Highland Lakes church of Christ

“There is no partiality with God” (Rom. 2:11). ~ ~ ~“All men are created equal” (Declaration of Independence).

People are different and life is not fair. No government program can change this. These may be cold-sounding, hard facts but they are the truth. God did not make everyone the same. He could have made us all with the same color of eyes and hair. He could have made us all with the same height and weight. But each one of us is unique. Everything from our fingerprints to the sound of our voice makes us special.

Life is full of advantages and disadvantages. No one is everything he would like to be. Some are stronger than others. Some are smarter. Some are more attractive. Some have better health and live longer. We can either spend our lives comparing ourselves to others or we can listen to God and be content with who we are.

Men have advantages over women and women have advantages over men. God made us male and female (Gen. 1:27). People can try to change that all they want but they will never succeed regardless of how many laws they pass or how much they protest. Women have babies and men grow beards. Men are better at doing some things and women are better at doing others. If someone says this is unfair, then he needs to take up the matter with the Creator.

Never before have we heard so much talk about equality. Most of it is about money. Many people think they are entitled to have what others have. They resent anyone having more than they do. Even if the politicians they trust could give everyone the same level of income, there would still be the haves and the have nots. Some would save their income and others would waste it. Circumstances would help to make some rich and others poor. Jesus said there will always be poor people (Mark 14:7). Marxist politicians promise equality and an end to poverty, but their standard of living is not equal to everyone else’s. It is above it.

The Bible says, “You shall not covet…anything that is your neighbor’s” (Deut. 5:21). It does not matter if that neighbor is greedy. What he has is his and we have no right to it. That is why another one of the Ten Commandments says, “You shall not steal” (Deut. 5:19). Private property is biblical.

People will never be equal in physical ways. We are equal, however, in the sight of God. That is because we have a soul that is made in the image of God. All men are equal in that all can be saved. “God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him” (Acts 10:34-35). If people would think more about this, they wouldn’t be complaining about the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer. Anyone who obeys can have treasures in heaven (Matt. 6:19-21). That is real equal opportunity.

• Kerry Duke, West End church of Christ, Livingston, TN

I read a devotional thought earlier this week that made me stop to consider it for a little while longer (Selah). It is a thought I have struggled with for a time now and a thought I share with you in the hopes that it will cause each of us to consider more deeply the awesome God we serve. A God who is truly filled with mercy and lovingkindness, yet still a God to be feared. We all remember the story of Uzzah (2 Sam. 6:1-11), struck dead for touching the Ark of the Covenant while it was being transported to Jerusalem. All Uzzah was trying to do was stabilize the ark to keep it from falling off the cart when the oxen stumbled. No doubt, the crowd that day was shocked at God’s punishment of such a “minor” discrepancy. Continue the narrative and we read that “David became angry because of the Lord’s outburst against Uzzah…So David was afraid of the Lord that day” (2 Sam. 6:8-9).

I am pretty sure it was the same fear experienced at the dedication of the tabernacle during the days of Moses. Nadab and Abihu were responsible for the incense before the Lord, but “offered strange fire” (Lev. 10:1). The people must have been shocked at the response of God for such a seemingly “insignificant” mistake. And the Lord spoke, “By those who come near Me I will be treated as holy, and before all the people I will be honored” (Lev. 10:3).

But why such a harsh punishment? Why did Nadab and Abihu have to die? Why was Uzzah punished with death, he was just trying to “save” the ark? Perhaps the better question to consider is “Why does God allow us to live?” How often do we ignore God for opinion’s sake or for convenience. Nadab and Abihu may well have been just a little “over enthusiastic” as they offered incense to God. Uzzah treated the ark as a common piece of furniture and did not revere it, as it was intended. How often do we treat laws and commands of God as a “common thing”? How often do we select convenience over commandment?

You see, the lesson really is quite simple: God means business! Let’s make sure we make Him our priority and never treat Him as something common!

“By those who come near Me I will be treated as holy, and before all the people I will be honored” (Lev. 10:3).

• Paul Mowrer Monticello church of Christ, Monticello, AR

Should Christians Care What Unbelievers Think of Them?

by Wes McAdams: “Christian Living”

As Christians, we interact with many people who do not share our views or live by the same standards. Some of our family members, friends, and neighbors may find the Bible’s teachings to be strange or even offensive. Jesus warned his followers they would be hated and despised. But does this mean we should take the position that we don’t care what unbelievers think of us? Should Christians strive to be liked or simply accept that we will be misunderstood and hated?

