When we think about the brotherhood all over the world, our attention is captured by the trials our brethren and sisters in lands torn by violence face. From what we hear, they seem to be more keen on the coming kingdom than we are. Considering this situation, we may think we would be better off to live with trials and persecutions. Yet we do! And we need to honestly recognize the trials we do have if we are going to handle them in the proper manner.
Better off than most
When asked, “How are you?” my reply often is, “Better than most. How are you?” My original intent in giving such a reply was a combination of truthfulness, optimism, and desire to awake some interest. Maybe someone will think to respond, “Why do you say that?” The replies I do receive are very diverse, most often surprise and a statement along the lines of “I guess you have no problems.”
Over the past years, we have often thought about our situation with respect to those around us. We are better off, for we can rejoice in the words, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” (Rom 15:13 RSV). We have accepted the word of God as truth. In thus believing, we have hope that the world cannot understand. We see the reason for life and it fills our heart with assurance and joy.
We face judgment
We must also recognize that we are liable to judgment. 2 Cor. 13:5-6 RSV reads, “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are holding to your faith. Test yourselves. Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you? – unless indeed you fail to meet the test? I hope you will find out that we have not failed.”
These words tell us to search and understand if we are really serving God and holding to our faith in Him. We test ourselves by repeatedly reading the word of God and diligently searching what it says.
Ways in which we are better off
What is my frame of mind when I respond, “Better than most?” Do I see myself as being better off than others? In my spiritual youth, I perceived myself this way without any qualifications.
When we look to those in the world around us and recognize the folly of the time they are spending without God, it is easy to say, “I’m better off than they are,” and move in their midst with an air of confidence.
“Better is a little that the righteous has than the abundance of many wicked. For the arms of the wicked shall be broken; but the Lord upholds the righteous” (Psa. 37:16-17). Strengthened by such assurances in the word of God, it is very easy to say how much better off we are.
God also assures us that He will not test us beyond our ability to overcome. As we read from 1 Cor. 10:13, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your strength, but with the temptation will also provide a way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” We could believe that this is God’s promise to reduce the severity of our trials.
We do have problems
In reply to the statement about not having any problems, I have sometimes not paid proper attention to the life I must strive to live in the Lord. Ignoring the problems with which the Truth confronts us is ignoring God’s truth. I have done this; we all do it to some extent.
Have we acted with knowledge, giving full regard to God’s word? Hebrews 12:5-6 reminds us of some sobering facts, “And have you forgotten the exhortation which addresses you as sons? – ‘My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor lose courage when you are punished by him. For the Lord disciplines him whom he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” We set ourselves up for a fall if we forget such words. By His own word, He makes it plain that, if we are His, we will face problems that discipline us.
We can rejoice that we are not being persecuted or living with the continual threat of violence. Thinking about brethren who face those conditions, we consider ourselves better off for not having to face such trials. But in thinking this way, are we ignoring the trials we do face? If we can’t see our own trials, we are liable to fail them.
Trials we face
“More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us” (Rom. 5:3-5 RS V). Our consideration of scripture will correct our view of the trials we do have.
We may have to face a brother or sister who lacks spiritual strength. We may have to, lovingly and patiently, deal with those who disagree with us. It is very easy to discuss differences with certain brethren. We put off facing others, however, and deny scripture; thus we have not gained our brother. “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained a brother” (Matt. 18:15).
In school, our children are subjected to many years of temptation with few leaders and guides to help. They are our most precious possession and we have a great responsibility to them. Providing the necessary guidance and instruction is a challenge to be faced over many years. They need a positive example in all areas of life. Facing up to that duty is part of our calling in Christ.
In ecclesial and family life, devotion to a life in Christ places a stern call to righteousness. Once we recognize this, life does not seem easy or carefree.
Life can still be enjoyed
For those wondering about that positive, joyful attitude I spoke of at the beginning, it still exists but in a somewhat modified sense.
We are so blessed to have the grace of God. We might be somewhat fearful but we are also very hopeful because of the calling of our Lord: “He destined us in love to be his sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will” (Eph. 1:5).
Brethren and sisters, we are better off than most. Were Christ to call one of us to his side would we not joyously leap at such an opportunity? On a weekly basis we show great joy in coming to remember him. We are thankful to be called and to be able to partake of the emblems. In being thankful, let us, as knowledgeable and prudent disciples, see our trials and deal with them. If we do so, when asked “How are you?” we will be able to reply, with respect to our life, “Better than most!”
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One