Written by: John Sernaque
Dear Reader,
Of the numerous qualities that are exemplified in the role of a mother, the one that was most influential in my life was my mother’s tenacity in getting things done. She was not what you would call a talker, she was a doer. Never thinking twice about doing the things that needed to get done, she just did them. I like to think that this quality in my mother was passed on to me. It is uncanny how one of my sons told me of a conversation he had with one of the brethren and was asked, if there was one thing you can say about your father, what would that be? My son answered, “my father is not lazy.” This brought a smile to my face.
I was always a believer in the old adage that “talk is cheap.” This is a lesson in the Bible, that we are not only to be hearers of the Word, but also doers of the Word. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. James 1:22. It pains me that there are some in the church who like to talk, sermonize, and pontificate to others about what they should do, but they do not do these things themselves. Another adage I live by is that “actions speak louder than words.” Was not Jesus a doer? For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother. Matthew 12:50. Did He not go out teaching all, caring for all, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, taking care of the poor and homeless, the widows and the orphans? Yet I see professed Christians walk by the homeless as if they are not even there. Or they are advised of a group of people nearby, so close to home, that are in need of prayer, but instead of eagerly carrying out the example set before them by Jesus Christ, they ignore the call. For I was an hungered, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did [it] not to one of the least of these, ye did [it] not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. Matthew 25: 42-46.
Too good for the “common folk.” They care not associate with the needy but rather only with their kind because they are of their particular denomination. “Let me give you a Bible study or let me tell you of all I know.” It’s easy to speak to those who are of one’s own denomination. Is that really witnessing or evangelism? Is that what we were called to do? No, we are to reach out to all. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all [men], especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:10. Yes, you have to get “your hands dirty.” Maybe even your clothes too, imagine that!
Jesus didn’t only associate with the “elite”, the Sadducees and Pharisees. Jesus mingled and served those that were of all classes. He did not pick and choose as to who was worthy of His time. Did Jesus come to this world to condemn the lost? No, He came that through Him, they may be saved. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. John 3:17. But still there are those “Christians” who put themselves on a pedestal, and if one does not meet their approval, they are cast off and alienated from the other “Christians” in whom they are affiliated with. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. [Thou] blind Pharisee, cleanse first that [which is] within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. Matthew 23: 25,26. A false balance [is] abomination to the LORD: but a just weight [is] his delight. Proverbs 11:1
When one indulges in selfishness or sharp dealing, he shows that he does not fear the Lord or reverence His name. Those who are connected with God will not only shun all injustice, but will manifest His mercy and goodness toward all with whom they have to do. The Lord will sanction no respect of person; but He will not approve the course of those who make no difference in favor of the poor, the widow, and the orphan (Letter 20a, 1893). {3BC 1158.6}
God sees everything. God knows all. Through Jesus Christ, all can confess and repent of their sins. All, through the strength of Jesus, can put away their pride, lust for power, and the desire to receive the accolades of men. And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. Luke 16:15. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Matthew 4:10. All the scripture verses one memorizes will do you no good unless it is that prior one that abides in your heart, mind, and soul. Will you serve God or mammon? Will you do as Jesus did, or continue on the path to perdition? Will you continue to cast off the very ones that Jesus has required of you to bring into and keep in the fold? Will your candle be restored? It’s up to you. God calls all, in whatever condition they’re in, to come to Him. There is still the opportunity to make things right, not only with your fellow man, but all importantly, with your Creator, God Almighty. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Revelation 3:19. To do what is right, and favorable, and well pleasing in the sight of God. Jesus bids us to follow him. He stated that if you continue in His word (continue means to follow and follow constitutes an action) you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free. Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, [then] are ye my disciples indeed; John 8: 31 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8: 32.
You can be made free from sin and have everlasting life through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. He is our great exemplar, who leads by example. May we be all be like Christ and lead others by His example. This is my prayer for all mankind. Now is the time. Will you say, Amen.
Please consider donating:
