“LET US LOVE IN DEED AND IN TRUTH” [Part 2 of 5]

Recently, I ran across an article entitled “13 THINGS CHURCHES NEED TO KNOW”. The content aptly fits the topic of evangelism. Here are three more points mentioned:

4] It’s always better to have crayon on the walls of your nursery, than cobwebs in the corners of it. So don't sweat the small stuff.

Your child is a blessing from Jehovah (Psalm 127:1-5); however, with every blessing comes responsibility. Jehovah promised Abraham’s descendants to, “bless the fruit of your womb” (Deuteronomy 7:13; 28:4). This, as all other blessings, was contingent upon their strict adherence to the covenant made at Mt. Sinai (cf. Exodus 19:3-6; Deuteronomy 7:7-13; 28:15-18). The Israelites forgot these words (cf. Deuteronomy 32:18; Psalm 106:21). What of us? Have we, as spiritual Israel followed the error of physical Israel? (cf. Romans 9 and Galatians 3).

As was pointed out in the first article of this series, children need proper training. The greatest responsibility for every parent is being a godly example. This greatness is seen in that your example will either instill respect or incur spite for your words. The greater damage is that God’s words will be treated in the same manner. Parents need to remember that, in the tender eyes of their child, they are viewed as God. “Train up a child in the way he should go, and even when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6). “The rod and reproof give wisdom; but a child left to himself causeth shame to his mother.” The ‘rod and reproof’ in Proverbs 29:15 needs to be properly understood as the rod OF reproof. “Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.” (Proverbs 22:15).

Remember, Israel desired a return to Egypt rather than an inheritance in Canaan (Numbers 14:3-4). A blessing and a responsibility; that is your child. While this blessing may bring an occasional crayon on your walls, the desire for cobwebs will bring the same regret that Israel experienced in a return to Egypt.

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5] Don’t be afraid of change, but don’t change just for the sake of change.

Change for the spiritual betterment must always be out of faith in God’s will and God’s word. This applies in the home, in society, and in the church. It applies individually and collectively. Remember Israel wanted a king (1 Samuel 8:1-9). Do you remember why? Was it per God’s directive, or out of frustration with the ‘status quo’? When 10 of the 12 spies brought back an evil report and Jehovah pronounced a 40-year punishment of wandering, the people decided that a change was in order. Again, was this decision an act of obedience, or made from fear of the consequences of their disobedience? (cf. Numbers 14:39-45).

Leaving and cleaving involves a change, but don’t change just for the sake of change. Loneliness can instill a desire for change but change for your spiritual betterment. Beginning a family involves a change, but don’t change just for the sake of change. Remember God’s purpose for marriage. In all these situations, count the cost of discipleship; don’t change just for the sake of change (Luke 14:26-27).

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6] Be in the people business. When it comes to your building, God doesn’t care about the color of the carpet or the paint on the walls. He does care about people.

Christians need constant reminding of the nature of their calling. Christians are called to become saints (Romans 1:7). Christians need to remember the nature of the ‘hope’ of their calling. Is our calling from God conditional or unconditional? We must know not only which one it is, but why it is one and not the other.

Many are taught that once Jesus gives them eternal life, nothing can ‘undo’ that gift. John 10:28 is cited in support of this. Jesus said, “and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand.” Does this passage teach that our salvation is unconditional? Such ‘proof texts’, when cited without regard for their context, seem to teach this. However, John 10:27 says that Jesus’ sheep, upon hearing His voice FOLLOWS Him. A simple reading of both verses will show that Jesus is teaching that eternal life is conditioned upon the sheep following the Shepherd. Does this harmonize with other inspired teaching? Ephesians 4:1 says that Christians are to “walk worthily” of their calling. Peter commanded brethren to, “give the more diligence to make your calling and election sure” (2 Peter 1:10). Certainly, the scriptures teach that our calling (Hebrews 13:1) is conditioned upon our obedience to God’s will. Obedience completes our faith.

God cares about the lost (Luke 19:10). For this reason, we are to be in the people business. God’s love for man makes the saving of a soul the most important matter in life. A child has a soul; so, does your spouse, your family, your neighbor, your co-worker, your boss, your employee...and so does your enemy. As a Christian, you must arm yourself with this attitude: “I am in the people business.” Have love for a lost soul. Have love for a saved soul (Hebrews 13:1; 2 Peter 1:7). Love in deed and in truth.