Bible Thoughts

August 22, 2004

"And exercise thyself unto godliness: for bodily exercise is profitable for a little; but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come"(I Timothy 4:7-8).

The previous article attempted to make us aware of the nature of evil practices of our day. A contrast to that which is right becomes evident to the conscientious disciple. Such sins as the modern dance, the use of alcoholic beverages, as well as the use of illicit and harmful drugs can mar the life of a follower of Jesus Christ. The wearing of immodest apparel is noted as that which the Christian does not approve. It seems there is a huge list of sins that are approved by the world(Note: Satan never sleeps!). The Christian desires to live by the standards of the New Testament, not by the standards of the world. We must read and apply the principles that Jesus Christ has revealed to each one of us. When this is done, we can identify what is good and what is evil.

There may remain in the minds of some disciples, when such a discussion as the above is written, what can we do? The one who would please the Lord can consider a number of activities(especially for the young) in which one can engage. This can include various opportunities to have fun. Consider the following: baseball/softball, horseshoes, bowling, rook(card games where gambling is not involved), billiards, fishing, croquet, basketball, hunting, camping, football, and a host of other activities and sports. One does not have to engage in sinful situations when there are so many opportunities to have a good time. It will help one to maintain good physical health and, as well, keep one occupied in activities that are not harmful to the body.

The above provides samples of the many fine and excellent recreational activities. It is not difficult for the Christian to see the difference in the above when contrasted to the immoral activities found in so many people in our society. Also, let us keep in mind that what is right can become wrong. For instance: use of an innocent game of cards can become a way of gambling. The right to play billiards does not give a license to patronize a facility that has an atmosphere that encourages sinful acts. In truth, any activity that would lead one away from the righteous principles given in the Word of God is to be shunned by the faithful disciple. Any sport or entertainment that entices the Christian to drift away from the principles of the New Testament becomes wrong if it causes one to fail to seek the kingdom first!

What is inappropriate for the faithful disciple can be recognized as an activity that is sinful in itself or interferes with the duties of the follower of the Master. As we live an acceptable moral life, the Christian will take care to avoid "the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life"(I John 2:15-17). Satan knows all of the means that are used to entice the faithful to commit something immoral. Let each of us be diligent in our service to Jehovah by being religiously and morally right in God's sight.

The church of Christ in Santa Fe Hills does not use all of the promotional machinery of denominationalism to enlist members. Christians have a simple message: Christ died for all. The Lord's people teach a plain plan: Obey and follow the gospel. We can have a secure promise through faithfulness to the Lord's word. Such devotion will result in a home in Heaven. We know that "food, frolic, and fun" cannot cure the diseases of the soul. Coca-cola will not wash away sin. Learning how to run in a relay race will not teach a boy or girl how to run the race of life. Material pleasures, decent within themselves, are fine for the individual disciple, but are not the work of the Lord's church. When the church attempts to become a recreational, party-giving lodge, she has forgotten her purpose. Santa Fe Hills will not forget that she is a soul-saving institution. The only way to save one's soul is to be a part of what Jesus Christ died to establish, the church of Christ. We offer nothing but the Gospel of Christ in our preaching, teaching, and living.

The Gospel that we preach is for all of mankind. Young, old, male, and female, we are all alike under condemnation until we obey the truth found in Christ. Have you obeyed?

If the Lord wanted His people to organize institutions, separate and apart from the church, to do the work of the church, He would have mentioned it in His word to man. During the first century of the Christian dispensation the gospel was preached in all the world--"preached to every creature which is under Heaven"(Colossians 1:23). This great work was done without the aid of a missionary society. "Missionary Societies, " "Ladies Aid Societies," and the "Christian Endeavor Society" are institutions founded by men, and they are as unscriptural as churches founded by men. How can a man consistently condemn denominationalism and then endorse the "Christian Endeavor Society?" Now let us reason together. Is there one good thing in the "Christian Endeavor Society" that we do not have in the church of Christ? This is a good place to have Paul speak: "Ye are complete in Him, which is the head of all principality and power"(Colossians 2:10). -E. M. Borden, Gospel Advocate, June 13, 1935.