Christians Should Obey God Rather than Men

Throughout his ministry, Jesus made it clear that he was not a people-pleaser. His chief desire was to do his Father’s will. Even when people were offended by his teachings, Jesus continued to teach (Matthew 15:10-20). Even when they opposed him and threatened him, Jesus was, “Obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8).

This idea of obeying God rather than men can be found throughout Jesus’ teachings and the teachings of his apostles. Peter told the Sanhedrin, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). Paul said as he spoke, “Not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts” (1 Thessalonians 2:4). In Galatians, Paul asked, “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man?” Answering his own question, he stated, “If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ” (1:10).

Followers of Jesus must teach and practice what is true and right, even when others disagree. In fact, we must even do so when others are offended or demand we stop. The feelings, opinions, and even laws of the world should never compel us to sin or violate God’s will.

Christians Should Have a Good Reputation

It’s true that we should obey God rather than men, but it’s NOT true that we should ignore others’ opinions of us. The New Testament actually has a lot to say about striving to maintain a good reputation amongst unbelievers.

One of the qualities a man must possess in order to serve as an elder in a church is, “He must be well thought of by outsiders” (1Timothy 3:7). Notice, Paul states this as a positive qualifier, not just a negative disqualifier. He does not say, “He must not be poorly thought of by outsiders.” Paul goes beyond that and says an elder should be the type of person who is “well thought of” by those outside the Christian community. If this is true of church leaders, shouldn’t this be true of every Christian? Here are a few of the attributes every follower of Jesus should strive to be known for:

Good works (Matthew 5:13-16; Titus 2:7; 1 Peter 2:11)

Reasonableness/gentleness (Philippians 4:5)

Oneness with all believers (John 17:20-23)

Honorable behavior (1 Peter 2:12)

The word translated “honorable” is the Greek word, “kalos.” It refers to behavior that is good, noble, admirable, and praiseworthy. Paul wrote, “We aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man” (2 Corinthians 8:21). He also told the Christians in Rome, “Give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all” (Romans 12:17). In other words, followers of Jesus must strive to do what is good in God’s sight, but also in the sight of unbelievers as well.

So Far As It Depends on Christians

There is a natural tension between these two biblical truths: Christians will be misunderstood, slandered, and criticized for following Jesus. And Christians should have a reputation of being honorable, being united, doing good works, and being easy to get along with.

It is tempting to try to resolve this tension in one direction or the other. We could change our doctrines and practices so as to be less offensive and more accommodating to unbelievers. Or, on the other hand, we could ignore the thoughts and feelings of our neighbors and not care when we offend and anger them. But NEITHER of those options is faithful to our calling.

Consider these words from Paul’s letter to the Romans, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” (Romans 12:18). First, there are times when it is perfectly “possible” to live at peace with people, but conflict is not always inevitable. Second, you must do everything within your power to live at peace with all people. The phrase, “so long as it depends on you” doesn’t mean if someone else picks the fight, you can finish it. It means, do everything you have the power to do to get along with all of your unbelieving neighbors.

The apostle Peter asked, “Who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good?” (1 Peter 3:13). In other words, if you are full of the Spirit’s fruit, you will typically get along just fine with your neighbors. However, there may be rare occasions when you “suffer for righteousness’ sake” (vs. 14) or “suffer for doing good” (vs. 17). On those occasions, Peter says, make your defense with “gentleness and respect” (vs. 15).

Conclusion

Should we care what unbelievers think about us? Yes, definitely. We should want them to see we are gentle and honorable people, full of good works, and united with other believers. But we shouldn’t care so much about what others think that we are willing to disobey Jesus in order to win their approval. If we walk by the Spirit, we already have Jesus’ approval. At the end of the day, that is what truly matters.

How would you like to have a name that means “DOG”? Most Old Testament heroes had names with religious significance. So the name Caleb meant “dog.”

Caleb refused to let his name hinder him. When you think of Caleb, you don’t think of a dog. You think of a great man of God. So let’s look at three qualities that made Caleb what he was.

1. He Had a Great Faith

When the twelve spies went into Canaan they were greatly impressed with the fruitfulness of the land. But they were more impressed with the walled cities and the giants there. Ten of them came back to report on the size of those giants. They had a grasshopper complex. “We seem to ourselves like grasshoppers, and so we seemed to them” (Numbers 13:33).

