Truth Magazine

By Randy Reynolds

The Bible account of the conversion of Lydia can be found in Acts 16:5-15. In this text, verse 12 informs us that Paul and Silas (Paul now on his second Missionary Journey) had now traveled to the city of Philippi, the foremost city of that part of Macedonia. As was true in other cities, they had come to Philippi to preach the gospel. In verse 13 we find this account, “And on the Sabbath day we went out of the city to the riverside, where prayer was customarily made; and we sat down and spoke to the women who met there.” While there they met a woman who was away from home on business. Her name was Lydia. She had traveled from Thyatira and was a seller of purple. Thaytira, about 300 miles from Philippi, was a city well noted for its expensive purple dyes.

Immediately in our text we notice two outstanding characteristics about this woman named Lydia. (1) She is a worshipper of God. (2) Worship is very important to her. She is almost 300 miles away from home selling purple, yet, when the Sabbath arrived she put her business aside and went to worship her God. She went down by the riverside to pray. It was at this time that she came in contact with Paul. This would prove to be a very eventful day for this woman from Thyatira.

Notice the words of v. 14, `Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshipped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul.” The last sentence of this verse has caused much discussion in years gone by. Our Calvinist friends would suggest to us that this is a proof text of one totally depraved and having her heart opened in a miraculous way by God.

Not to my surprise, yet to my disgust, this teaching was being voiced in a lectureship that I attended a few years ago in Canada by those who would claim to be New Testament Christians.

Was Lydia totally depraved as a result of inheritance from Adam to the point that she couldn’t do right until God’s Spirit by immediate and direct action opened her heart? Not only does this passage not teach this; it denies it. Before any mention is made of Lydia’s heart being opened, she is said to have heard something. What did she hear? She had heard the preaching of the Word.

Notice with me briefly the conversion of others in the book of Acts. In Acts 2:4 we find that the apostles, on the Day of Pentecost were preaching “as the Spirit gave then utterance.” The result? Some were cut to their heart v. 37. What brought these Jews to the point of repentance? “Now when they heard this” (v. 37).

In Acts 8 we find the conversion of the Samaritans. Notice what took place in verse 5. “Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them.” What effect did this preaching have on them? “But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized” (v. 12).

Acts 8:13 tells us that the same thing is true concerning Simon. In verses 35-39 we find that Philip taught Jesus to the one referred to as an Ethiopian eunuch. Notice in the text the result of this teaching.

Saul of Tarsus (cf. Acts 9:1-20; 22:6-16) was told to continue into

Damascus and there it “will be told what you must do” (9:6). He went and waited as he had been instructed to do. Sure enough, just as the Lord had said, one by the name of Ananias joined himself to Saul and told him what he needed to do (cf. Acts 22:16).

Cornelius in Acts 10 heard the preaching of Peter. Soon, Peter by the authority of Christ commanded them to be baptized.

In Acts 16:30-33 we read of the one called the Philippian Jailer. In verse 30 he had asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” In verses 31-34 we find the answer to his question. But take special note of verse 32: “Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house.”

What about Lydia? Did the Lord open her heart? Yes, certainly he did! How? First, he sent Paul into Macedonia (cf. Acts 16:9). Second, through inspiration he had given Paul (and others) a wondrously saving message to teach and preach (cf. I Cor. 2:1-16). Thus, through the Word that had been taught by this great preacher, the truth of the story of Christ pierced any and all prior misleadings and preconceived notions that this seller of purple may have had. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes” (Rom. 1:16). “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17).

The conversion of Lydia, is but another instance of the pure seed finding a good and honest heart (cf. Lk. 8:4-15). However, as a good friend of mine used to say, “We’ve got to get the seed out of the barn and plant it so that God can give the in-crease.”

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 7, p. 5
April 1, 1993

By Delmer Hightower

Peter issues a perceptive command when he says — “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason for the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (1 Pet. 3:15). The verse encompasses several aspects of the Christian’s life.

