“FAITHFULNESS”

Clarence Jordan was born on July 29, 1912. His nephew, Hamilton Jordan, served as the White House Chief of Staff during the Jimmy Carter administration. If you’ve ever heard of Habitat for Humanity, Clarence Jordan was instrumental in its founding. Here is some history that has been published on Clarence Jordan:

From an early age he was troubled by the racial and economic injustice that he perceived in his community. Hoping to improve the lot of sharecroppers through scientific farming techniques, Clarence enrolled in the University of Georgia, earning a degree in agriculture in 1933. During his college years, however, he became convinced that the roots of poverty were spiritual as well as economic. This conviction led him to the Southern Baptist theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, from which he earned a PH.D. in the Greek New Testament in 1938.

Tim Hansel, in his book ‘Holy Sweat’, relates the remarkable story of Clarence Jordan. It is from this story that we have the context whence the quote came. Clarence and his wife, Florence, decided to help poor people in rural Georgia-both black and white. So, in 1942the founded Koinonia Farm in Americus, GA.

His idea didn’t resonate well at that time with folks in the deep south. Segregation was a way of life. Ironically, the resistance often came from church folks. They tried everything to discourage and defeat Jordan from boycotting him to slashing his workers’ tires when they came to town.

Finally, in 1954 the Ku Klux Klan had enough of Clarence Jordan. One night they came with guns and torches and set fire to every building on the farm, except Jordan’s house which they riddled with bullets. They chased off every family, except one black family who refused to leave.

The next day a local newspaper reporter, who had participated in the raid under the cover of a white sheet, came out to see what remained of the farm. Amid the smoldering rubble, he amazingly found Clarence Jordan working out in the field.

“I heard the awful news”, he called to Clarence, “and I came out to do a story on the tragedy of your farm closing.”

Clarence just kept on hoeing and planting. The reporter said in a haughty voice, “Well, Dr. Jordan, you got two of them Ph.D.’s and you’ve put fourteen years into this farm, and there’s nothing left of it at all. Just how successful do you think you’ve been?”

Clarence stopped hoeing, turned toward the reporter with his penetrating blue eyes, and said quietly but firmly, “About as successful as the cross. Sir, I don’t think you understand us. What we are about is not success but faithfulness. We’re staying. Good day.”

Jordan and his colleagues began rebuilding and Koinonia farm is still going strong today. Faithfulness is what we as Christians are about. Some confuse faithfulness with success. One can be successful, but unfaithful in stewardship. Remember, faithfulness is not determined by success, but success IS determined by faithfulness.

Faithfulness is defined with great clarity in the Bible. One such text that explains faithfulness is Hebrews 3. To walk by faith is, of course, to be faithful. The true Christian does so (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:7). Paul explained walking by faith as follows: “while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 14:18).

Faithfulness is the simple concept of obedience. “Know therefore that Jehovah thy God, he is God, the faithful God, who keepeth covenant and lovingkindness with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations…” (Deuteronomy 7:9; cf. 5:10). The example of the nation of Israel provides us indisputable proof that faithfulness (obedience) and unfaithfulness (disobedience) were the two conditions for which Jehovah blessed and punished His people. This is clear from Psalm 78. We find in vv. 36-37 that they “flattered him with their mouth” yet “lied unto him with their tongue” because “their heart was not right with him”. It is recorded they were not “faithful in his covenant”. Clearly, faithfulness equates to obedience.

The faithfulness of most of the Israelites was as ‘the morning dew’ (Hosea 6:4). This was because their heart was not completely devoted. This was the case with Simon the sorcerer (Acts 8:21). The heart must be fully devoted to do Jehovah’s will to obey His commandments. This is why Caleb and Joshua stood out from the other ten spies in the matter of spying out the land of Canaan. These two alone made it from Egypt to Canaan because they ‘fully followed’ Jehovah. (Numbers 14:24; 32:11-12). This simply speaks to their commitment and obedience.