“There are giants in the land!” What a bugaboo to scare the fearful, faithless masses! The project to conquer Canaan immediately stopped. They could not see God for the giants.

But Caleb did not fear those giants, for he saw God. From a purely human standpoint Israel could not have driven out seven nations greater and mightier than they (Deuteronomy 7:1). But Caleb believed that God would make the difference. It was not the giants that kept Israel out of Canaan; it was their lack of faith (Hebrews 3:19)

Of those of Caleb’s generation, only those who had faith in God were permitted to enter Canaan. Lack of faith is still our greatest hindrance. Most of the battles of life are won or lost in our minds. As long as Peter believed that Jesus could enable him to walk on water, he did. When he began to doubt, he sank. “According to your faith be it done to you” (Matthew 9:29).

2. He Chose the Difficult

When Caleb came into Canaan, he chose the most difficult place to settle. The spies were particularly afraid of three giants at Hebron—Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai (Numbers 13:22). Caleb chose for himself the home of these great giants. “Give me this mountain,” he requested of Joshua (Joshua 14:12). He could have reasoned that because of his age and the many battles he had fought, he deserved an easy place to spend his last days. But he chose the most difficult of all!

People are cheating themselves by choosing the easy road! Students often want the easy teachers, easy courses, easy assignments. Church members seek an easy way to go to heaven. At the edge of the Red Sea, Israel murmured the language of defeat. “Let us alone and let us serve the Egyptians” (Exodus 14:12).Many would rather serve the Egyptians all their lives than exert themselves and gain their freedom.

It’s a mark of greatness to attempt the difficult. Jesus challenges His followers to take the difficult road (Matthew 7:13-14). After telling the rich young ruler what he had to do for eternal life, Jesus challenged him with the words, “If you want to be perfect…” (Matthew 19:21). Will you answer the challenge of the difficult?

3. He Did His Part

It is one thing to believe with the mind. It is quite another to involve oneself in this belief. Caleb not only believed that God would assist him; he did his part. He went up and drove out those giants (Joshua 15:14).

God will not do for you what you can do for yourself. He gave Israel manna while they were in the wilderness. But the manna stopped when they entered Canaan where they could grow their own food. How often have our prayers and projects failed because we have not done our part!

Caleb’s faith included total commitment. His was not merely an academic belief! He staked his life on it.

Dare to tackle the difficult for God. Do your part . . . . whatever the cost!

In the passage on “the worthy woman,” it is noted, “Her children rise up and bless her” (Proverbs 31:28a). The King James Version expresses the thought this way: “Her children arise up and call her blessed.”

Mothers are special. In a Peanuts comic strip, Charlie Brown said, “Everyone needs someone to love them, trust them, care for them, support them, laugh and cry with them.” Lucy responded, “That’s a lot of people.” Then Snoopy added, “Or one wonderful mother.” Most of us could rise up and call our mothers blessed.

In Luke 1 we are encouraged to call someone else’s mother blessed. In verse 42 Elizabeth said to a mother-to-be: “Blessed are you among women.” In verse 48 the woman addressed replied, “For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed.” The passage speaks of Mary, the mother of Jesus.

All mothers are blessed, but Mary was especially blessed. Of all the Jewish women living at that time, God chose her to be the mother of His Son. Consider just a few of the many reasons what made Mary so special:

• She was a godly woman (Luke 1:30).

• She believed in God—and His power (Luke 1:31-33).

• She had a humble spirit (Luke 1:38, 48).

• She was submissive to the will of God (Luke 1:38).

• She knew the Scriptures (Luke 1:46-49).

• She was brave and courageous (Luke 2:25-35).

• She was willing to accept responsibility (Luke 2:41-51).

• She expressed confidence in her son (John 2:3-5).

• She was faithful to her task to the end (John 19:25-27).

(Truth for Today Commentary, The Life of Christ, pp. 49-58)

To all our mothers, thank you for your love, devotion, example, encouragement and unending selflessness. May all our children rise up and call you blessed!

~~ Monticello church of Christ, Monticello, AR

Sayings About Mothers

 “When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child.”—Sophia Loren

 “Mother—that was the bank where we deposited all our hurts and worries.” —T. DeWitt Talmage

 “A mother understands what a child does not say.” —Jewish Proverb

 “If evolution really worked, how come mothers only have two hands?” —Milton Berle

 “One good mother is worth a hundred schoolmasters.” —George Herbert

 “I remember my mother’s prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life.” —Abraham Lincoln “