What is it to sanctify God. To sanctify the Lord God in our hearts requires us to set God above every desire, urge or whim. Let him be supreme ruler and regard him as holy and the ruler and judge of all that we do. Peter goes on to talk about the condition of our conscience in regard to God and his word. Before we can have a clear conscience as to our condition before God, we must do a number of things.

First, we must know what God demands of us. That is why Paul exhorted Timothy, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15). Time after time we are encouraged to “know” all things commanded of us. More and more I hear people attempt to use ignorance as an attempt to skirt God’s laws.

Second, we must have conviction in regard to the stand and attitude we have toward God and his word. I am convinced that many people today know what the word teaches but do not have the conviction to practice and uphold it. Paul should give us confidence when we read, “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God” (Rom. 8:16). When we read the Scriptures and apply them to our lives we not only gain confidence, but hope, joy and peace.

Third, we must have the courage and dedication to teach and practice what we believe. I know that we can be sincerely wrong as Paul was. To believe something with all of our heart is essential to maintaining a good conscience but we must also be aware that it is not in itself a guarantee of always being right. The Spirit has guided the apostles into all truth, they have written it down so that when we read their epistles and apply them to our daily lives we will exude confidence, sincerity, joy, love and compassion to all that we meet. That folks, is what being conformed to Christ means!

Be prepared to answer! When we get our heart and con-science right with God we have no problem with the next part of the verse. We are not only ready (prepared) to de-fend our beliefs, but are eager too. Our hope is based on the confidence that we have that we have searched the Scriptures, rightly divided them and reached a conclusion that it is harmony with every Scripture and with God. There can be no reason to fear God’s wrath for teaching error, no reason to fear criticism from the querulous, insensitive or legitimate questions of friend or foe.

Have the right attitude when we answer! When we hear men teach things that are contrary to what they have taught in the past or are contrary to what we believe the Scriptures teach, what should we do? Many are offended if we call in question their teaching and become angry and accuse us of being trouble makers or worse, but this is exactly what Peter has in mind when he tells us to be ready to give an answer to any man that questions our doctrine — with meekness and fear! If our doctrine is in harmony with the Scriptures we welcome the opportunity to defend any or all points. What is the problem when we encounter anger and/or resentment if we call in question a teaching?

First of all, someone has the wrong attitude. It is always in order to ask for book, chapter and verse so it is never out of line to question any doctrine and it is always our obligation to be ready to give a defense. Truth never has anything to fear. The lack of authority is always a dilemma. I was spoon fed for years on the doctrine “that if a man has a scripture he will use it.” What is wrong when one can’t or won’t give an answer? He has no Scripture, he has no confidence in the conclusion he has reached or he does not like the consequences of the answer he must give. The results are fear, loss of confidence and a defiled con-science. When this happens men lose confidence and respect for any one caught in this trap and because of pride (or whatever) refuse to correct the problem.

This is what has caused division in the religious world time and time again. It is what caused the division in the Lord’s church at the turn of the century, in the fifties and it is on its way again today. What do we do? Do we look the other way, not rock the boat or do we follow Paul’s instructions. “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them” (Rom. 16:17).

I have a tape of a sermon preached in an area church this past month that is a good example of what I am talking about. The sermon was an effort to explain to the congregation why some had left and started another congregation. I have first hand knowledge that the ones who left made numerous efforts to reason with the elders, ask repeatedly for Scriptures to authorize the things being taught and practiced and all to no avail. I hear the same thing from about similar conditions every where I go. Examine some of the statements and see if they fit the parameters of 1 Peter 3:15?

After several minutes of “activities” that really had nothing to do with the problem at hand the speaker began to give his reasons for the division. He promised to give ample Scriptures to substantiate his conclusions but then explained that the copy machine broke down and he had to settle for about “15 minutes” of Scriptures. Think about his next statement! “I reached a conclusion in 1972 and am just now brave enough to share it with you. The law of Moses was given us to show what God does not want. God does not want to judge us by the ability we have to keep rules, because when you start playing `ruly righty’ — I guess that is the name you could call it, doing all of the right things at the right time — you just have to make one little mistake and you are out, just one little mistake and you lose, just one mistake if you play ruly righty. ” Does that sound like it harmonizes with — “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all” (Jas. 2:10).

