We believe; we pray; we give thanks; we have faith. All this is good; but let us together give some thought as to how much of our faith and believing is kept to ourselves and as to whether or not this should be so.
Have you ever stopped to realize how little we express orally or in writing what we are thinking about our God and His plan developed through His Son Christ Jesus?
For a practical example let us together go back over the last few weeks. How many letters have we written to family or friends never mentioning the things we have to be thankful for, never expressing the hope of Christ’s return in the near future, never commenting upon the signs of the nearness of the event. We will perhaps admit there has not been even a comment on all the things that should be upmost in our minds as the most important consolations in our lives or theirs. Is this true?
Then we could say the same, and perhaps more so, about our recent telephone conversations, and how about that little visit this morning or afternoon with our neighbors or relatives, or most sadly of all when with our spiritual brothers and sisters before or after meetings. Was God ever mentioned?
Do our general everyday affairs ignore the deeper spiritual things so that few really know what we think or believe about God and His Word ? In this we are no different from any others in the world around us. In fact there are perhaps associates in our lives that belong to other religious groups who never fail to let us know about their trust in God and what He has done for them.
We might now decide today to change our habits and give a try to this way of communication. Where do we bcgin? Here are some ideas.
- When the world news is being discussed or current conditions are being complained about–we might say “Oh, yes, that is surely a sign of the times,” etc. or “Yes, isn’t it wonderful that Christ will be here soon to improve things”. Even an election can give us an opening to quote from Daniel as to how God rules in the kingdoms of men. Such comments might even lead to a chance to talk more of the Bible.
- When we are in a group experiencing a spectacularly beautiful scene on vacation or viewed on T.V.; even just a glorious summer or winter day, or with the appearance of a rainbow—couldn’t we give credit to God or express our thankfulness at being able to enjoy it?
- Among friends or neighbors at times of grief and sorrow—we can easily say more than just “I’m so sorry”—add something about how God can help.
- For various occasions an easy start is to choose greeting cards that express a spiritual message we endorse—especially if we have difficulty in wording our feelings.
- In letter writing include a Bible quotation or enclose an appropriate article or poem. At times include remarks on world affairs and their meaning to us.
- Even the weather can be an opportunity to show gratitude or to express the realization of God’s awesome power.
- Have you ever used the unfamiliar word “Christadelphian” as an opener? Its very uniqueness often gives us a chance to say more about our faith.
- If our children hear the Bible and God discussed publicly and at home without self-consciousness from the time they are very young, they will more readily carry it on in their adult lives.
- Christ used everyday things in nature, in common people, in natural crafts, to make His Points. We, too, can use these as our leads.
These are just a few beginning ideas to start from; it is amazingly easy to continue and expand with your own experiences once it becomes a habit. Try it for awhile and see!
Of course many reasons can be found as to why we don’t do this and they have to be considered and conquered as they vary with individuals.
Self-consciousness plays a big part; we don’t want to appear artificial or insincere. We are afraid others will think us different or queer; we may be talked about or ridiculed. The answer to all this is to try to steep our minds so full of God’s Word by reading and thinking that we can forget ourselves and realize that God will guide what we are writing and saying if it is according to His will. “Of the abundance of the heart, his mouth speaketh”. Let us always remember that God is listening and He will be more pleased if we are discussing or writing about His Word than if we are gossiping or “small talking”. What other men think of us should not be important. The essential thing is—are we helping others ? A comforting word or a challenging idea can be given like “a cup of cold water” to the thirsty.
Some of us just aren’t as verbal or “wordy” as others but with practice we can at least make a comment now and then in a humble way which may be more acceptable to some of our listeners than a lecture.
Others of us are just geographically located among more worldly people to whom the word “God” is either a “swear word or left for special occasions. However in some parts of the country it is common for everyday people to talk of their religion. It is their way of life and among these it is simpler. Amid bustling sophisticates we may have to “dare to be a Daniel” and surprise our associates by our comment on something that is usually not discussed. It may not help them in this case, but it will help us in the eyes of God. “How good is a word fitly spoken.”
In our business transactions it may not be practical to speak or write of God, but all of us can demonstrate our following of Biblical advice as to how a worker or employer should conduct himself and if we work diligently enough to be called a “company man” by our fellow workers for our extra effort, we may be presented with a chance to tell them why.
From an apposite standpoint among crude, vulgar conversations there is a time when silence might be more effective than words; for that silence might draw a questioning, if sneering, remark that can be replied to in a meek but explanatory way.
We may strive to perform good deeds and keep them hidden, and think good thoughts deep in the recesses of our minds; but it must be admitted to spread our convictions and confess our faith in modern society, the spoken and written word plays the most influential part in people’s lives.
Another important warning in this concept is we must be sincere and not just be “mouthing” trite phrases for the effect, and above all be humble, not trying to convince others that we are “holier than thou”. Nevertheless the fear of this should not silence us as long as we mean the words we say.
Let us now consider the final proof of what our communications should be like by asking how did the people of the Bible speak to followers and strangers, even enemies. The examples are numerous—may we consider a few:
Among the commandments given by Moses is included “And these words which I command thee this day shall be in thine heart; and thou shall teach them diligently unto thy children and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house and when thou walkest by the way and when thou liest down and when thou riseth up.”
David, the Psalmist, said “My tongue also shall talk of Thy righteousness all the day long” (not just on Sunday morning.)
He also wrote “I will speak of the glorious honor of Thy majesty and of Thy wondrous works. And men shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts: and I will declare Thy greatness.”
Mark tells how Jesus advised the one formerly possessed of the devil “Go home to thy friends and tell them how great things the LORD hath done for thee.”
For more Biblical examples study carefully the letters written by James, Peter, Paul, John, and Jude. Each expressed his feelings so fully on all subjects; in a humble way we too can use these as examples.
In conclusion there is one last warning which a billboard on a local church proclaimed very aptly, “If you talk the talk, be sure you walk the daily walk.”
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One