Truth Magazine

By Luther A. Bolenbarker

Whenever I hear the word “commitment” or “total commitment” I am reminded of the old story about the pig and the chicken who were going down an old dirt road together when they saw a sign announcing a charitable banquet. Both of them wanted to help, but they couldn’t think of a way. Suddenly, the chicken said, “I know! We’ll sell tickets to an old fashioned country breakfast. I’ll donate the eggs and you can donate the ham.”

“Whoa!” said the pig. “For you that is just a contribution, but for me that is total commitment.”

Too many of us are like the chicken. We want to get involved, but we don’t want to make a real commitment and get too involved. We are willing to give a little time (with some it’s less than others) each week to the services and even give a little (again with some it is very little) of our money to keep the bills of the church paid, but too few of us are totally committed to Christ and his church.

All or none? God’s service requirement is all or none! We must be convicted to the point that we are giving our whole self. We must love him with “all our heart, soul, strength, and mind” (Lk. 10:27). When we are truly committed to him, we have a single purpose to do what is right. Jesus stated, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matt. 16:24). “So likewise whosoever he be of you that forsakes not all that he has, he cannot be my disciple” (Lk. 14:33). “He that loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me” (Matt. 10:37-38). Commitment to Christ may cost us everything. We must determine to be true to our Lord regardless of the cost. Jesus was so determined. When his time was near to die, “he steadfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem ” (Lk. 9:51). He knew the horrors that lay ahead for him, the railings, slappings, scourging and the inhumane tortue of a cruel cross. His path was lonely, but he never looked back nor slowed down.

Total commitment? In studying the lives of great achievers, we can find the common key to their success is “total commitment” to the task at hand. In the area of athletics, music, education, etc., in order to be the best it takes “practice, practice, practice” or to be totally committed to the given task.

Some personal observations. I have never known of a farmer who went hungry because he attended worship services on Sunday rather than plowing his fields. I have never known of a student who failed in school because he attended Bible classes on Wednesday night instead of studying for an exam. I have never known of an illness getting worse because someone attended services. I have never known of fatal accidents caused because people attended worship services. Have you?

Living sacrifices, The Christian is to give his body “a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God” (Rom. 12:1). We are not called upon to give our bodies to be burned upon an altar, but we have been asked to give them as living sacrifices. We must turn over all our lives and energy to do God’s will in all areas of our lives.

These days if people hear about someone who is truly committed to Christ, someone is ready to call him a religious fanatic, a nut, or he is a member of some cult. What do you suppose the Jerusalem Christians were called? “They sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need” (Acts 2:44-45). Or, how about the Macedonians who gave “beyond their ability” to help meet the needs of others? Fanatics? Nuts? Cult members? I am inclined to think they just wanted to be simple, humble Christians, who had totally committed themselves to the Lord and his church. What do you think?

Guardian of Truth XXXVI: 9, p. 274
May 7, 1992

By Irvin Himmel

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver (Prov. 25:11).

Words are vehicles which carry thoughts. The appropriate word must be chosen if the thought is to be conveyed with accuracy, and the manner in which the word is spoken helps the vehicle to transport its cargo without loss.

Fitly Spoken

Please take a moment to consider the following points relative to “fitly spoken” words.

1. Timely advice. Suggestions and recommendations are sometimes excellent, but if the timing is off the counsel misses its mark. There is an art to one’s saying the right thing at the right time. A word of advice that is timely is suitably spoken.

2. Carefully thought out. In the use of words, quality is more important than quantity. The words which fall from the lips of the superficial talker are seldom fitly spoken. He thinks too little who talks too much. The person who desires to make his remarks suitable and worthy of hearing must learn to think with care before speaking.

3. Appreciated. A word fitly spoken is esteemed or valued by the hearer. To be appreciated, a word must be comprehended. Some preachers miss the mark by using the words which their hearers do not understand. Big words baffle; simple language sheds light.

4. Adapted to the occasion. There are times when the most fitting word is in the form of praise or encouragement. Like high-octane gasoline, encouragement helps to eliminate knocking. The appropriate word on another occasion may be an expression of sympathy. The individual who is despondent or discouraged may be assisted by a remark that shows understanding and compassion. Or, on a different occasion the proper word may be in the form of rebuke. Happy is the person who gauges his statements so that they will befit the circumstances.

