Bible Thoughts

February 17, 2002

“To the glory and praise of God." How often are the words spoken but the meaning never grasped? Paul’s exhortation to the Philippians, to grow in real knowledge and discernment, was all to be done for the “glory and praise of God.” How often do Christians become so preoccupied with the components of worship, such as studying and moral living, that they forget the true purpose of worship?

One would hope that a Christian truly understands that the goal of worship is to glorify God. Yet, even if Christians do understand this, it is quite apparent that those of the world do not, merely by the questions that they ask. When people attempt to justify a particular mode of worship or manner of conduct they ask, “Where is it condemned in the Bible?” not realizing that the question ought to be, “Does this glorify God,” and that glorifying God means humbly submitting to His will. The result of this misunderstanding is that the goal of worship is no longer for the glory of God but instead it is worship for worship’s sake. Worship without a proper object is meaningless. When Biblical knowledge and right living become the point then the whole endeavor is pointless.

To illustrate, consider this question that is commonly asked, “What of those who die without ever hearing the gospel, are they condemned to hell merely because they never heard?” If the question is answered “yes” then God appears to be cold and arbitrary; if it is answered “no” then a condition is created where man does not have to obey Christ to be saved. Working from the premise that, “God is love”(1 John 4:16), many will accept that there may be some cases where God does not “condemn” those who have not heard the gospel and that, indeed, since the gospel only imposes more “law” it may be easier for a person to get to heaven if they never hear the gospel at all.

This kind of reasoning has several flaws, the first is the assumption that God is not a righteous judge. God will judge every man and woman on a case by case basis(Revelation 20:13) and He will evaluate their life in light of his word(John 12:48). Mankind can have confidence that God will judge rightly. We should leave such things up to God and concentrate on keeping the things that have been entrusted to us. The second flaw is that Hell is arbitrary: it is not. Hell is the natural result of rejecting God, which everyone has done at some time in life. Heaven can only be achieved by working for it, that is, by glorifying God. Whereas sin is a rejection of God, Christian living is a complete and total acceptance of God. The real question should be, “Can you get to heaven without glorifying God?” Can you?-Scott Huston

While the Lord walked on this earth, he was to be the influence for those whom he taught. The apostles who were with him were to follow the example that he set. Those other followers of that day were to respect the influence he had on them. Even those who were not willing to walk in His steps would be affected by his life and his teachings. As he was crucified, a centurion of the Roman army would say, "Certainly this was a righteous man"(Luke 23:47). The influence that Jesus had when he walked among men cannot be overemphasized.

The Lord, in the quoted passage, stated that he gave them an example. An example comes from the influence of others as well as being an influence to others. Jesus desired that the disciples of that day walk in a manner that pleases God and encourages others to live a life of righteousness.

Everyone has the power of influence, whether good or bad. It is up to the individual to decide whether the example that is set influences for good or for bad. There is always someone watching each of us. Whether it be in the family, among friends, or casual acquaintances, an influence is exerted on each person with whom we are in contact.

The influence of the home can never be underestimated. In the young child's life, it is the most powerful of all. The Proverb writer stated, "Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it"(22:6). However, influence is not confined to a child; it is also found in the other members of the family. Whether admitted or not, a wife influences her husband and the husband influences his wife. You might be surprised to know the number of changes you have made to accommodate that influence! The opinions of each are often the most respected of any offered. The example that each set to the other will help to determine one's attitude as well as the fate of the soul of each.

Influences, however, are not limited to the church and to the home. Each of us must deal with the world in our day to day activities. It is easy for one to be conditioned to the morals of those with whom we work or play. Only a strong disciple can resist the tendency to dress, act, and behave as do one's peers. This is not confined to youth, but affects all ages. It takes a strong disciple to resist the ungodly examples of our society.

Negative examples that influence thought and behavior can also be found among disciples. A close friend has more power over each of us than one who is distant. It is wise to consider the effect that others have upon me in shaping my thinking. If they are faithful and true to the book, positive examples will help to keep one true to the faith. It their influence undermines the truth and faithful brethren, such an example, when followed, will lead one away from the practice of righteousness.

Let us thank God for the righteous influence of the faithful and always choose to mold our lives, as do they, after the example of Christ and His faithful. Who and what is the greatest influence in my own life?

One can study the Bible in the light of science or study science in the light of the Bible: you cannot have both.(jy)