Bible Thoughts

November 17, 2002

All humans have, at times, asked themselves, "What shall we do?" When one is sad or hurt or in danger or confused or in many other situations, this question is asked. Such reasoning is not new. In God's book, men asked themselves(and others) the same question: What shall we do?

Jonah fled from God because he did not want to preach to the people of Nineveh. In an attempt to flee from God, he went to Joppa and boarded a ship so he could hide from the presence of the Lord. It did not work! Jehovah caused a "great storm" and the ship started to sink. Even the sailors were frightened! Where was Jonah? Asleep in the hold of the ship. The sailors cast lots to see who was bringing this tragedy upon them and the lot fell on Jonah. When confronted, Jonah was asked, "What shall we do?"(Jonah 1:11). The prophet explained what was happening and told them to "pick me up and throw me into the sea." When they did as Jonah said, "the sea stopped its raging."

The Lord was asked, "What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?"(John 6:28). Christ explained to them that one must "believe in Him whom He has sent"(v. 29). The Lord would point out to his listeners that he was the bread of life and they could follow him and satisfy their spiritual hunger and thirst. Jesus would explain to them, based upon their faith, they would have "eternal life" as the Lord would "raise" them up in the "last day"(v. 39). Men are still asking the question put forth by those early disciples. Unfortunately, the vast majority will not listen to the answer to the appeal of the Master to believe and follow His word. While they still ask the question, "What shall we do?," they refuse to accept the answer that can be found in the New Testament.(Unfortunately, even among those who claim to follow the word, many refuse to accept the answers from the Lord).

The question, "What shall we do?" was asked by the crowds who came to hear John the Baptist(Luke 3:10). As John replied, he told those who had possessions that they should share them with others(v. 11). They were also to provide food for those who were hungry(v. 11). The tax collectors were told to be honest(v. 12). The soldiers were instructed not to use force to take funds from others or make false accusations. These men were to be "content with their wages"(v. 14). The principles of truth and justice, so needed in any age, were the themes, not only of the Lord's message, but of John's preaching as well. Surely, we need to ask the question, "What shall we do?"

"A word meaning to endure patiently. A steadfast person is one who is reliable, faithful, and true to the end"(Holman Bible Dictionary).

The early disciples understood what this word meant. Luke observed, "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and the prayers"(Acts 2:42). Instead of using the word steadfastly, the New American Standard Version states, "They were continually devoting themselves..." Each one of us needs to ask ourselves if we are steadfast when it comes to the Lord and His work. Do we have the enthusiasm to do as God has commanded? Are we devoted to the ways of the Lord? Can we be depended upon when it comes to the Lord's way? How steadfast are we in the greatest work in the world? After all, one's soul is at stake.

Does the devotion we have toward the things of the world interfere with our dedication to the Lord and His church? Do we give time and effort to the Lord's cause? Do we study His word, pray each day, set an example to others, show enthusiasm for the work of God and love the Lord and His truth with all of our hearts? Or--do we let the things of this life so interfere with our spiritual life that we do not have time for the Lord and His work? We are devoted to those things which we treasure the most. Where is our treasure? How steadfast are we in our lives as Christians?

It is much easier to overlook the fault of a friend than of an enemy. It is much easier to understand the position of one who is close to us than to see why those who are distant could believe such teaching. We have a tendency to be more understanding of one who is considered a close friend than a casual acquaintance.

The above reactions find their way into religious practice and feelings. We will even go so far as to tolerate error in our friends as we condemn those whom we might consider enemies. However, error is error and truth is truth, wherever it may be found. The fact that it may have found it's way into the life or teaching of a dear one does not remove it's character.

We must be careful lest we permit our closeness to someone to blind us to reality. Paul did not permit the apostleship of Peter to interfere with his pointing out the unacceptable conduct of his brother(Galatians 2). Did he not show his concern for Peter by the act of rebuking him and helping him recognize his wrongs? The true friend will point a person toward the truth(Galatians 4:6). How could one be really concerned for another as he sees him tottering on the brink of spiritual disaster and refuse to offer a cry of assistance?

Also, we permit our responsibility to truth to be blinded by the friendship of others. One brother advised years ago, "Do not put too much confidence in men." Many have lived long enough to realize the truth of his words.

Friends are wonderful gifts and should be earnestly cultivated by each of us. Always remember that one owes his first responsibility to the Lord and His way.

Jesus Christ said, "Ye are my friends, if ye do the things which I command you"(John 15:14).