“In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah … and his wife Elizabeth. … Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commandments and regulations blamelessly.” Luke 1:5-6
It makes a great deal of difference in what times and amid what circumstances and influences, a man lives. In days when godliness pervades society — it is not remarkable that one should live righteously. But when the times are ungodly, and the prevailing spirit is wickedness — the life which is holy and devout shines with rare splendor, like a lamp in the darkness.
Such were the times and the spirit of “the days of King Herod,” and such were the lives of the blameless elderly people, who are here mentioned. Zechariah was a priest, serving his division’s course in the Temple; both he and Elizabeth were “well stricken in years,” and “they had no child, because that Elizabeth was barren” (Luke 1:7). It was while Zechariah was performing the ordinary priestly duty of burning incense that the angel Gabriel appeared to him, promising a son who would “go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah” (Luke 1:15-17). Amid the corruption and spiritual darkness of the age — they lived in piety and godly simplicity.
The lesson is — that it is not necessary for us to be and live like other people — if other people are not holy. It is the same contrast the Psalmist draws at the very opening of the Psalter: “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night” (Psalm 1:1-2). The prevailing standard of living ought not to satisfy us — if the prevailing standard is below Scripture. No matter how corrupt the times — we should strive to live righteous and godly lives. Paul states the principle directly: “Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2). And Peter presses the same charge: “As he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:15-16).
This stand is not impossible to achieve. God is able and willing to give us all the grace we need, to enable us to live a true and holy life — in the most unfavorable circumstances. This is His own promise to Paul, when the thorn in the flesh was not removed: “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). God makes no mistakes in planting His people in this world. He does not put any of us in a spiritual climate in which we cannot grow into spiritual beauty and strength; and wherever He plants us — He sends the streams of grace to refresh and nourish us.
So, whatever our circumstances may be — it is possible for us to live a godly life. The darker the night of sin around us — the clearer and steadier should the light which streams from our life and conduct be. This is exactly the figure our Lord uses: “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house” (Matthew 5:14-15).
Any Christian should be able to live godly — in the midst of friendly influences and favoring circumstances; but it is doubly important that we be loyal and true to Christ — when surrounded by an ungodly society. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
J. R. Miller was a pastor and former editorial superintendent of the Presbyterian Board of Publication from 1880 to 1911. His works are now in the public domain.
