Bible Thoughts December 26, 2004
The New Year
We are living in a time that advancement in all fields of endeavor abounds beyond our comprehension. Knowledge that has been sheltered for centuries has opened new fields in all of the pursuits of mankind. During the coming new year there could be even greater accomplishments than what we have witnessed in the past. Mankind has been putting forth efforts to discover new approaches in all the fields of discipline. The discoveries made by the recent past has brought about a better lifestyle in the current age and will bring even more advancements in the coming generations(if the world lasts that long!).
There is a price to be paid in the wisdom of men. Humanity is moving toward less dependence upon God and more dependence upon their own gathered knowledge. An ever present danger is that one's thinking turns to the materialistic pursuits rather than considering the divine Creator who brought the universe and the world into existence. The child of God has a responsibility to guard his own faith and teach others by word and example the knowledge of God. Only Christians realize how foolish are the ways of men when contrasted with the ways of Jesus Christ. By word and example, how fruitful each disciple can be in the life of a follower of the Lord.
Among the midst of technical pursuits we are noting there is less dependence upon God while trusting more in mankind and human wisdom. There is, then, an ever present danger of becoming purely materialistic in one's thinking with each new discovery. The child of God has a responsibility not only to guard one's own faith, but teach others the knowledge of God so they may be saved from Satan's devices(often wrapped up in attractive pursuits).
"Space spectaculars" is often the description that is given to many of the accomplishments of our astronauts. The exploration of the heavens that God created is still in it's infancy, but grows with each launch into space.
Many discoveries will come forth from the wisdom of men(if the Earth is spared). While the universe is being explored, let all of us(and them) remember there is a God that controls the material universe. The Psalmist of old stated, "Whither shall I go from thy Spirit? Or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into Heaven, thou art there: If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the Sea; Even there shall thy hands lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me"(139:7-10).
Men may look forward to a much longer lifespan than was enjoyed just a few years ago. Many cures in medicine have been perfected, healing diseases that ease the physical needs of men. We have learned much in how we can retain good health. We are living longer than our ancestors. For all of the medicines and equipment, man is still in need of the Great Physician. Sin, a spiritual disease, has only one cure: the blood of Jesus Christ. "They that are whole have no need of a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what this meaneth, I desire mercy, and not sacrifice: for I came not to call the righteous, but sinners"(Matthew 9:12-13). "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God"(Romans 3:23).
Our present generation has more leisure time than those of the past. The modern inventions make it possible for various earthly pursuits that take only a short time in comparison with the generations living before. Such luxury of time can be used to bring the family closer to each other. The love to be found where Christ and God are respected should grow from day to day(Ephesians 5:25; Titus 2:4; Ephesians 6:2). Righteousness will be cultivated through word and action(Ephesians 6:4). Let not one single family squeeze God out of the home life by becoming too occupied with secular matters this coming year. Always seek the Lord and His way before all earthly cares.
The scientific breakthroughs of the current generation speak well of the knowledge and advancement of the present age. However, material prosperity and ease of living often contribute to a decaying society. Ancient Rome is a prime example. Our society must learn to use the knowledge and means we possess to the service of mankind, and first--the glory of God! When we fail to realize our dependence upon the Almighty and trust to our own knowledge, our civilization will eventually be destroyed. When men leave God out of their knowledge, Paul wrote, "And even as they refused to have God in their knowledge, God gave them up unto a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not fitting"(Romans 1:28). Jehovah has granted us the use of the knowledge we now possess. Let us not fail to glorify Him as God.
How can each Christian, during the coming
year, keep the knowledge of God and His will? Study the Gospel of
Christ; apply the principles taught in my life; encourage others to
become Christians; love one's family; love the brethren; and--above
all love the Lord and live a righteous life.
Someone wrote: "When you go into an orchard and see lots of sticks
and stones under a tree you know that tree has borne some fruit.
This little observation should be consolation to those who tend to
get discouraged under criticism. No one bothers much about throwing
verbal brickbats at people who are doing nothing. The more active
and fruitful your life, the more you will receive criticism."
"I looked deep into a beautiful
flower,
Is That Too Often?
Some say it is too often to go every week to observe the Lord's Supper and otherwise worship the Lord. Well, to the one that does not love the Lord and a mere pretender, I suppose it is too often; but to the one who loves the Lord and desires to remember Him, he delights in coming and doing this in remembrance of Christ. To love the Lord means to obey his command, and he said: "Do this in remembrance of me." He also said: "Not forsaking the assembly." And when they assembled, they came together to break bread. Is that too often to do what the Lord said when he says do it?-Gospel Advocate, 11/24/32