Every now and then I get a thought that comes into my mind and stays around for awhile, giving me time to think about a lot of different things in relation to the thought. I would like to share one of these thoughts, and some of the things that have come to mind because of it.
The Thought:
“Christadelphians used to be known as the people of the Word.” Now they are known as the people of the ____________?
What comes to mind when you try to fill in the blank ? This blank should be filled with good, positive, spiritual things —is it?
I would like to pose this question for thought — “Christadelphians are known as the people of the ____________ .” and what can we do to improve, if there is room for improvement.
So in three major areas, let us give this some thought.
First, what are “today’s” Christadelphians known for? Second, what should “today’s” Christadelphians be known for? Is there a difference between what we should be known for and what we are known for? Third, a key for improvement — “time.”
When you tried to fill in the blank, what came to mind ?
One of the first things that came to my mind was—television. We have all heard it said that “we are what we eat.” This goes for mind food as well as physical food.
Christadelphians used to be known as —people of the “Word” because they used to partake of the Word of God on a daily basis. Everyone who has read Elpis Israel can tell that Dr. Thomas was a Christadelphian because he knew what the Bible said. He studied — and it showed. Christ, who is the best example of “right” knew the Scriptures inside and out.
Do we know the Bible backwards and forwards? Is it easier for us to talk about the Bible, its stories and lessons, or what prime-time TV shows are on this week? Hour for hour what is going into “today’s” Christadelphians ?
It is my personal belief that if most of us took each hour of TV and spent that time around the Word of God, that we would see major changes in our ecclesias.
We are aware that a few of our families have no television, however, some have 2 or more!
Are we controlling our TV, or is our TV controlling us? Hard question to ask. Ask it anyway. Do you schedule your night life around TV programs? For example, “I can’t do my Bible readings right now because such-and-such is on in ten minutes.”
Who is controlling whom ? You the TV, or the TV you?
We are told to be able to “give a good confession of our faith” not of the major networks programming — Think about it, and if the shoe fits, do something about it!
Another thing to fill in the blank, maybe, self. Can people look at us and say, “The Christadelphians are not known — they are just like you and me. They do not stand out at all.” We talk about being different, but by our actions, are we seen as different ?
Are Christadelphians known for their idols ? Yes — IDOLS. Idols are defined as false gods, image or otherwise. We are not referring to idols of the past (i.e. Baal) but today’s idols. Visa, Porsche, money, beautiful homes, boats, investments . . . What do we talk about? What do our friends know about us ? Do they even know that we are Christadelphians?
If this were taken as an exhortation, as an “urging earnestly,” it is to change for the better. We can see what may be filled in the blank. “Christadelphians are known as people of (the)— TV—? Self —? Idols—?
We should return to being known as the people of God’s Word.
Everyone that knows us should know we are Christadelphians and what Christadelphians are known for. I’m sure that each day we come into contact with someone who has never heard of the Christadelphians. Maybe even someone who knows you, but doesn’t know that you are one. These are the people that we need to talk to. Our preaching effort does not have to be only door to door. We want to reach those people that we already know, yet haven’t discussed the truth with.
We should be known as people of the Word by the entire earth, but for starters let us be “known” by our friends as Christadelphians.
The remaining of what we would like to put forth is directed at why we are not known as people of the Word and a key to help change that around.
Too many times we have heard people say “I want to, but I just cannot find the time.”
TIME is a key to our success in our spiritual life.
It has been said that “all men are created equal”. I’m not so sure about that, but one way in which we are equal is in the amount of time we are all given. Rich, poor, young, old, smart or foolish, we all have 24 hours per day. What we Choose to do with it is up to us.
Is our use of “time” a major issue in our lives?
I know it is for some people. People ask how can I get more time?”
I offer the following suggestions:
- Cut down/out TV time
- Get up a little earlier
- Go to sleep a little later
- Plan/organize your life (saves time)
- Don’t kill time by procrastination
- Set priorities (Don’t waste time on unimportant matters)
- Set certain time aside for specific issues so that you do not always get side-tracked.
Our current (today’s) life style will drive God and His plan and purpose right out of our lives if we are not careful!!
We must take control over our “time” and use it wisely. Christ did not die for those who were too busy; who didn’t have time for him.
He will be returning soon (maybe yet today) and will be looking for his Bride.
Will he find her at home ready and watching for his return, or busy out in today’s world, being a part of those things she knows are wrong?
These are the words of exhortation:
“Use our time wisely because we want to be known as Christadelphians,” people of the Word of God.”‘
It is not easy to accustom ourselves to the idea that a moment will come, whether we are living or dead, when the true reality of the things we believe in will be made clear. For those of us who are alive, the familiar pattern of daily living will suddenly vanish.
One day,” . . . the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” (I Thessalonians 4:-16-17)
Now is the Time to serve the LORD!
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One