The speaker then uses several Scriptures that show that the law of Moses has been done away with and then draws this conclusion. “Any attempt on our part to serve God by rules and traditions will always lead to division and factions, and that is where we are right now. You see, somebody did it wrong. If we have done wrong then we have to make it right, and if the elders won’t make it right then we’ve got to leave, and that’s sad folks. But that’s what happens when you start playing the rules game. But you say — wait a minute, Robert, are you saying that there are no rules? Oh no, I am saying to you that there is one rule, it is the principle of faith and that rule is so great that when you under-stand the principle of faith you will have incorporated every other thing somebody might try to bind on you.”

Robert did a good job of putting away the law of Moses and then assumed that it meant the demise of all law I sup-pose. He never mentioned the law of Christ, never mentioned how we prove our faith as James instructs in 2:18. Heused a book by “Chuck Swindoll” to try to make some point about liberty and then talked about the liberty that is in Christ, as though it freed us from all rules and regulations, but he failed to consider what James said about it in the Scriptures. “So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty” (Jas. 2:12). After working on this theory for 20 years he completely overlooked the fact that the liberty that is in Christ frees us from the law of sin and death and not the rules and regulations of the “law of liberty.”

Note his explanation of Galatians 5:1. (Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ bath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.)

… getting back into a system where you have to keep all of the rules and regulations.” By this statement he admits that there are some rules and regulations, so I wonder if brother Moore could tell us which ones we must keep and which ones we could safely ignore?

Robert used much the same arguments our Calvinistic friends have always used. When he could not use a Scripture he tried to prejudice the audience with theatrics and his “ruly righty” phrase. What a waste of talent and time of worship to God. The sad thing is that many sat in the audience and accepted that reasoning and let the false teaching and condemnation of souls go without question or contest.

Folks, excusing sin and over looking the law of Christ will cause some to be very disappointed in the day of judgment. Respect for Christ and his law is our only hope! There is no substitute for authority! The song we sing is not just a pretty melody, but based on a specific Scripture and command! “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”

We are obligated by the Lord to call in question every deviation from the law of Christ. Did not Christ say, “If you love me keep my commandments”?

Excusing sin and over looking the law of Christ will cause some to be very disappointed in the day of judgment. Respect for Christ and his law is our only hope! There is no substitute for authority! The song we sing is not just a pretty melody, but based on a specific Scripture and command! `And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.,,

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 7, p. 12-13
April 1, 1993

By Tim Hawk

Introduction

Interest in near-death experiences has risen over the past few years. The subject has found its way on the daytime talk shows and in numerous news stand publications. Many are fascinated by near-death experiences. It is a subject people sometime wonder about. Recently, I was asked by a Christian, “What does the Bible say about near-death experiences?” In this article we will attempt to answer that question.

Near-Death Experiences Defined

“According to a recent Gallup Poll, eight to nine million Americans have reported strikingly similar mystical experiences while temporarily ‘dead’ or on the verge of death … they describe a sense of peace and inexpressible joy. Many are reunited with loved ones who have died before them, and encounter a ‘Being of Light’ who radiates pure love and acceptance. While most people yearn to remain with this light forever, they are sent back to life to fulfill certain responsibilities. Scientists have termed this extra-ordinary journey a `near-death experience,’ or NDE. Although the experience varies somewhat from person to person, it is consistently recounted as joyful and profoundly real.

“The Gallup Poll further indicated that NDE’s can hap-pen to anyone. It found no relationship between the occurrence of NDE’s and a person’s age, sex, race, occupation, education, area of residence or, significantly, his prior religious beliefs or practices. While a religious person might interpret his experience differently than an atheist, the experience itself remained consistent” (Amy Sunshine Genova, “The Near-Death Experience,” McCall’s February, 1988, 103).

