Truth Magazine

By Johnie Edwards

From time to time God has entrusted men with various responsibilities known as trusts. Most banks have a trust department which takes care of the property of others and is held responsible for the use of such. Let’s take a look at some sacred trusts.

The Gospel of Christ

God expects men to teach men. So Paul told the Thessalonians, “But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts” (1 Thess. 2:4). No doubt this is the reason, soon after Paul was converted, that 49 straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God” (Acts 9:20). Often we sing, “Into our hands the gospel is given” and as we sing this song we need to be impressed with the responsibility of “adorning the doctrine of God” (Tit. 2: 10) in our own lives. We are “stewards of the mysteries of God” and we must remember that “it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” (1 Cor. 4:1-2). We betray the trust when we fail to teach others the pure gospel of our Lord.

Our Talents

We all have talents and God expects us to use what we have to their fullest extent! It has been suggested that most folks use less than three percent of their abilities. Suppose we doubled that and used six percent! Look what we could accomplish. The parable of the talents recorded in Matthew 25:14-30 indicates that our talents become sacred trusts for which we are responsible.

Elders Watching For Souls

Most elders spend too much time being concerned about physical things to the neglect of the spiritual. God placed elders in the position of “oversight” (1 Pet. 5:2) with the responsibility of “watching for souls” (Heb. 13:17) and that’s a sacred trust. One reason a lot of churches get in such bad shape is a failure on the part of the elders to realize the gravity of their work. Like it or not, elders “must give account” of their rule (Heb. 13:17). The story of the lost sheep of Luke 15 demonstrates the care and concern a shepherd must exercise in regard to this sacred trust. A lot of elders are not even aware that some sheep, for which they are responsible, are lost. A real conviction concerning this sacred trust will cause elders to “go after that which is lost, until he find it” (Lk. 15:4).

Our Children

“Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord. (Psa. 127:3). Have you, as a parent, realized that your children are a sacred trust? Your children are valuable and you are responsible for their upbringing. Paul said, “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4). Our children are like putty in our hands to mold as God would have them, “but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame” (Prov. 29:15). By realizing that our children are a sacred trust, we will “Train up a child in the way that he should go” (Prov. 22:6) which includes teaching him, showing him what and how to do it and see that he does it!

Marriage

Marriage is a sacred trust. When you say, “I take thee this day to be my husband or wife, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish as long as we both shall live” you need to know that’s the way it must be! To illustrate that a person cannot be under two laws at the same time, like the law of Moses and the law of Christ, Paul said, “For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man” (Rom. 7:2-3). A failure on the part of either marriage partner to “render due benevolence” (1 Cor. 7:2) is a major cause of marriages not holding together and the result, many times, is the betraying of that sacred trust.

Time

Time is a sacred trust. A failure to use time properly is a problem of many. Time is of essence. The Psalmist said, in light of the brevity of life, “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom” (Psa. 90:12). The time we have on this earth has been given to us of God and we are responsible for how we use it. “Redeeming the time” (Eph. 5:16) is required of all and there is no telling what we could accomplish if we would but use our time wisely. Have you ever considered how much time you really waste?

Our Souls

“For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit which are God’s” (1 Cor. 6:20). God ” formeth the spirit of man within him” (Zech. 12:1). Our spirit is a sacred trust and God will hold us responsible for how we take care of it. You do know that “the dust shall return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it” (Eccl. 12:7). Our most valuable possession is our spirit and it is no wonder that Jesus said, “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul: or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matt. 16:26)

Guardian of Truth XXX: 20, p. 616
October 16, 1986

By Don Willis

“By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible” (Hebrews 11:24-27).

Moses is God’s chosen servant under the Old Testament era to bring His law to His people. God called Moses from the burning bush. Previously, God’s providential care had been exercised in Moses’ life. Consider these seven outstanding traits in the life of Moses . . . and see if they would not be good in our own lives!

1. Moses rejected earthly glory. He refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. Possibly, even the highest ruling office could have been his. Position often rules people. An office title can fill one with conceit. Not for Moses! Some failed to acknowledge Christ because of the loss of their position (John 12:42-43).

2. Moses made a wise choice. He chose to suffer affliction with the people of God. Often, trials come upon those who belong to God. Joshua encouraged people to “. . . choose ye this day whom ye will serve” (24:15). When the Jews failed to honor Christ, Paul turned even to the Gentiles. We need to make our choice for God today!