Christians, as God’s building (1 Corinthians 1:9), are not to be obsessed with being successful, rather with being faithful. The increase is God’s end of the stick to whittle on. We are to be purposed in heart as was the apostle Paul: to magnify Christ in our body, whether by life or by death (Philippians 1:20). Let us remember the admonition and encouragement from the apostle John, “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee the crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10).

“IS IT NOTHING TO YOU?”

In the book of Lamentations, the prophet Jeremiah expresses a series of laments. First and foremost of these laments are those over God’s chosen people Israel. Because they have sinned grievously, God has punished them severely. Jeremiah asks this question in chapter 1:12: “Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by?  Behold, and see if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow, which is done unto me, wherewith the Lord hath afflicted me in the day of his fierce anger.”

The reaction of the people during Jeremiah’s day over this should have been as Jeremiah’s: grief and mourning. Sin had been committed for a long period of time by those who professed with pride their status as God’s chosen. Yet the very God who had chosen them, had now punished them. Jeremiah said, “the Lord has caused her grief because of the multitude of her wrongdoings…” (Lamentations 1:5). Society’s reaction was to hiss and taunt, as if it was nothing to them. Jeremiah said, “The adversaries saw her, they laughed at her ruin.” (Lamentations 1:7). We see in their reaction, the same attitude that Cain held toward his brother Abel, when he asked, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Genesis 4:9).

In this, we see that what was true in Jeremiah’s day was true in Adam’s day. It is still true today. Things that ought to be important are nothing to society as they pass through this life. Many are unconcerned about the prevalence of religious division. Rather than mourn the perversion of the one true gospel (Galatians 1:6-9); many rejoice in the availability of a church of one’s choice. When things of eternal consequence are ‘nothing’, it is cause for mourning. Our religious neighbors speak with ridicule of the church that Christ built (Matthew 16:18). They speak derogatory of those who advocate unity apart from diversity (John 17:20-21). These things mean ‘nothing’ to many people. What about you dear reader? Do you regard yourself as a Christian? Are religious divisions and perversions of the gospel of no concern to you? It should be. Jeremiah mourned over the sins of God’s people. He mourned over the fact that no one cared. Jeremiah recognized what many fail to acknowledge…this was God’s doing. He acknowledged that God had afflicted him (1:12). God’s justice had been exercised because of sin. This was to bring about repentance from sin. For those who did, God would be merciful and heal. 

Have you been afflicted by God? How have you reacted? With bitterness or with sorrow? An unconcerned attitude toward these matters has eternal consequences. Christians are to be “fervent in spirit” (Romans 12:11); “zealous of good works” (Titus 2:14); “always abounding in the work of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58); and to “stand fast in the faith” (1 Corinthians 16:13). Yet, there are those who are unconcerned in regard to their responsibilities toward God and toward one another. Why is it that there is a lack of concern among the people of God with regard to these two responsibilities?  First, let us consider the responsibilities as brethren.

The apostle Paul identified some brethren as ‘strong’ and others as ‘weak’ (Romans 15:1). Judgments must be made by brethren toward one another. Paul also distinguished between those ‘in’ Christ and those ‘outside’ of Christ as those ‘within’ and those ‘without’ (1 Corinthians 5:12-13). In either case, judgments must be made by all based upon righteousness (John 7:24). Jude also recognized the differences in spiritual maturity of brethren in his epistle. He wrote, “And have mercy on some, who are doubting; save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh” (Jude 1:22-23). Righteous judgment requires wisdom. In our consideration of one another, let us remember this: “...consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works” (Hebrews 10:24). We have all been made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). The value of a soul thus created is of greater value than the world in which we live and all that is therein (Mark 8:36-37). 

So likewise, we need to remember these principles in the relationships we sustain with brethren and with those of the world. All souls are of equal value in God’s sight. Don't let this truth mean ‘nothing’ to us. The salvation of a soul is greater than gaining the whole world. The gospel must go forth in word and in deed by Christians. Our support of the gospel should not be taken lightly either. Does our contribution reflect that the gospel is of little or of great value to the saving of a soul? The Bible declares that it alone is God’s power to save (Romans 1:16-17). Does the purity and integrity of the gospel matter to you?

"DO YOU HAVE EYES TO SEE?"

One of the preachers involved with the Restoration Movement was “Raccoon” John Smith. He lived in and around Wayne County, Kentucky, and left denominationalism to follow the New Testament only. He was a rugged and very strong farmer who was responsible for numerous conversions. He also established many local churches in the Commonwealth. In passing a Methodist camp meeting one September day, he stopped to watch a young Methodist preacher baptize a howling, rebellious infant by sprinkling water on the squirming body. When the service was concluded, he stepped to the front of the crowd, and, identifying himself, took the preacher firmly by the arm and attempted to lead him toward the creek a few yards away. “What are you trying to do, Brother Smith?” the young preacher protested. “Are you out of your mind?” “What am I trying to do?” John affected deep surprise. “Why, sir, I am going to baptize you by immersion into the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to his commandment.” “But I have no desire for such baptism. I know of you. You are called ‘The Dipper.’ But you are not going to dip me. I’m a Methodist. Let me go!” John tightened his hold on the man’s arm while the crowd watched, some with apprehension, others with amusement. “That is a scoffer’s blasphemy of holy ordinance, “ John said sternly. “Are you a believer?” “Of course, I’m a believer,” the preacher said indignantly. ‘But I’m not willing to be immersed. It would do no good for you to baptize me against my will. It would be wrong!” “I don’t understand,” John said. “Only a few minutes ago you baptized a helpless baby against his will, although he screamed and kicked. Did you get his consent first? Come along, sir. We will have no more of this foolishness.” The crowd broke into open laughter, and John gave the young preacher a quick pull toward the creek, and then just as suddenly, he released him. 

What do your eyes see from this story? Did you notice abuse? Would you not agree that it is disgusting that a preacher would act this way? Does this advance or hinder the gospel message? Often when reading, we fail to comprehend. We don’t give enough thought or attention to what we’re reading. We read words, but we don’t learn. In so doing, we often miss seeing things that matter. May I suggest you give consideration first to this question: Which preacher were you thinking of? 

While you may have detected abuse from the story above, what abuse did your eyes “see”? What of the abuse upon the crowd? Reread the story. Do you see this abuse? While not physical, it is much more damaging than the abuse upon the baby, or upon the Methodist preacher. Can you identify the abuse upon the crowd? Do you have eyes to see? 

The phrase “eyes to see” is found often in scripture, but always has reference to understanding truths from God. It is used in reference to distinguishing the false from the true. Moses, Job, Ezekiel, and Jesus taught using parables (Deuteronomy 29.4; Job 26-28; Ezekiel 17.2; Matthew 13.13). Parables were a means whereby those who had a desire for truth could be drawn out from those who didn’t: A way of revealing who had “eyes to see.”

Again, consider an earlier question: Which preacher were you thinking of? What was the greater abuse in this incident? What do your eyes see? Spiritual discernment is a characteristic of maturity and comes as the senses are trained to discern good and evil (Hebrews 5.14). Timothy was told by Paul to discipline himself “for the purpose of godliness” (1 Timothy 4.7). Godliness “holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (1 Timothy 4.8). 

How can godliness become a part of my life? It begins with accuracy in doctrine. Godliness is to be taught (1 Timothy 6.3). This teaching must be as Jesus taught. What did Jesus teach about godliness? It could be a pretense for hypocrisy and iniquity (Matthew 23.28). As such, we can wrongfully judge others (Luke 18.9). Godliness, if desired, will be rewarded (Matthew 5.6; 6.33). To prevent a pretense of godliness, there must be more than external actions. This is the link to doctrine. This is why doctrine must be from God, or as Jesus taught the twelve, and as the twelve taught others. 