5. Tactfully stated. The real art of conversation is not only saying the right thing in the right place, but to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment. Some people use precious little discretion in their remarks. How a thing is said may determine its results to as great an extent as what is said. Paul wrote about “speaking the truth in love” (Eph. 4:15), and that bears on the manner of speaking as well as what is spoken. If you wish your words to be “fitly spoken,” learn to be tactful in conversation.

Apples of Gold

The word “fitly spoken” is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. ” “Apples of gold” probably means gold-colored fruit, like an orange or apricot” (Kufeldt). It is by no means certain that the fruit which we call 66apples” grew in Palestine in Bible times. Some think the “apples” of Scriptures were the citron, or quince, or perhaps the apricot. Delitzsch interprets “gold apples” as the poetic name for oranges. Whatever the specific fruit might be, the comparison is easy enough to understand and the point of the proverb is clear.

Pictures of Silver

“Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances” (NASB).

What are “pictures of silver”? “Carved work adorning the ceilings of rooms is perhaps alluded to” (Pulpit Commentary). Others think the picturesque, ornamented silver basket, laden with golden yellow fruit, is referred to. The latter seems to fully explain the thought of the proverb.

The “contrast of the golden fruit in the exquisitely wrought silver basket, which may be all termed picture work, has a fine and pleasing effect upon the eye, as the contained fruit has upon the palate at an entertainment in a sultry climate. So the word spoken judiciously and opportunely is as much in its place, as the golden apples in the silver baskets” (A. Clarke).

Two points stand out in the comparison. A word fitly spoken is like golden fruit served in settings of silver because such is (1) beautiful, and (2) refreshing.

Appropriate, welcome words are as beautiful as golden fruit against a background of silver. Such words, “like a well executed picture,” are as lovely as an “elegant frame” made for the picture (Delitzsch).

And how refreshing is the appearance of golden fruit in a silver basket! Many times a bowl of fresh fruit is placed on a table to add a wholesome atmosphere to the dining area. Wholesome, appropriate words are likewise refreshing. Often the words that we hear are ill-suited, poorly chosen, and ugly sounding, A word that befits the circumstances and conveys an appropriate thought is invigorating. We welcome those words which are spoken in season.

Guardian of Truth XXXVI: 9, p. 275
May 7, 1992

By Douglas Matlock

In a recent magazine I noticed a question asked to several teenage girls, “Does the way a woman is dressed have anything to do with her being raped?” Several young ladies responded to the question. I remember the answer given by one, “I can dress any way I want to, and act any way I want to in them and no one has a right to rape me.” This is about the way I remember her answer. It is true that no one has a right to rape her. In my judgment that young lady lacks understanding.

Modesty involves more than committing adultery, but the avoiding of anything that leads to or encourages adulterous thoughts. Let us look at some facts about immodesty:

Immodesty can cause men to sin (Matt. 5:27-28; 15:19-20; Prov. 23:7). The principle of proper clothing applies to both men and women. In the Scriptures however, men are warned about his thoughts, while women are warned about improper clothing. The words of a song, “We are not exactly strangers, for I have already loved you in my mind,” are not too far off the mark.

When a woman causes a man to sin in his thoughts (when avoidable) she is as guilty as he is (Lk. 17:1-2; Rom. 14:21; Prov. 11:22; Phil. 4:8). It is not enough to say. “He just has a filthy mind.” One may say that modesty is relative. I would deny this and say however a woman may dress that causes or invites sexual interest in her on the part of a beholder is immodest and anything that does not cause it or invite it is modest. It isn’t hard for a sincere person to know what is modest.

Some aspects of how one dresses may change, but the principals behind them do not. One lady said in Bible class, “I don’t know why men look at me when I walk down the street.” I think she was probably the only one in the class that didn’t know the answer. Ladies, please do not be guilty of causing an otherwise right thinking person to sin in his heart.

