For a variety of reasons, people do the things they choose to do. Sometimes their motives are right and godly, and at other times, their motives are simply wrong. The motive should never result from strife or vainglory in the Lord’s service. The Lord Jesus Christ, of course, offers the perfect example of someone whose motives were always pure and holy. People often assumed the worst and said untrue things about Him. He certainly had the right and the wherewithal each and every time to correct their errors. He could have won any and every argument without mercy or grace. Yet, His service was not motivated by selfishness or pride. In fact, the Bible points out that He was equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation (Philippians 2:6-7). He knew He was always right but allowed Himself to be defamed for the greater cause.
During Bible times, even the average individual understood a great deal concerning agriculture. This meant that the laws of sowing and reaping were quite familiar to them. They understood that sowing seed was done in hopes of reaping a harvest of that which was sown. Today’s passage explains that the froward man chooses to sow strife. In other words, there are some in society who look for strife and where it does not exist, they will sow the seeds of strife so that it sprouts even where it did not originally exist. Why would they do this? Some people revel in seeing the fruits of arguments, wars, strife, envy, debate, and other such things. The froward man simply finds a way to instigate problems and exploit situations by creating lies or exaggerations to accomplish his sordid purposes.
Time is short! The time of Christ’s return is approaching quickly (Romans 13:11-12). There is no time for petty strife amongst believers. This is not the time to stir up the troops one against another, but rather the time to rally them under the same banner admonishing them to adorn the same armour (Romans 13:12). This is the time for believers to walk honestly (Romans 13:13). The battle has been raging for some time, and this battle leaves no time for participation in the rioting and drunkenness found in society (Romans 13:13). There is far too much at stake. The believers who choose to participate in strife and envy may feel as though they are winning the battle, but they fail to realize how they are losing the war. It is time for believers to crucify the flesh and serve Christ (Romans 13:14).
