Bible Thoughts

April 22, 2001

H. Leo Boles commented on this passage, "The spirit of retaliation is still before Jesus; if one has injured us, but is in need and should ask, we should not refuse to give that which is needed because the one asking has done us an injury; to withhold from one who asks in need would be to retaliate; this is forbidden"(Commentary on Matthew, page 149, Gospel Advocate Company).

The Lord is teaching on giving. Those who are in need are to be assisted by those who have the means of helping others. Jesus further stated, "For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink because ye are Christ's, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward"(Mark 9:41). The spirit of giving is the spirit of the Christian. Such giving is not restricted to how we contribute on the first day of the week, but would include other sacrifices. The giving of which the Lord speaks in His word is the concern for the needs of others, the spread of the truth, and the growth of the giver(teaches liberality and love for others). It is an individual responsibility and is to be a part of the life of a disciple. Hence, the religion of Christ is a giving religion. The Lord was the greatest giver and we are to imitate his example in all areas of life.

The giving of the Christian is not limited to material assets. Paul taught us that we are to "...give thanks to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ..."(Colossians 1:3). Having the proper attitude in thanksgiving will, no doubt, lead us to be even more thankful for those blessings we receive, spiritual and physical. By our attitude, we determine our gratefulness to Jehovah.

As the apostle Paul urges the brethren to meet their promises, he stated, "And herein I give my judgment..."(II Corinthians 6:10). Paul pointed out their readiness; now he wanted them to "complete the doing also." It is right to give scriptural advice to others. And those who receive such a blessing should be thankful that those who care would take the time to share their knowledge. It is not interfering with one's privacy to give encouragement and teaching that will improve the disciple.

When Paul wrote to the elders at Ephesus, he reminded them, "In all things I gave you an example..."(Acts 20:35). One of the greatest blessings a Christian can give to another is the example of a righteous life. It will lead people to Christ and strengthen those who are faithful.

Peter encouraged disciples to be "...ready always to give answer to every man that asketh you a reason concerning the hope that is in you..."(I Peter 3:15). The Christian is willing to share(give) with others the faith one has in Christ. Let each of us be prepared to give the truth to all we meet.

Faithful disciples are not to "...give heed to fables and endless genealogies, with minister questionings..."(I Timothy 1:4). False teachings are not to be tolerated or approved by the faithful. It is right to weigh all ideas in the light of God's word. If the teacher gives what is right, accept it; if he speaks error, reject such.

Let all of us, with the above in mind, remember that "...each one of us shall give account of himself to God"(Romans 14:12). If we give properly upon earth and avoid giving what is forbidden, the Lord will give us eternal life.

How is my giving?

How do we view leadership today as a society? Is it something that we are thankful for or something we would prefer to have not exist? Do we actively follow the appointed leaders as they, in their wisdom, guide us or do we follow them only when we see fit, when it is our convenience? We live in a society where our political leaders become the cheap verbal slam in the locker room and the gossip at afternoon tea parties. Our children follow suit by disrespecting and disobeying their teachers. Can we blame them when they have grown up watching us do the same? How many school shootings have been in the media lately? Is this a sign of our times? Our world at present seems as though it would be a lot happier, possibly thinking it would be better off or that life would be easier, if our leaders did not exist.

Leadership is a pattern that God set up in the beginning at creation. From the moment, perhaps even before, that God said “Let there be…,” leaderships was present. When he created man and woman, He taught man to follow. At the command to “fill the earth and subdue it…” (Genesis 1:28), God began to command and teach man to lead. Man has been a follower and a leader ever since the dawn of time. This being so, why do we continually fight this divinely given pattern? Has it any good purpose? Is it worth following?

Leadership is a tremendous blessing. Though seemingly acurse when abused, leadership in its proper application is a most wonderful and terrific blessing! In terms our “what’s in it for me” society can understand, leadership has a great many benefits for us all. Through the wisdom of the experienced both young and old alike can learn how to have a better life. For some, it may be not repeating the mistakes that others have made. For others, following leadership means being part of a team focused on accomplishing a goal, perhaps even a goal that could not be reached alone. Following leadership means having help and not having to go it alone.

In light of it’s coming from God and of God being our primary leader, it is paramount that we view leadership in its proper light. We must determine within ourselves to follow all aspects of leadership in our world because we have been commanded to and because it is for our own good. Will we do as we see fit? Or, will we recognize the King of kings and follow the pattern of leadership that he set up? How we live our lives will tell the true answer to this question.-Joe Cook