Bible Thoughts

September 21, 2003

There are many opportunities for young people provided by our country and community. Perhaps the most excellent of those is the public school system. The system is not without its faults, but it has more benefits than problems. The person who lacks a high school education has only himself to blame. We should be thankful that we live in a country where we are provided with such an opportunity. We realize, however, that attending a public school can have its problems for young Christians. This article will cover some of the problems faced by those who are faithful to the Lord.

Some of the activities provided for students are not appropriate for disciples of Christ. The staff of a school will provide what is commonly accepted by the world. One of the activities involves the modern dance. While there may be some "dances" that do not produce evil thoughts, much of what is presented by the world is not acceptable to a Christian. Such dancing has no physical benefit whatsoever. Competent authorities in this field have, in the past, testified to the harm that can be done by permitting young and immature minds and bodies to engage in an activity that produces thoughts not appropriate for disciples of Christ. "All specialists in the this field without a single exception concur in the belief that the dance is a device of the devil"(Dr. Windfield Scott). We are grateful that we live in a land where we cannot be forced to do something that hurts the morals of a Christian. Am appropriate passage: "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness..."(Galatians 5:19). Lasciviousness covers the type of dance which we are identifying.

Young people must deal with the problem of association. The public school system is open to all children. Many of them come from homes where moral conduct and righteous behavior is absent. In too many cases, it is difficult to find those of one's age that respect the kind of life that is lived by Christians. It is not always easy to find the right kind of companionship, but is right to be careful in regard to those with whom we associate. Many of the students use foul language in their conversation. They even think that it is odd that a Christian would refuse to speak in the same manner as those who curse. Peter pointed out that some "...will think it strange that ye run not with them into the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you"(I Peter 4:4). It is right for young people to seek association with others; it is wrong to be influenced by those who do not respect righteous speech and conduct. Take the time to search out friends that are companions who will respect your convictions and do not try to influence you into behavior that is contrary to the Lord's will. When you make a choice, if Christians are not in your class, seek those who do have moral standards that would not erode your faith.

America has a problem with speech. Young people can be affected by the language of the world since it is impossible not to hear such. Those who attend public schools come from homes where cursing and swearing is a way of life. It would be easy to pick up the habit of using such words if one is not careful. Foul language has been defined "as the effort of a feeble mind to express itself forcibly." Hence, a lack of knowledge in the use of English is evident when people curse. Cursing(or, cussing in Arkansas language) is wrong: "But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by the heaven, nor by the earth, nor by any other oath: but let your yea be yea, and your nay, nay; that ye fall not under judgment"(Galatians 5:12). Paul also said, "Bless them that persecute you; bless, and curse not"(Romans 12:14). While others may use foul language, the Christian controls his tongue.

My young friend, your will be happier in your later years if you take the time and effort while you are younger to train yourself in the practice of righteous principles. You will never regret living a life of godliness as you grow older. The disciples of Christ stand ready, not only to encourage you, but to give you assistance and support in living a righteous life. Think on these things.

Riches are a blessing or a curse. It depends entirely upon the heart of the man who has the riches. Did he get rich honestly? The Bible does not condemn that. Does he, even though rich, still love his fellow men? The Bible commends that. "According as each hath received a gift, ministering it among yourselves, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."(I Peter 4:10). "To whomsoever such is given, of him shall much be required"(Luke 12:48). Abram was a richer man than Lot, but he did the will of God. He was unselfish. Lot, though not so rich, was selfish. He followed the ways of the flesh. The Bible speaks of Abraham as the "father of the faithful." Lot has gone down in history as a selfish man whose selfishness brought him sin and trouble.-Batsell Baxter, Gospel Advocate, June 9, 1933.

"We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you"(Colossians 1:3) is the statement of the apostle Paul. The apostle identifies the one to whom we should pray. Note that God as the Creator and Sustainer of life is the appropriate one to whom we address prayers. One is not to address Mary in prayer or any other mortal. Only deity, the Father and the Son, are those to whom Christians pray. Paul would also say that we "thank God through Jesus Christ for you all"(Romans 1:8). He further taught that we give "thanks to God and the Father through him"(Colossians 3:17). One does not pray to dead "saints" for help and guidance: one prays to the God who created and sustains us. Follow the word of God and pray only to deity. Remember also: the privilege of prayer belongs to the obedient.

"This is the confidence we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us; and if we know that he hears us, whatsoever we ask we know that we have the petitions that we desire of him"(I John 5:14-15). When one prays unto God, it must be a prayer of faith. We must believe that God will grant our requests, if they be according to His will. That is the standard: "according to his will." Many approach God and ask for favor who have not, and often will not, submit to His will. John has made it very plain that one must have a willingness to follow what the Lord commands in order for a prayer to be heard(answered). The same apostle makes such plain by stating, "And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments..."(I John 3:22). Is this not plain enough? The obedient have the right of prayer because they are keeping "his commandments."