Reading, Writing, and "Whatsoever Things Are..."

Books are wonderful things. I've loved them ever since I was little. They can teach us so much. The trouble is, there are so many out there these days that it's often hard to know what to pick. Knowing what sort of book to make is even harder. Thankfully, as with every other aspect of life, the Bible gives us some guidelines to follow. I'm sharing them with you today because I see so many other young people in the same position I was once, devouring and even writing books with the word "Christian" tacked on to the genre, without giving much thought to how Christ-like the content actually is.  My hope is that by doing so, I can prevent someone from doing as much damage as I did to myself before I changed my course.

 

In Philippians 4:8, Paul gives a list of qualities that should be present in the things we think on. "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." I think it would help in the long run if we analyze what we choose to read and write about by this sound advice.

 

• "...Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest" The very first rule of thumb is that we must think on, or in this case read about, what is true. Indeed, why do we do any less? In Colossians 3:9, we are told not to lie. Well, fiction, even "Christian" fiction, isn't true, and therefore is a lie. Many people like to say that Jesus spoke in parables which weren't literal and therefore untrue, so it's all right to read and write fiction. I've used the same argument myself in the past, but sadly it falls flat. Most of the parables Jesus told were taken from events that were going on at the time, or had happened recently. The only exception is the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, which He told to the Sadducees and others who held to the notion of life after death, as many do today. With this parable, Jesus used this idea as a vehicle for the truth He wished to share. (See Christ's Object Lessons, page 263).

 

• "...Whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure" The Greek word for just is dikaios, meaning equitable, or right, fair. The word for pure is hagnos, meaning clean or innocent. Allow me to use this portion of the verse to include something else we need to watch for in our reading besides truth. It is purity. Yes, content must be pure, but that will be addressed further on, since the next part is somewhat a reiteration and enlargement on that thought. When I say purity here, I'm not only talking about the overall message of a book, but something people might class as nit-picky. Can you guess? It is purity of language, clean language. As Christians, we must not excuse the reading of anything with vulgarity in it, even if it is true and the theme is good. You become what your eyes feed upon, and the devil doesn't care if his opening wedge is a "little" cuss word; he can work most successfully with those so- called "little" evils. Of course, this limits our selection of suitable reading even further, but you will experience a blessing for being so selective, trust me.

 

• "...Whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise," Just because something is true and swear-free doesn't mean it's proper mental food. It must also be good overall. This doesn't mean we can never read or write about anything sad or bad, for even the Bible chronicles some things that in and of themselves aren't good or innocent--but we need to ask ourselves when doing something like that whether it would eventually lead to something better and draw us all closer to GOD. For example, we could read about Hitler and the Third Reich; it's true, but is it lovely? Do the chronicles of his wicked deeds strengthen my relationship with GOD? No. On the other hand, we could read about the martyrs of old, or even our persecuted brethren today. It is true that the things that happened to them were awful, but the purpose of these acts being recorded is to show the extent to which they suffered and how they were still able to stand for Him regardless. Their example can inspire us to do the same. It  can strengthen us by reminding us that He just as He strengthened them, He will strengthen us if we ever need to face that as well. That is what makes such a book praiseworthy.

 

In reality, you could sum up these determining factors in one simple question-- provided you answer it honestly without the least bit of fudging: "Would Jesus be happy with the books on my bookshelf, with the drafts in my notebook (or on my computer)?" If the answer is no, don't be discouraged. Ask Him to forgive you, and to show you a better  way so that you can think on things that are pleasing to Him, and lead others to do the same.

Blessings,
Jean

 

 

 

 

 

 

Youth Strengthening Youth

It is true that many youth destroy other youth by their corrupt example, but it is also true that many youth strengthen other youth by their good example.

