely on appearance- and performance. Those who do so are certain to be disappointed sooner or later, and they have no one to blame but themselves. Far too often we misjudge as Isaac did when he attempted to discern Esau by merely feeling his hairy hands (see Gen. 27:23). The greatest insurance against such occurrences is to maintain a moment by moment relationship with God. Pray constantly for His Spirit to possess your mind. It is good to do this while talking to a person. I am a firm believer in the concept that the Spirit in us will always respond to Himself when met in other individuals. A part of the Elijah message is the promise of special discernment in these last days. "Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not" (Mal. 3:18).
Solomon's response is not out of date. "Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge . . . ?" (1 Kings 3:9). Today is the most appropriate time in history to "beware of men" and to be aware of God!