3. Moses correctly appraised riches. He esteemed the reproaches of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt. The lust for money is contrary to Christian principles. Jesus said, “where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matt. 6:19-20).

4. Moses lived a separated life. Moses forsook Egypt. He went to Midian and served as a servant to Reuel, God’s priest. It is difficult to tear one away from his homeland. Moses made the proper choice. God commands His children to “come out from among them, and be ye separate” (2 Cor. 6:17). Evil friendships will corrupt the Christian (1 Cor. 15:33).

5. Moses feared God rather than man. The Hebrew writer said Moses did not fear the wrath of the king. God is and must continue to be first in our lives! One must love God with all the heart, soul, mind and strength. We must be ready to obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29), even if persecution and jail awaits.

6. Moses persevered. He endured. The secret to success in any of life’s endeavors is simply, “don’t quit.” One must endure to the end to be saved. John said, “Be thou faithful unto death” (Rev. 2:10). Many fail to make this enduring life commitment in their life. Every little obstacle is a faith-destroying incident. Much effort is expended in keeping people saved. Elders must watch for souls. People need, also, to watch for their own souls. Little difficulties ought not to cause them to quit the Lord. Paul said, “Be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58). Keep on keeping on!

7. Moses was able to see the unseen. He saw Him who is invisible. He served God and not man. Jesus is our hope, not man. Our commitment is to Him. One can endure all kinds of difficulties, as long has he keeps his eye on his goal, Him who is invisible. Paul said, “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith” (Heb. 12:2).

Moses is a wonderful example of fidelity. We need to emulate his action in our own lives. Living as a Christian is not necessarily an easy thing to do, but the rewards are so wonderful. Don’t quit!

Guardian of Truth XXX: 19, p. 596
October 2, 1986

By Bob F. Owen, President Of Florida College

In our society, few people question the value of formal education. Those who continue beyond high school commonly have careers in n-dnd as they enroll. Some seem to be motivated solely by monetary considerations – costs of attendance and/or prospects for good paying jobs. Financial considerations are obviously valid, but Christians should not let these be the sole or even the primary considerations in life-goals.

Having spent thirty-nine years as either a student or an employee in colleges operated by Christians, I’m sure my views reflect some biases. On the other hand, these years afford some insight and multiple examples as to the values of “Christian Education.” Admitting these biases and not devoting much space to perennial doctrinal questions about schools operated by Christians, I would like to note some values I have found through my experiences.

Most, if not all, of the special values of this type of education stem from the basic education purpose of the institution. In the Charter of Florida College, the founders stated the object is, “To establish and maintain a college wherein the arts, sciences and languages shall be taught and also to provide opportunity for young men and young women to study the Bible as the revealed will of God to man and the only sufficient rule of faith and practice, while they are educated in the liberal arts. . . . ” With this as the governing philosophy for the institution, it really matters what courses and programs are offered and who will teach them. Rules and regulations, both academic and social, are developed in light of this purpose which becomes primary in the school’s appeal for students. When these factors combine, they make a unique educational program and provide an uncommon opportunity for students.

Sometimes critics discount the value of this type of education because the lofty goals are not achieved without exception. Faculty members sometimes make shipwreck of the faith or show human frailties of anger or prejudice. Students violate regulations or demonstrate behavior that is unbecoming. “If students there cheat in class or if a student there uses drugs, I could just as well attend a state school,” some have reasoned. This overlooks a very important factor called to my attention many years ago.

My older brother did not attend college but he has keen insights and extremely good judgment. When I was leaving home to attend Freed-Hardeman he told me I would probably find students who would not live up to the ideals of the school but this would not negate the influence of the school on me. There’s a difference, he pointed out, between students doing questionable (or wrong) things without the sanction of the school than in doing them with sanction.

He was right. The fact that the school stands for those things that are wholesome and good and that it adopts rules and regulations toward this end does have a bearing on the students – even if they do not observe all these rules. The student knows that this behavior is not condoned – that his action is disapproved by this teachers and counselors.

