Two Schools of Thought

During the earthly ministry of Jesus there were two very influential rabbis, Hillel and Shammai.

Both having a large number of followers, two schools of thought were formed that shaped Jewish law and tradition for centuries.

Hillel was known for his humility, patience, and compassion, leaning more toward inclusiveness and leniency.

Shammai was known for being strict, disciplined, and exacting in his interpretation of Jewish law.

Although the two schools disagreed on many legal and ritual matters (over 300 disputes are recorded), Jewish tradition general followed the rules of Hillel’s school because of its compassion and practicality.

The teachings of Jesus sometimes aligned with the school of Shammai, sometimes the school of Hillel.

Throughout his ministry, the followers of each school would ask Jesus questions, less for wanting an answer and more to claim his endorsement if He sided with their position.

It’s important to note that while multiple attempts were made He endorsed neither, instead dealing with the deeper issue of the heart that superseded the law.

Much like the followers of Hillel and Shammai, we live separated by two very different political schools of thought, both seeking His endorsement.

When justifying ones position on an issue I often hear, “That’s not what ‘my’ Jesus would do,” then proceed with an argument contrary to Scripture.

That’s because many have created Jesus in their own image. A Jesus who will endorse their political ideology.

Their “school of thought” has become primary, while Jesus and his teachings have become secondary.

I’ve heard the word “revival” a lot the last few days, and while I pray that is the case, true revival is preceded by humility and repentance.

So let me take a moment and address the Christians who may be reading this.

Please read the following verses in Proverbs very carefully. Each one so rich with meaning and appropriate to the time in which we live.

Proverbs 4:20-27 (CSB) My son, pay attention to my words; listen closely to my sayings.

21 Don’t lose sight of them; keep them within your heart.

22 For they are life to those who find them, and health to one’s whole body.

23 Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life.

24 Don’t let your mouth speak dishonestly, and don’t let your lips talk deviously.

25 Let your eyes look forward; fix your gaze straight ahead.

26 Carefully consider the path for your feet, and all your ways will be established.

27 Don’t turn to the right or to the left; keep your feet away from evil.

Each verse in itself could fill an entire sermon, while verse 23 should be a series. “Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life.”

Notice the words “above all else.”

Now read it again.

Memorize it.

Meditate on it.

Then ask the Holy Spirit for enlightenment, and walk in obedience to His voice.

While I’m taking some liberty with verse 27, there’s a profound truth in its instruction. “Don’t turn to the right or to the left; keep your feet away from evil.”

Stop setting your mind on the political right and political left. Stop defending your school of thought and set your eyes on Jesus, the author and the perfecter of your faith. (Heb 12:2)

Sounds easy, but it’s not.

It requires humbling yourself before God, repenting of pride, dying to self, and renewing your mind.

Isaiah 55:8-9 (CSB) “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
and your ways are not my ways.”
This is the LORD’s declaration.
9 “For as heaven is higher than earth,
so my ways are higher than your ways,
and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

A social media post isn’t going to change the world.

And here is the perfect place to say, “But prayer can.”

While that’s certainly true, it’s not that simple.

Do you think God answers the prayers of a proud people?

He does not.

James said “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” 4:6b (CSB)

That includes you and me.

The following is perhaps our favorite verse when discussing the requirement for nationwide revival.

2 Chronicles 7:14 (CSB) “and my people, who bear my name, humble themselves, pray and seek my face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.”

Take a closer look.

“My people, who bear my name.” (Christians – not unbelievers)

“Humble themselves.” (Your responsibility)

“Pray and seek my face” (Your actions)

“Turn from their evil ways” (true repentance)

“THEN I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.”

While God’s love is unconditional, his promises are not.

Read Proverbs 4:20-27 again.

Study it.

Meditate on it.

Understand it.

Do you truly want to see revival?