Near-Death Experiences Described

“Sitting in the family room of her red-brick home in Rockville, surrounded by nine Himalayan cats, Jane Fandey recalls the morning nineteen years ago when she died.

“The memory is vivid, she says — `more vivid than memories of getting married or giving birth.’

“At the time, Fandey had an undiagnosed case of Addison’s disease, a failure of the adrenal gland. After a series of fainting spells, she was admitted to Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring. Shortly after that, her blood pressure plum-meted and disappeared. `I knew I was dying, and I was very sad to give it all up. I raised my hand to wipe the tears out of my eyes and realized I couldn’t move.’

“As the nurse ran for help, Fandey felt herself rising out of her body and surveying the hospital room from near the ceiling. ‘Then I entered an infinite blackness with no boundaries at all. I was traveling so fast. I didn’t see or feel anything. But I knew I was not alone. I felt like I was going home.’

“She came to a stop at a fence that surrounded a bright light. Billowy clouds were floating over the fence. Gently, a spirit informed her that she could join them, or could return to her husband and two young sons. She chose to go back and instantly was returned to her hospital bed, just as the floor nurse was reviving her.

“Fandey, who is 44, has no doubts about what happened to her that day. `I knew I had died and come back,’ she says calmly.

“For a long time she didn’t discuss the experience with anyone, not even her husband. She held the memory within — and she felt herself changing. She understood the world in a different way. Her feelings toward living things became so strong that `the mistreatment of animals now brings me physical pain.’ She could no longer abide organized religion, because she had seen that anyone who has led a decent life — those billowy clouds — gets to heaven” (Carol Stevens, “I Felt Like I Was Going Home,” The Washingtonian) September, 199I, 82).

What do we Know?

In this section of our study we will be asking and answering some questions. By asking and answering these questions with Scripture, we will be able to determine that these experiences near-death are not from God.

1. How does man today come to believe in the “afterlife”? Not by what one thinks, or hears, or sees, or experiences alone without God. The Bible both warns against and gives numerous examples forbidding man trusting in himself in-stead of God (Prov. 14:12; 16:25; Jer. 10:23; 2 Kgs. 5:1-14; Jn. 16:1-3; Acts 26:9-11). How then is true belief established in the afterlife? By reading and/or hearing the written word of God (Rom. 10:17; in. 20:30-31; 1 Jn. 5:11-13; 1 Pet. 1:3-4; Rev. 21:1-22:5).

2. Do near-death experiences fall under the category of man trusting in himself instead of God? Yes! Why? Because near-death experiences contradict Scripture. The people who claim to see the afterlife during near-death experiences are people outside of Christ. The Bible tells us that only those who are in Christ have the hope of heaven (1 Pet. 1:1-4; 1 in. 5:11-13; Gal. 3:27). Would God permit a non-Christian to see heaven through a near-death experience, who does not even have the hope of heaven? Would this not be deception on God’s part? Would he not be giving false hope to that alien sinner (Heb. 6:18; I Cor. 14:33; Heb. 5:8-9)?

When Paul was caught up to the third heaven, he was for-bidden to reveal to the Corinthian’s what he experienced (2 Cor. 12:1-9). Since God forbade an apostle of Christ to discuss his vision of the afterlife would he allow a non-Christian today to see, hear and discuss the goings on of Paradise?

We have many examples in the Bible of people being raised from the dead (1 Kgs. 17:17-24; 2 Kgs. 4:31-37; 13:20-21; Matt. 27:52-53; Lk. 7:11-17; 8:49-56; 7n. 11:41-44; Acts 9:36-43; 20:9-12). What is interesting about all of these ac-counts is not one of them describes the goings on of the afterlife! Why? Because this would not be man’s means of learning about the afterlife (Lk. 16:27-31).