My recognition and appreciation of this principle has grown through the years. In the school where I work (Florida College) we have had staff members and students who have not lived up to the standards we espouse. The influence of the school is damaged by such behavior, and this is regrettable. However, because the groups (administration, faculty and the students) advocate wholesome standards and because these standards are generally practiced by the group and because violations are not condoned but, when possible, are disciplined, there is a positive influence for good on the campus.

I remember my own experiences on the campus of Freed-Hardeman College in the late ’40’s. These same factors existed, and I certainly knew of violations of the standards espoused by the school. These violations did not prevent a strong and positive influence on me that came from the large group of teachers and students. I’m still indebted to these people for this help in my life.

Through the years I have seen similar experiences in the lives of hundreds of young people. I feel my own two children have benefitted in this same way. Many students and parents of many have expressed this same feeling.

Hurriedly let me say that I do not believe a person must attend Florida College to be faithful to God. Neither do I believe that all who attend this school will reap the same or even similar benefits. I am convinced, however, that the overall impact of two years in this kind of environment will be beneficial to most young people, particularly those who already have high ideals and who enjoy wholesome things. Frequently, students who have little interest in spiritual things are stimulated toward these higher values, but the greater appreciation probably rests with those who already are more spiritually minded.

What then are the values of this type of school? There are many. Academic standards are high but not extraordinary. Classes are usually small and teachers care about the work of their students. Varied extracurricular activities give opportunities for all in sports and social activities. Along with these regular college activities each student has a class in Bible each day – taught by able and qualified men who care for them as fellow creatures of God.

The greatest value, however, is the fact that respect for God and His Word is publically advocated and commonly demonstrated throughout the institution. Teachers are not cursing in the classroom or endorsing immoralities in order to seem “cool” to the younger generation. Belief in God is supported in all the courses – not just in Bible classes. Students are able to be with these same teachers on the ball field and in the local churches. They see them as practicing Christians and not just professors. Commonly, warm friendships develop with teachers and their families that continue through the years.

The rearing of children “in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” is a vital task. All of us recognize that it is a difficult task. We have long known that it takes more than just “taking the kids to church” or “sending them to Sunday school” to develop in them spiritual values by which they will chart their life’s course. Training and guidance must begin in the earliest days. Children need to be shown a proper respect for spiritual values in every day life. Their parents and other Christian friends must exhibit a devotion to God and an appreciation for the higher and nobler things in daily activities as well as in public worship. Parents who are truly concerned about the spiritual welfare of their children will seek positive means by which their children can be instructed and guided in the way of the Lord. Personal Bible studies, family prayers, associations with other Christians, and congregational Bible classes are some of the means for this kind of influence. Florida College supports parents by offering another avenue of similar help for young Christians. Being in an environment where most of the other students are Christians and where the Bible is taught and respected does not guarantee proper behavior by an individual: neither does it assure a life-time commitment to God, but it does provide a rich opportunity for spiritual growth.

For most students, going away to college is the first step in their break from home and parents. During these years, life-long friendships are often formed. Experience shows that high school associations are not as permanent as those from the college years, probably because the college years are the early years of real maturing. What a good time this is for young Christians to be in association with other young Christians and in an environment built upon a respect for God and His Word! These are the factors that have meant much to me personally and have prompted me to spend as much of my life as I have working with other Christians in college education. Unhesitatingly, I encourage Christian young people and their parents to seek and to benefit by these same opportunities.

Guardian of Truth XXX: 19, pp. 592-593
October 2, 1986

By Morris Hafley

We may never know the far-reaching effect what we say may have on some young lady or young man. I shall be forever indebted to James “Dudy” Walker for a lesson he gave in “chapel” while I was in Florida College, just before the wheel was invented. He told us to tell our parents, the next time we were home, that we loved them. He said, “I can’t do that, both my parents have passed from this life. You can’t go to a cemetery and walk up to a tombstone and tell them that you love them; it’s too late. Tell them now while they are with you.” He said it with all the emotion necessary. I remember trying, without success, to hold back the tears from my eyes.

I made up my mind that, the next time I saw Mom and Dad, the first words they would hear would be those words. I have not failed to tell them, even though I know I haven’t said it enough.

“Dudy,” I hope that if given the opportunity you will deliver that same message again knowing the good that it has done and that it will be worth it to some parents when their child voices those beautiful words.

So, Mr. Walker, I thank you for your influence all these years and oh, by the way, “I love you, Mom! I love you, Dad!”