For a while, Zoe had secretly felt that she shouldn't have a Google+ anymore, but she always justified keeping it by saying, "Well, Jane [her sister] has one, and Alice [a friend] has one, so it must be OK!" One day Jane went on her Google+ and saw that Alice had said she was getting rid of her Google+ because she felt convicted about it. Jane related this to Zoe, and afterwards Zoe declared that she  was going to delete her Google+ as well. Her friend's example had revived her stifled convictions and inspired her to heed them this time. "Seeing Alice do it gave me the courage to do it, too," she explained.

One Sabbath morning, Jane had spoken about something un-Sabbath-like with her father. When she was in the youth Sabbath school, the teacher related something one of the fellow students, Jack, had to struggle with. Friday evening his sister had called. Jack offered to play something for her on the piano. "What would you like me to play for you?" he asked after a moment or two. His sister named a piece that wasn't appropriate for the Sabbath. As much as Jack loved his sister, he had to refuse. He wondered if he had done the right thing, but realized he had to be faithful to GOD even in the little things. Jane and all the others agreed.

Later in church that day, the thought came to her that she should apologize to her father when she went home, as he hadn't gone to church that day. She decided to, but when she returned home, her courage began to wane. After all, her father wouldn't understand, and she might receive a lecture or criticism. O LORD, it's such a little thing. He will think I'm extreme, she thought. And besides, You know what I will get.

The thought came to her as clearly as if someone had spoken: What did Jack do?

Jane paused. True, the situations weren't exactly the same, but the principles at stake were: listening to one's convictions, standing up for one's beliefs, and being faithful in the little things. OK, OK, she relented, and went and apologized. Although she was criticized, her heart felt light, because she had done the right thing.

But neither Zoe nor Jane, as far as we know, would have done what they did had it not been for the godly examples of Alice and Jack. How important it is, then, fellow young people, that we strive to present a good example! Who knows who it may help.

Paul's counsel to Titus is just as applicable to us today. He said, "In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works" (Titus 2:7a). A pattern, friends, that our friends are safe in following. In the book of Hebrews, chapter ten, he writes: "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works" (v. 24). Perhaps this doesn't always mean we should consciously consider other specific individuals, but simply that we should consider whether choices we make are worthy of imitation, and whether they could strengthen someone else to choose to do what is good and right. May we all seek to do this. One never knows the extent of the positive influence such a course will have in this life and in the next.

Blessings,
Jean



 

We Must Make Things Right

Central American Mission, or CAM, was the mission that Cameron Townsend was with. Some of those at the mission couldn't understand why Cam thought translating the Bible into Cakchiquel, the language of the Cakchiquel Indians of Guatemala, was important. CAM was to officially vote on whether Cam should be allowed to continue doing it. In 1925, Cam and his wife went to Moody Church in Chicago to attend CAM's council meeting on the issue. When it was time for lunch, he went for a walk with Mr. Smith, who appeared to feel the most strongly against Bible translation. Nothing Cam said seemed to change Mr. Smith's mind, and at one point his temper flared. Cam heatedly declared that the New Testament would be translated into Cakchiquel, regardless of whether Mr. Smith liked it or not! With that said, he returned to Moody Church alone. When the vote was taken, six men were for going ahead with the project, and two were opposed to it. One of the two was Mr. Smith, but even so, Cam was happy. Six to two meant he could carry on with his translation work. Nothing would hinder him now.

He was wrong. His brother Paul had done much for the mission, building schools and clinics and orphanages, but while Cam was away, Paul had accepted a teaching job at the Presbyterian Industrial College, located in the capital of Guatemala, Guatemala City. This meant that Cam had many more responsibilities, and less time for the translation work he loved so much. When a year had passed since his return to the mission field, he realized that he had only been able to spend twelve days translating! As Cam pondered this, he remembered how he had treated Mr. Smith. It didn't seem to matter now that he had won the vote, for ever since that day with Mr. Smith, his work had reached an impasse. Cam knew that he had to apologize, and he wrote a letter to Mr. Smith, in essence telling him that unless the LORD was behind it, he would never complete the translation.

