“The Enlightened Man” and “The Man of God”

“The Enlightened Man” and “The Man of God”

“But recall the former days in which, after you were enlightened [Norw.], you endured a great struggle with sufferings . . . .” Heb. 10:32.

Notice that it says, “After you were enlightened.” How have you behaved “after you were enlightened?” Have you used the light to exercise yourself in godliness, so that you have endured great struggles and sufferings on account of this light? Or have you used this light to be a king and a judge, pointing the finger at others’ mistakes rather than your own?

Maybe you have received all your light through others and don’t possess a single bit of light that is your own. Yet you boast, saying that it has been a long time since you needed help from anyone.

When Jesus found Himself in the appearance of a man, He, too, had to be enlightened, but what did He do? He continued to humble Himself and to be obedient.

If you have been enlightened, then take care that you don’t become puffed up. Maybe you bask in the light of others and rejoice in it. Be humble and keep yourself in lowliness; it is up to God to exalt people. Quit dreaming of sitting at the Savior’s right or left hand in glory, for even those who have attained to the greatest worth in the kingdom of God will say, “Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?” Matt. 25:37-39. So do not be haughty in all your light, but fear.

When we were in the world, our corrupt attitude of mind was expressed through our evil deeds. Since we have been enlightened, we should adopt a different mind. Unfortunately, we see that people continue with a bad attitude long after they have been enlightened.

We can therefore conclude that there is a difference between “the enlightened man” and “the man of God.”

The man of God makes use of the light and grows in it. His mind is renewed; he humbles himself and is fully obedient, even to the death of the cross, just like Jesus.

The enlightened man has a choice. He can either rejoice in the light and show off to satisfy his flesh, reigning “as kings without us,” or he can humble himself and walk on the way of the cross. Often we see that an enlightened man ends up in great darkness. How does that happen? The reason is that he has only been enlightened. There has not been a change for the better in his heart. The light has not become life in him. When the light has become a person’s life, it’s not so easy for him to end up in darkness.

Anyone who thinks he knows something has never known anything as he ought to know it. So until you have judged yourself, do not bask in all your light, carrying on as a judge in Israel. The judgment pronounced by an enlightened man is hard and unmerciful—it is like receiving a slap in the face. However, the judgment that a man of God gives is mixed with exhortation and with tears.

The kingdom of heaven begins the moment a person is enlightened; but read for yourself what this kingdom is compared to. Matt. 18:23-35. The king wanted to settle accounts with his servants. One was brought to him owing him ten thousand talents. But because he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, in order that payment could be made. The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, “Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.” Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion. He released him, and forgave him the debt.

“But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt.”

What did his master say to him? “‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.” [Emphasis added].

This servant was enlightened and knew how he should treat others; but his attitude of mind was old and inflexible, and so he was delivered to “the torturers.” If you are enlightened, “Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny.” Matt. 5:25-26.

Let us, therefore, keep in mind that “the enlightened man” is not the same as “the man of God.” “The enlightened man” can be delivered to “the torturers” and thrown into prison, but “the man of God” walks on the way through the veil. He goes deeper down and is obedient to God’s commandments; he despises the shame because of the glory that will be revealed in him.