Bible Thoughts

September 22, 2002

Men have been striving for peace through the ages. At the same time, there are those who disrupt peace by their attitudes and actions. The pursuit of peace in any area, including religion, should be the focus of any right thinking person. Does a faithful Christian want to have continuous disputes, controversies, disagreements, arguments, contentions, controversies, and quarrels? Certainly not. On occasion, such may be forced upon a person, but the actions and words generated by such behavior are not what a faithful disciple seeks.

The apostle Paul had his share of unpleasant experiences in these areas. Yet, he revealed the way in which peace can come to the individual disciple even after all of the negative experiences that one must face. Paul stated, "Rejoice in the Lord always: again I will say, Rejoice. Let your forbearance be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thought in Christ Jesus"(Philippians 4:4-7).

An attitude of willingness to be ready to rejoice in the Lord and His way will ease the pain that often arises in life. There are, unfortunately, those who never seem to be happy when it comes to the Lord's service. A smile, a glad handshake, and an encouraging word can spark an attitude in another that will bring rejoicing into the heart even when one is downhearted. In all of his trials and tribulations, the apostle rejoiced in the Lord.

Some situations are difficult. Such require patience and endurance, as well as the right kind of tolerance. We are all human: no one person is exactly like the other person. Each of us have our peculiarities(prized by each of us but not by other people). Even among Christians, each of us have our own personalities as well as our likes and dislikes. Too many battles among disciples have been found to be nothing more than a contrast of personalities. Each of us are unique. We are not, and do not want to be, exactly as every other Christian. Learning to have patience with other disciples and to endure(in a right way), we can accept the peculiarities of each Christian. "Let your forbearance be known unto all men."

Anxiety can disrupt the thinking and behavior of any person. All of us have experienced worry about some situation or person. Yet, "in nothing be anxious" is the comment made by Paul(v. 6). The way in which Christians deal with worry is to use "prayer and supplication." Take time to talk with the Lord about your difficulties, anxieties, and problems. When Paul was in prison, he prayed and taught those who would listen. He did not spend his time being anxious over the fact he was behind locked doors. The apostle had committed no crime; he had only told the truth. Paul knew the Lord would take care of him and in whatever state he was, he would still serve the Master.

When the Christian applies the principles taught by Paul, "the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus"(v. 7). Many seek peace; few find it. The disciple seeks the will of God and applies the principles therein to his life. Each faithful person has the assurance that God will take care of the needs of the faithful Christian. Do you want peace in your life? Remember the principles taught by Paul and practice them in your life: you will learn true peace and happiness.

An extra word of encouragement, the small deed done, the visit to another, or a word to a weak member, may be just what someone needed to make his/her burden feel a little lighter. When a Christian does anything that lightens the load of another, the disciple is sharing the individual's needs. Holding up the hands of those who have needs may be the spark that inspires the receiver of such kindness to greater service in the cause of Jesus Christ. Paul said it, "...bear one another's burdens"(Galatians 6:2).

The one who is willing to assist one who is in need does not take over the other person's responsibility. Each is to bear his own burden(Galatians 6:5). Moses still had to hold up his hands during the battle, but Aaron and Hur helped him do what was needful for a victory(Exodus 17). As his hands grew heavy, Aaran and Hur placed rocks under each arm and stood by, holding up Moses' hands.

The extra support that is given in order to help someone, whether little or great, may be the very encouragement that one needs to hold up his hands for the cause of Christ. As the good Samaritan, we should help those whom we find in unfortunate circumstances. As Jesus lifted Peter when he began to sink into the water, some brother may need our extra support by word or deed so that he may keep his head "above water." Let us, as we have opportunity, lift up those who are in need of our assistance. The one you help today may live to help you and others in the future.

Jesus said of his disciples, "Ye are the light of the world"(Matthew 5:13). Paul pointed out that early saints lived in the "midst of a crooked and perverse generation" but were to be lights in the world(Philippians 2:15). We are the only sermons(our lives) that many of our neighbors ever see.

The way that we live may influence the destiny of some young person(or older). We may not always be conscious of the effect that we have upon a younger generation. Through the years, many have spoken to what might be called the juvenile problem. Yet, it is adults that have created the atmospheres that contribute to the problems faced by young people. Observing adults whose behaviors are lacking in righteousness, they fall under the influence of those who should know better. It behooves parents, relatives, and friends of those who are young to always act in a manner that pleases the Lord. Such examples will have an affect upon youth.

In every phase of our lives and in every relationship, we are setting an example for someone to follow. Let us leave one what is worthy of a Christian and influential to those who need to be encouraged by someone who is righteous.