Once he sent the letter, Cam's translation work again went smoothly. It is the same with us in our business. The LORD can't bless us as fully if there is something between us and another person. We must do all we can to make it right, and then we may expect things to improve. We would do well to follow the Scripture, "Confess [your] faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed" (James 5:16a).

Blessings,
Jean

Dry Bones

Sometimes we all wonder, "Am I converted?" I think the best way to answer that question is to ask another: "What is the driving force behind all I choose to do?" Is it a desire to glorify GOD, or to please myself? Such a question shouldn't be answered hastily, else we are liable to reach the wrong conclusion. We should thoroughly examine ourselves, and answer honestly. No good will come from glossing over the truth to spare ourselves pain. It doesn't improve the current situation and will only lead to far greater pain in the future. If deep down the answer is the latter, it is true that that is both an uncomfortable and deplorable situation; but we should not give ourselves over entirely to despair. The fact that we recognize our lack, cutting though it may be, is something to rejoice over—not because the lack is good in and of itself, but because we are able to receive the help that Jesus longs to give.

Jesus wants to restore us, to breathe life into us again, just like He did the dry bones that Ezekiel saw in the valley (Ezekiel 37). In fact, those bones symbolize people like me and maybe you. "This class is well represented by the valley of dry bones Ezekiel saw in vision. "Those who have had committed to them the treasures of truth, and yet who are dead in trespasses and sin, need to be created anew in Christ Jesus." Ellen White, The Review and Herald, January 17, 1893.  Look at what He said to those bones: "And [I] shall put My spirit in you, and ye shall live" (v. 14).

He is able to do it, and He has done it for those who sincerely desired it. David wrote in Psalm 119:50, "This [is] my comfort in my affliction: for Thy word hath quickened [meaning revived] me." Yes, and He will do it for us too, if we ask and act in faith. Then we shall seek His glory in everything, and He will be glorified in us.

Blessings,
Jean

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Help to Stem the Tide

"The people will seldom rise higher than their minister. A world-loving spirit in him has a tremendous influence upon others. The people make his deficiencies an excuse to cover their world-loving spirit. They quiet their own consciences, thinking that they may be free to love the things of this life and be indifferent to spiritual things because their ministers are so. They deceive their own souls and remain in friendship with the world, which the apostle declares to be enmity with God." ~Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, pg. 645.

The people will seldom rise higher than their minister. Wow. What a startling thought! At the same time, what a true statement this is. Until I read this quote in Gospel Workers, I had never given the idea much thought. As I mentally reviewed the pastors I've had over the years, and the congregations they were in charge of, however, I couldn't help but make the connection. I also couldn't help but wonder how this related to the rising apostasy in the church.

I'm not saying that the congregation's spiritual standing is due to the pastor's one hundred percent, nor do I mean to imply that it is impossible for the congregation to be different from the minister. No. We each have a responsibility to GOD, and "seldom" means rarely, not never.

Yet we have seen that "by beholding, we become changed". Influence is a subtle, yet powerful tool. Used in the right direction, it can do much good; used in the opposite direction...well, you get the picture. That is why we need to be extremely careful not to simply be spoon-fed by the pastor each week, but to evaluate everything he says by the Word, despite his position of leadership. Not everyone is strong enough to do this at first, however. Along with being good examples to our fellow members, we need to pray for our pastors. We need to pray that they will catch brighter beams of truth, that they will understand it more clearly, for their own sakes and the sake of their flocks--especially those that are easily swayed. Even the apostle Paul, who could be considered a pastor, wrote to the Thessalonians and said, "Brethren, pray for us" (1 Thessalonians 5:25).

I believe that if we all make an effort to assist our pastors through our prayers that we will see a definite difference in the church. No, it won't change everyone, but it might change a few that would have never changed otherwise, and this is one more way in which we will be able to stem the tide of wickedness among GOD's people. Will you help?

