Surely Something Must Be Amiss With the Scales!
We must ensure that our scales, both literal and metaphorical, are just and accurate in order to live a life of integrity and faithfulness to God.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the necessity of honesty in all aspects of life, particularly in business and moral judgments, urging Christians to examine their scales and balances. He points out that while we may accurately measure physical weights, we often distort our perceptions of our own and others' virtues, trials, and responsibilities. Spurgeon challenges believers to ensure that their evaluations of afflictions and obligations align with God's standards, warning against the dangers of unjust measures in spiritual matters. He calls for self-examination to root out any unfair scales that may exist in our lives, reminding us that true justice should prevail in our hearts. Ultimately, he encourages Christians to uphold integrity in all dealings, both earthly and spiritual.
Text
"You are to have honest balances, honest weights, an honest dry measure, and an honest liquid measure; I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt." Leviticus 19:36
Weights, and scales, and measures--were to be all according to the standard of justice.
Surely no Christian will need to be reminded of this in his business, for if justice were banished from all the world beside--it should find a shelter in true Christian hearts!
There are, however, other scales and balances which weigh moral and spiritual things--and these often need examining. We will call in the Judge right now.
Those scales in which we weigh our own and other men's characters--are they quite accurate? Do we not turn our own ounces of goodness--into pounds; and other people's pounds of excellence--into ounces? See to just weights and measures here, Christian!
Those scales in which we measure our trials and troubles--are they according to standard? Paul, who had far more to suffer than we have--called his afflictions light. Yet we often consider our afflictions to be heavy! Surely something must be amiss with the scales! We must see to this matter, lest we get reported to the court above, for unjust dealing!
Those scales with which we measure our beliefs--are they quite fair? The precepts and doctrines should have the same weight with us as the promises--no more and no less! With many, one scale or the other is unfairly weighted. It is a grand matter to give just measure in God's truths. Christian, be careful here!
Those scales in which we estimate our obligations and responsibilities look rather small. When a rich man gives no more to the cause of God, than the poor contribute--is that an honest weight, an honest measure, a just balance?
Reader, we might lengthen the list--but we prefer to leave it as your day's work--to find out and destroy all unjust scales, balances, weights, and measures!
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Honest Weights and Measures
- Examining Moral and Spiritual Scales
- The Consequences of Unjust Scales
- Reporting to the Court Above
- The Need for Just Measure in God's Truths
- Evaluating Beliefs
Key Quotes
“Surely no Christian will need to be reminded of this in his business, for if justice were banished from all the world beside--it should find a shelter in true Christian hearts!” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Those scales in which we weigh our own and other men's characters--are they quite accurate?” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Surely something must be amiss with the scales!” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- We must carefully examine our standards and make sure that we are giving just measure in all aspects of life.
- We should strive to be accurate and just in our evaluation of others and ourselves.
- We risk facing consequences if we do not have just scales and measures in our lives.