One thing has applied to the servants of God in every age. They have been called out from their surroundings in order to serve Him.
The twentieth century is not different from those which have preceded it in this regard. “Come out from among them and be ye separate”, has been the requirement of every generation.
From Adam to now the truth of God has been selective. Mankind in general have different aspirations and ideals, and the saints (set apart ones) have always experienced difficulty in remaining true to their calling, while at the same time mixing with the world for the purpose of earning their daily bread.
Separation remains as the requirement of God’s servants, but the problems associated with its continuance are more insidious than ever before. The spirit of this age beckons continually to the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life. Books, newspapers, magazines, films, television and wireless pour out their merchandise of human drama, specially labelled to appeal to the lust of the eyes and the flesh.
The centres of higher education are oft-times used as a fertile soil in which to sow the seeds of agnosticism. While this doctrine of human knowledge being limited to our experience obtains, faith in Divine revelation is at a discount, and even those entering the service of the churches about us find it hard to believe that the pages of scripture are indeed inspired. The world of commerce is dedicated to the worship of the god called gain. Every effort, every endeavour, is used to achieve greater profits, to extend the mercantile interests of great cartels and corporations. Advertising, amusements, recreation are all slanted to the achievement of this goal. Business executives are devoted twenty-four hours a day to their pursuits.
In the midst of all this modern Babel, how can God’s true servants maintain their position in commerce and the Truth? We must have a constant stocktaking. Some pertinent questions to ask ourselves are as follows.
Do we prefer to read current literature such as popular novels and magazines, rather than meditate upon our scriptural foundations? Do we allow social affairs to prevent our personal participation in Gospel extension activities? Are we seeking ease and enjoyment for ourselves and our families, rather than putting our children’s instruction first? Are we allowing our children to idolise screen and television stars, who so openly flout the moral code of scripture?
While all things may be lawful, are they expedient?
Shall we not as parents give a lead to our children in what we do with our leisure? Remember, where our heart is, there will our treasure be also. Are we in love with the truth; is it everything to us, or is it remembered on Sundays only? Do we hasten to places of amusement, or do we delight in the company of brethren and sisters around the word of God? Does business claim all our time?
The answer to this last question, as indeed to many others, is to put aside a set time each day, when we discuss with our families God’s word and its implications. Have we learnt the power of prayer and the rewards of meditation? He who overcomes self overcomes the world. We cannot overcome self except by the indwelling and practise of God’s word of truth.
Brethren and Sisters, beware! The world is arrogant, yet subtle. It is wise, yet foolish. The truth has been against every Age of man, because it tells of the destruction of the present civilization, of the rise of a new order over the ruins of the kingdoms of men.
Yes, the Truth is against the twentieth-century and nearly all that is stands for.
Which will we serve?
The Parables of Jesus – (Part 6) – The Wedding Banquet