Someone might argue, “What about John in the book of Revelation?” Yes, it is true that John was permitted to hear and see many things (Jn. 16:13; Rev. 22:8). Yet, at the same time, John was limited in what he was permitted to record and reveal to his readers. John only wrote when told to write (Rev. 2:1; 14:13), and on at least one occasion was told not to write what had been revealed to him (Rev. 10:4). Obviously, God, in his infinite wisdom, saw fit to limit man’s knowledge of the afterlife. How is our limited understanding of the afterlife to come today? By reading the written word of God (Rom. 10:17; Jn. 20:30-31; 1 Jn. 5:11-13; 1 Pet. 1:3-4; Rev. 21:1-22:5), not by direct revelation in the form of near-death experiences (1 Cor. 13:8-10; 2 Pet. 1:3).

When do we go to the afterlife today? Not near death, but after death (Jas. 2:26; Lk. 16:22-23). Can we return to this life once we have crossed over? No (Lk. 16:26-31; Heb. 9:27)!

3. Is Satan behind near-death experiences? No. He does not cause them to happen to man. I believe near-death experiences can be explained by science. But, when man chosen to believe and teach that near-death experiences are of God, he is believing and teaching false doctrine and is deceived by Satan (Jn. 8:44; 2 Cor. 11:13-15; 1 Tim. 4:1; 2 Thess. 2:9; Eph. 6:11).

Side Effects of NDE’s

Following a near-death experience, people often go through changes which are not favorable from a biblical perspective.

“Someone might argue,
`What about John in the book of Revelation?’
Yes, it is true that John was permitted to hear and see many
things (Jn. 16:13; Rev. 22:8). Yet, at the same time, John was
limited in what he was permitted to record and reveal to his readers.
John only wrote when told to write (Rev. 2:1; 14:13), and on at least one
occasion was told not to write what had been revealed to him (Rev.
10:4). Obviously, God, in his infinite wisdom, saw fit to limit
man’s knowledge of the afterlife.”

Jane Fandey no longer considers organized religion as being essential to her eternal salvation. “For a long time she didn’t discuss the experience with anyone, not even her husband. She held the memory within — and she felt herself changing… She could no longer abide organized religion, because she had seen that anyone who has led a decent life — those billowing clouds gets to heaven” (Carol Stevens, “I Felt Like I Was Going Home,” The Washingtonian, September, 1991, 82).

But the Bible teaches being a faithful Christian, a member of the church of Christ, is essential to one’s eternal salvation (Mart. 16:18; Rom. 16:16; Acts 2:47; Eph. 4:16; 1 Cor. 15:23-28).

Jane Fandey does not welcome a biblical examination of her near-death experience. “We don’t appreciate being questioned and doubted when we know what happened to us,” Fandey says. `I’ve found it’s the religious Fundamentalists and Scientists who have the biggest problem believing me. Fundamentalists don’t like the idea that my experience didn’t conform with all the rules in the Bible”‘ (Carol Stevens, “I Felt Like I Was Going Home,” The Washingtonian, September, 1991, 134).

But the Bible commands us to examine every teaching to see whether or not it is from God (I Thess. 5:21-22; 1 Pet. 3:15; 1 Jn. 4:1; Gal. 1:6-9).

Valerie Hampson has lost interest in making small talk. “Valerie Hampson says she has lost interest in making small talk. `The mundane things in life don’t interest me much anymore. I’ve had to make a real effort to regain some basic social skills, like talking about the weather”‘ (Carol Stevens, “I Felt Like I Was Going Home,” The Washingtonian, September, 1991, 136).

But the Bible commands us to teach the gospel and set the right kind of example around people (Matt. 28:18-20; 5:14-16). In order to reach people with the gospel and be a light unto the world, we need to be sociable.

