The Danger of Delaying Righteousness
"Ye that put far away the evil day, and cause the seat of violence to come near;" - Amos 6:3

In the Book of Amos, the prophet addresses a fractured society, steeped in complacency and false security. Amos 6:3, as rendered in the King James Version, reads: "Ye that put far away the evil day, and cause the seat of violence to come near;". This verse succinctly encapsulates a profound truth that resonates through the ages: the peril of postponing accountability and the softening impact of moral apathy.
The very essence of this verse points to a critical attitude that many adopt in their lives. They may consciously or unconsciously distance themselves from the reality of sin and judgment. In doing so, they lull themselves into a false sense of security, believing that judgment—which the Bible often refers to as the "evil day"—is something that lies far off in the distance, not something they need to worry about today.
This is the first danger that Amos highlights: the inclination to dismiss or minimize the implications of their actions. It reflects a society that has grown numb to the severity of its moral failures, choosing instead to focus on comfort and wealth. History shows us that the more people enjoy the luxuries of life, the more they tend to neglect the needs of their neighbors and the reality of impending judgment. This error is not limited to ancient Israel; it is prevalent in our modern world where distractions abound.
As we immerse ourselves in our daily routines, it is easy to overlook the gravity of our spiritual state. Many may express an affable demeanor while ignoring the cries of the oppressed and the weighty implications of their choices. By distancing ourselves from the urgency of righteousness, we unintentionally draw near the consequences of our choices—the "seat of violence"—where injustices thrive and moral decay takes root. Our comfort and ease can, paradoxically, give rise to the very violence we claim to oppose.
Moreover, this notion of putting the "evil day" far away reveals our tendency to procrastinate in matters of spiritual importance. We convince ourselves that there will always be time to repent, to seek God, or to confront the injustices that we see every day. Yet, life is unpredictable, and the assurance of time is a fallacy that often leads to destruction. As the apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 6:2, "behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." Today offers us opportunities for immediate action; waiting can have dire consequences.
The call to action within Amos’ admonition serves as a wake-up call for us. We must recognize the urgency of living righteously, standing against the tide of moral decay, and addressing the blight of violence in our communities. Every day, we are faced with choices that either draw us closer to God or lead us further into complacency. The refusal to engage with the problems we see, be it social injustice, personal sin, or apathy towards God, allows darkness to flourish.
Instead of putting off accountability, let us encourage one another to reflect on our lives and our communities. Are we just comfortable spectators or active participants in God's work? Are we content to live life comfortably while turning a blind eye to suffering, unjust practices, or moral failings?
In conclusion, Amos 6:3 challenges us to confront our complacency head-on. It reminds us that delaying our response to God’s call for righteousness not only distances us from divine accountability but can also lead to unforeseen consequences. Let us strive to live each day with a sense of urgency, aware that the choices we make today carry weight and will affect the world around us. May we not be guilty of "putting far away the evil day," but instead, embrace the calling to make a difference where needed, promoting justice and mercy in Jesus’ name.
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Amos 6:3 - "Ye that put far away the evil day, and cause the seat of violence to come near;"
"Ye that put far away the evil day, and cause the seat of violence to come near;" - Amos 6:3
Amos 3:6 - "Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done it?"
amos 3 12
Amos 3:3 - "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?"
Amos 6:6 - "That drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the chief ointments: but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph."
"Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done it?" - Amos 3:6
Amos 7:3 - "The LORD repented for this: It shall not be, saith the LORD."
Amos 7:6 - "The LORD repented for this: This also shall not be, saith the Lord GOD."
Amos 6:5 - "That chant to the sound of the viol, and invent to themselves instruments of musick, like David;"
"Can two walk together, except they be agreed?" - Amos 3:3
Amos 6:9 - "And it shall come to pass, if there remain ten men in one house, that they shall die."
Amos 6:11 - "For, behold, the LORD commandeth, and he will smite the great house with breaches, and the little house with clefts."
Amos 3:13 - "Hear ye, and testify in the house of Jacob, saith the Lord GOD, the God of hosts,"
Amos 8:6 - "That we may buy the poor for silver, and the needy for a pair of shoes; yea, and sell the refuse of the wheat?"
Amos 3:10 - "For they know not to do right, saith the LORD, who store up violence and robbery in their palaces."
"The LORD repented for this: It shall not be, saith the LORD." - Amos 7:3
Amos 3:8 - "The lion hath roared, who will not fear? the Lord GOD hath spoken, who can but prophesy?"
Amos 6:7 - "¶ Therefore now shall they go captive with the first that go captive, and the banquet of them that stretched themselves shall be removed."
"That drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the chief ointments: but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph." - Amos 6:6
Amos 6:13 - "Ye which rejoice in a thing of nought, which say, Have we not taken to us horns by our own strength?"
Amos 6:1 - "Woe to them that are at ease in Zion, and trust in the mountain of Samaria, which are named chief of the nations, to whom the house of Israel came!"
Amos 3:7 - "Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets."
Amos 6:4 - "That lie upon beds of ivory, and stretch themselves upon their couches, and eat the lambs out of the flock, and the calves out of the midst of the stall;"
"The LORD repented for this: This also shall not be, saith the Lord GOD." - Amos 7:6
Amos 6:12 - "¶ Shall horses run upon the rock? will one plow there with oxen? for ye have turned judgment into gall, and the fruit of righteousness into hemlock:"
Luke 3:25 - "Which was the son of Mattathias, which was the son of Amos, which was the son of Naum, which was the son of Esli, which was the son of Nagge,"
Amos 3:2 - "You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities."
Amos 5:6 - "Seek the LORD, and ye shall live; lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph, and devour it, and there be none to quench it in Beth-el."
Amos 4:3 - "And ye shall go out at the breaches, every cow at that which is before her; and ye shall cast them into the palace, saith the LORD."