Touch Not Mine Anointed, and Do My Prophets No Harm
We must be sensitive to the feelings and rights of others, as a reflection of how we love and live like Christ, and avoid the harm caused by idle gossip and speaking against God's servants.
A.B. Simpson emphasizes the grave consequences of speaking against God's servants, likening it to playing with dangerous forces. He warns that slander and gossip can lead to personal suffering and hinder spiritual blessings. Simpson urges believers to recognize that harming others ultimately harms themselves and calls for a sensitivity to the feelings of others, encouraging a life of love and compassion that reflects Christ's character.
Text
I would rather play with the forked lightning than to speak a reckless word against any servant of Christ. I would rather take in my hands live wires with their fiery current than to idly repeat the slanderous darts which thousands of Christians are hurling at others to the hurt of their own souls and bodies. You may wonder why your sickness is not hea1ed, why your spirit is not filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit, why your life is not blessed and prosperous. It may be that some dart which you have flung with angry voice or in an idle hour of thoughtless gossip is pursuing you on its way.
It is describing the circle which always brings back to the source from which it came every shaft of bitterness and every idle and evil word.
Let us remember that when we persecute or hurt the children of God, we are but persecuting Him and hurting ourselves far more. Lord, make me as sensitive to the feelings and rights of others as I have often been to my own, and let me live and love like Thee.
Sermon Outline
- The Dangers of Speaking Against God's Servants
- The Cycle of Bitterness and Evil
- A Call to Sensitivity and Love
- Living and Loving Like Christ
- Seeking to Protect the Feelings and Rights of Others
Key Quotes
“I would rather play with the forked lightning than to speak a reckless word against any servant of Christ.” — A.B. Simpson
“Let us remember that when we persecute or hurt the children of God, we are but persecuting Him and hurting ourselves far more.” — A.B. Simpson
“Lord, make me as sensitive to the feelings and rights of others as I have often been to my own, and let me live and love like Thee.” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- We should be careful not to speak recklessly against God's servants, as it can cause harm to ourselves and others.
- Living and loving like Christ requires us to be sensitive to the feelings and rights of others.
- We must seek to protect the feelings and rights of others, just as we would want them to protect ours.