Many now stress an underlying unity of all religions. “In a follow-up survey of 111 NDEers, Kenneth Ring found his subjects’ lives radically transformed . . . while many defined themselves as `more spiritual’ than `religious,’ they reportedly felt `inwardly closer to God’ than before and embraced a broader Theology that stressed the underlying unity of all religions” (Amy Sunshine Genova, “The Near-Death Experience,” McCall’s, February, 1988, 105).

But the Bible has something much different to say. Jesus said, “1 (Jesus, emp. T.H.) am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” On. 14:6). “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all and in your all” (Eph. 4:4-6).

Barbara Harris left her husband. “Barbara’s newfound self-esteem required her to make painful choices and changes in her lift Before her NDE, Barbara had lived with her very tradition I husband in a wealthy suburb, wanting nothing more than to blend into her community and appear ‘Normal.’ `After my NDE, my true personality began to emerge. I became  respiratory therapist because I wanted to work with sick people. I had so much love to give. My family and friends couldn’t accept it, but my patients could.’ Sadly, Barbara’s marriage ended ten years later, after 23 years. `I drove away with nothing but my stereo speakers and my clothes,’ she recalls. `I left behind a lot of financial security, but the spiritual security I was finding inside me was much more solid.’ Today Barbara works as Dr. Greyson’s research assistant” (Amy Sunshine Genova, “The Near-Death Experience,” McCalls, February, 1988, 105).

But the Bible commands, “So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate. . . And I say unto you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery” (Matt. 19:6,9).

Slane Durham-Winner says now there is no reason to fear death. “All of us who have had NDE’s have known rough times but we all agree it was worth it,” Durham- Winner adds. Now, she explains, there is no reason to fear death — and every reason to look forward to the peace, love and light that waits each of us” (Alan Ebert, “A Glimpse of Heaven,” Redbook, July, 1991, 128).

But the Bible says non-Christians will go to hell (2 Thess. 1:7-9). This is a very good reason to fear hell (Matt. 10:28).

Millard and Elisabeth Nachtwev are now mediums at seances. “Together they embarked on a spiritual journey that has included parapsychology, becoming mediums at seances, and practicing therapeutic touch and massage” (Carol Stevens, “I Felt Like I Was Going Home,” The Washingtonian, September, 1991, 133). But God condemns the occult (Lev. 19:31; 20:6; Deut. 18:10-13; Rev. 21:8).

Jane Fandey is worried her near-death experience might encourage suicide in others. “The only thing I worry about is making these experiences sound so beautiful that some people might misunderstand me and think I’m encouraging suicide” (Carol Stevens, “I Felt Like 1 Was Going Home,” The Washingtonian, September, 1991, 136).

But if someone is suicidal and gets a hold of near-death experience testimony and does not know the truth about near-death experiences, he could commit suicide. That would be a tragedy (Rev. 21:8).

Conclusion

Dear reader, if you know anyone who has questions concerning near-death experiences, please encourage him to read this examination of the subject along with an open Bible!

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 7, p. 16-17
April 1, 1993

By Jady Copeland

In our last lesson we learned that the Lord’s money (money given into the Lord’s treasury) is to be obtained by the liberality of the saints, and to be used for preaching the gospel and benevolence (saints in need). In view of the duties of elders and the passage in Acts 11:30 it seems that elders (if there be elders in the congregation) have the responsibility of using the money for the Lord’s purposes and limited to the uses made of the funds as found in precept and examples in the New Testament. We also learned that there is a difference in the funds of the individual and the church (Acts 5:1-4). Before reading the remainder of this article, it would be good to read and study that passage again. Before Ananias and Sapphira sold the property, it was under their power to do with it what they wanted (regulated by honesty and other moral principles). And after it was sold, the money still belonged to them, but after they put it under the apostle’s feet, they lost control and it was to be used by apostolic authority. In this lesson let us look in more detail at the individual’s money.