Paul told Timothy that some would advocate “a different doctrine”, one that would “not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness” (1Timothy 6.3). Their motives were covered up by what they taught. They were described in 2 Timothy 3.1-5. Godliness may be real or fake. “Real” godliness is defined in scripture and must be taught, then lived (1 Timothy 6.3). It begins with a fear of God and does “what is right” (Acts 10.35). God spoke. 

Those who had “ears to hear” obeyed. That is being godly. Godliness is obedience. God is obeyed when his words are obeyed. This is God’s will (Ecclesiastes 12.13). Jesus’ doctrine is the standard for godliness. Outward behavior is not always obedient. Often it is pretense. Eyes that “see” this are eyes that discern, not just read. What is learned is then applied to daily living. Doctrine matters to those with eyes that see, for they know that perversions in doctrine will result in perverted godliness. 

“COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS”

Another year has come to an end. Those who remain in the flesh are here because God has so determined it. Man’s life is as it is because God has dealt with each “according to the integrity of his heart” (cf. Psalm 7:8, 17; 18:20; 62:12).

Life is a blessing from God. Elihu stated, “The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty giveth me life” (Job 33:4). God purposed to make man in His image (Genesis 1:26-27) and set him over the works of His hands (Genesis 1:28; Hebrews 2:7). These blessings were intended for man even prior to his existence. How should man to respond to such blessings? David declared the proper response, “I will give thanks unto Jehovah according to his righteousness, and will sing praise to the name of Jehovah Most High.” (Psalm 7:17). David, a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22), stated why this response was in order: “For thou wilt bless the righteous; O Jehovah, thou wilt compass him with favor as with a shield.” (Psalm 5:12).

God’s concern for every soul is seen in Jesus’ teaching that rain is sent from God upon the just and the unjust (Matthew 5:45). It is for this reason that His disciples show love rather than hate toward their enemies. Christians know the blessing of God’s giving (John 3:16). That is why they are a blessing to others by their giving (Acts 20:35). As Abraham was told to be a blessing (Genesis 12:2); disciples of Christ seek to be a blessing by following Christ (Matthew 5:13-16). God is glorified by giving in this manner.

Such resolve was made when each decided to follow Jesus. That resolve grows as we assemble regularly, study, sing, and pray together. In this manner we count our blessings; edifying and strengthening the bond between us; supporting and caring for one another. We are one.

We also remember in the manner that our God remembered. Jehovah dealt kindly and tenderly with Abraham’s seed remembering, “they were but flesh, a wind that passeth away and cometh not again” (Psalm 78:39). We bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:1).

The ridicule Christians face is also a blessing. Peter and John patiently endured ridicule. “They therefore departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name” (Acts 5:41). Peter reassured the sojourners of the elect of two important truths:

·         “For what glory is it, if, when ye sin, and are buffeted for it, ye shall take it patiently? But if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye shall take it patiently, this is acceptable with God” (1 Peter 2:20).

·         “If you are ridiculed for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.” (1 Peter 4:14).

To those outside of covenant relationship with God through Christ, we plead earnestly to consider the example of Christ as He bore humanity’s sins. The apostle Paul wrote, “Now we that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each one of us please his neighbor for that which is good, unto edifying. For Christ also pleased not himself; but, as it is written, the reproaches of them that reproached thee fell upon me. (Romans 15:1-3).

When Jehovah appeared to Abraham, He told Abraham, “and I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and be thou a blessing” (Genesis 12:2). Christians are blessed for the same purpose: to be a blessing to others. As a new year approaches, resolve to fulfill this blessing from God in your life. Remember these words from one of the many psalms of King David: “The earth is Jehovah’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods. Who shall ascend into the hill of Jehovah? and who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto falsehood, and hath not sworn deceitfully. He shall receive a blessing from Jehovah, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.” (Psalm 24:1-5).