Blessings,
Jean

Light at the End of the Tunnel

Sometimes it seems like trials take forever to end. Even when you're doing all you can think of, it seems like it grows lengthier and heavier with each passing day. Sometimes it seems so dark you wonder if GOD notices and honestly cares, or whether He regards it with indifference. You wonder if He  really is listening and working for your good. You wonder if there is light at the end of the tunnel. Of course, it's easy to say there is. It's easy to say anything. It's not that easy to always believe it when everything seems to be going so badly.

Then there are those words that have a way of piercing the thick clouds of gloom and letting a ray of light, a ray of hope, in. The first thing that did this for me was 1 Peter 5:10. "But the GOD of all grace, Who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle [you]." Friends, what hope this brings! If you and I let Him, if you and I cooperate with Him the best we can, GOD will eventually bring good out of our sufferings.

In Acts of the Apostles,  chapter 51, page 527, Ellen White writes: "Thus Peter wrote to the believers at a time of peculiar trial to the church. Many had already become partakers of Christ’s sufferings, and soon the church was to undergo a period of terrible persecution. Within a few brief years many of those who had stood as teachers and leaders in the church were to lay down their lives for the gospel. Soon grievous wolves were to enter in, not sparing the flock. But none of these things were to bring discouragement to those whose hopes were centered in Christ. With words of encouragement and good cheer Peter directed the minds of the believers from present trials and future scenes of suffering 'to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away.' 'The God of all grace,' he fervently prayed, “who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered awhile, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever.'"

While I haven't yet experienced, at least in my own estimation, the sufferings of Christ, I do believe the words could go for any present trial. May we learn to look up, up, up to the blessings that await us after this is all over.

The second thing that encouraged me was a passage in the book Steps to Christ, on page 96: "The assurance is broad and unlimited, and He is faithful who has promised. When we do not receive the very things we asked for, at the time we ask, we are still to believe that the Lord hears and that He will answer our prayers." What an encouragement! It goes on to say, "We are so erring and short-sighted that we sometimes ask for things that would not be a blessing to us, and our heavenly Father in love answers our prayers by giving us that which will be for our highest good—that which we ourselves would desire if with vision divinely enlightened we could see all things as they really are. When our prayers seem not to be answered, we are to cling to the promise; for the time of answering will surely come, and we shall receive the blessing we need most. But to claim that prayer will always be answered in the very way and for the particular thing that we desire, is presumption. God is too wise to err, and too good to withhold any good thing from them that walk uprightly. Then do not fear to trust Him, even though you do not see the immediate answer to your prayers. Rely upon His sure promise, 'Ask, and it shall be given you.'"

I know that what I ask for is something He would like to give us all, but my heavenly Father is too wise to err. Perhaps now wouldn't be the best time for us to receive it, no matter how much we want it. Perhaps there are things we need to learn first. Whatever the case, I am once again reminded that He does care, that He does answer prayer, and that He will one day end these lessons of suffering. May we learn them well.

Yes, I'm reminded that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Blessings,
Jean

"Be Careful For Nothing"

Everyone has those moments, those days, where nothing seems to go right, where it seems life is just one big mess, one big burden. You're worried, mostly about things you have no power to change. You know, those times where you're bound to be in a bad mood, and do or say things you wish you never had. I struggle with not losing control in stressful situations such as these, and often I fail. The other day was one of those days. As I sat by the window full of anger and anguish, part of a Scripture came to me. I didn't know where it was, but I knew how it started, and I searched for it in my Bible's concordance. It was Philippians 4:6-7:

"Be careful for nothing: but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto GOD. And the peace of GOD, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

"Be careful for nothing" means not to be full of care, or anxious about, anything. We are to pray and give thanks at all times, and if we do this, the peace of GOD will fill our hearts. Not before. We can't fully appreciate this privilege, though, until we come to the realization that worrying, fretting, or seeking feebly to fix things ourselves, will not do us an ounce of good. It won't. I can testify, unfortunately more times than I'd like to admit.

Do you see? It is our privilege to bring every problem to GOD and leave it in His hands, trusting He will work it out or show us what to do about it. In the meantime, we are to do our very best with the things we know how to do. He will take care of the rest.

Blessings,
Jean