Money: A Means of Good or Evil

Remember our theme: Possessed by our Possessions. Money of itself is neither good nor evil. As love (whether good or evil) depends on the object of our love, so the attitude and use of money determines whether it is good or bad. In the example of Acts 4 and 5 the use of the money by the saints was good, for they gave it to help their brethren. But in the case of Ananias and Sapphira, it caused them to lie to the Holy Spirit — perhaps covetousness was involved. In Acts 8:18-19 money tempted Simon who wanted to buy the power of God. He was told to repent (v. 22). Money was not to be used for that. But there is a good lesson here that we may overlook. Peter said, “Your money perish with you.” Among other things the simple lesson is taught that money is temporary and is to be used to God’s glory. Any other use of the individual’s money is a misuse. Just as all we think and do must be to the glory of God, surely the use of our money must be used for this too. Thus in the case of Ananias and Sapphira, you have two problems — covetousness and dishonesty. It was theirs before they gave it, but covetousness is wrong, and it caused them to lie to the Holy Spirit. So in saying the individual’s money is theirs to do with it what they choose, it must be remembered that moral principles must be observed, and this is sinful because it does not glorify God.

How Does the Individual Obtain His Money?

As there are good and evil ways to spend money, there are right and wrong ways to obtain money. In Matthew 20 we learn of those being hired to work in a vineyard. They were promised a certain wage for the labor. When an employer offers to pay a worker a certain wage, he has an obligation to pay him the amount promised. If the worker accepts the offer, he owes the employer an honest hour’s work for pay received. Adam was (after his sin) to work “in the sweat of thy face” to eat bread.

Some people make a living by the “law of exchange.” They buy and sell as in the case of the parable of talents (Matt. 25:14ff). James instructs us to be careful to include the Lord in our plans when we get ready to “buy and sell, and make a profit” (Jas. 5:14). But again, within the moral precepts that may limit us, we may make a living in this way.

Someone may obtain money by a gift. Out of love, if you give another property or money, there is nothing wrong with this way of obtaining money (Job. 42:11).

But in each of the above ways of getting our money, there lies a danger in being “possessed by our possessions.” If I am an hourly laborer, there is the danger of failing to give an honest day’s labor for the wage promised. Laziness is not only an ugly and sinful trait, but if I do not give the boss the work promised for the wages I receive, it is dishonesty. It is just as sinful to cheat an employer out of an hour’s labor as it is to steal that much from the cash register.

If I make a living by trading and selling, there is also a danger of being “possessed by possessions.” For example, I may ask more than a product is worth. Again dishonesty and covetousness enter the picture. Just as a dishonest employee may cheat on his employer, so a salesman may be dishonest by asking too much for a product — in light of the ignorance of the buyer who knows little about what he is buying. Car salesmen have the reputation (sometimes without cause) of being dishonest because they know a car is not in the mechanical condition that the buyer thinks. And yet the innocent buyer has no way of knowing that the car is a “lemon.” But one “possessed by his possessions” wants to “make an extra buck” even being dishonest and defraud-

In conclusion let us emphasize the point that in most every area of life. the individual Christian must watch out for the danger of being “possessed by his possessions.” Covetousness is such a subtle thing. We may think we need a better care than is really necessary. We may not be willing to eat beans and bread occasionally (instead of steak) in order to be able to do more for the Lord. We may think we need a $25,000 car instead of one that costs less when in reality the cheaper car will do the same job. You see often pride (which can be sinful) may get in the way. In spending money for recreation, we may think we need more time off than we really do. Too many have become accustomed to a certain plan of living, and in order to maintain that level, they get two jobs, or put the wife to work (who should be home with the children) in order to maintain that lifestyle and as a result they “just don’t have time” to do anything for the Lord. Many good men can never be elders because they have jobs that will not allow it — yet they could make a good living in some way that would allow them to serve the Lord much more effectively. Parents, train your son to choose an occupation that would allow him to do his best work for the Lord. Stop and think — life is short, “things” are temporary, and eternity is around the corner. Let us not think too highly of the things of this earth which may jeopardize our chances of an eternity with God.

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 7, p. 14-15
April 1, 1993