Guardian of Truth XXXVI: 9, p. 271
May 7, 1992

By Stan Adams

More and more the subject of withdrawal of fellowship is giving brethren difficulty. It is hard to understand how we can misunderstand such a plain command as is found in 2 Thessalonians 3:6 “withdraw yourselves from every brother that walks disorderly.” In 1 Corinthians 5 the congregation was told to “deliver such an one to Satan.” This congregation was not doing what God wanted and they were all wrong, because of it. They had a brother there who would not repent of his evil! He had to be dealt with. I know that many have become hesitant to withdraw from brethren, partly because of the threat of being sued. Others are timid about it because they do not want to hurt anyone’s feelings. Still others hesitate to practice corrective discipline because of family ties and the bad attitudes of many about discipline. I am also convinced that many simply do not grasp the concept of the Bible teaching on discipline and need to study more and learn how to practice what God has commanded on this issue. Brethren, none of these “reasons” will excuse us from our responsibility to withdraw from the disorderly!

One idea which has been gaining popularity among brethren for years is this: “We can’t withdraw from them, they withdrew from us!” or “They removed themselves from our rule, we can do nothing.” While I fully understand that a congregation cannot withdraw from someone that has moved away and placed membership with another local group, I also would like to stress that the liberals and denominations are not faithful congregations of God’s people. I would also like to make clear that “congregation hoppers” have become epidemic in many areas. It is the responsibility of the local congregation to “check out” brethren (as much as possible without hiring detectives) to see if they have sins which need correction in the congregation they left. Let us not be party to those who would run from congregation to congregation stirring up the same trouble.

Let’s set up the scenario of 1 Corinthians 5 in a modern day congregation and see how many today might advise this congregation to act, or what advice might be given to the fornicator, in order for him to “escape” the stigma of withdrawal.

Scene – A business meeting or elder’s discussion.

Discussion – Well, the preacher has a point about us doing something about “brother fornicator.” But we have to be careful, or he might sue us. Maybe if we wait long enough, he will go way to another group and it will be their problem. Maybe we could have a few lessons preached about fornication and it will make him uncomfortable and he will leave. It will be hard to see him go, he’s a nice fellow. Is he really under our oversight? You know, none of us is perfect. He is wrong in what he is doing, but he is a good boy, let’s be patient with him and just love him.

Scene – Brother fornicator’s house.

Discussion – You know that preacher Paul really has the brethren upset and they are ready to take some kind of action against you. Do you have a good lawyer? We can teach them a lesson or two about messing with you! Maybe there is another solution. I can quit attending or join some idol’s temple or denomination and tell the brethren, I am not a member there anymore. Then they “can’t touch me.” I sure am glad that you brethren are over there to help me get out of this thing. Well, brother, you can count on us to block any action they might take against you. Who do they think they are anyway? It is none of their business who you are married to and what you do with your private life. We’ll defend you, don’t worry.

Scene – Another business meeting or elders discussion.

Discussion – Brethren, this brother may remove himself from our oversight, then we’ll have no further obligation to him, as far as withdrawing from him. Some have heard that he is going to start attending a heathen temple in town or that he no longer wants to be a member here and he is not a part of any group anymore. Pardon me, but will that relieve us from discipline or make it even more urgent? Isn’t turning your back on the Lord and serving a false religion walking disorderly also? Isn’t failing to attend services for no scriptural reason and refusing to repent, walking disorderly? I believe that violates Hebrews 10:25 and other passages. After all he committed these sins while he was still under our oversight. We have an obligation and a charge from God to withdraw from this brother, if we truly love him. Like Paul told us, we need to do this because he has a valuable soul and we want him to repent. After all, when we commit any sin, don’t we in a way remove ourselves from the oversight of God for a while? Aren’t we serving Satan anytime we sin? It seems to me that Paul is telling us that this brother has committed himself to Christ and has been in allegiance to him for these many years. He has strayed from the right way and is walking disorderly. We have no choice but to withdraw from him. Even if he left us today, we would still be responsible for our care and duty toward him while he was here among us, wouldn’t we? I suggest strongly that we obey what Paul has told us, as we all know he is speaking as the Spirit of God moves him and we must obey God. If we do not do this, we can all be lost for our failure to love this brother and for our stubbornness and fearfulness in following the command of God. Brethren, we do not want to be guilty of “bidding this brother Godspeed” in his evil (2 Jn. 11). If we aren’t careful we are doing to have to withdraw from the ones that are defending him and bidding him Godspeed, also. The congregation here needs to know that evil cannot be tolerated among the people of God. They need to see that obedience to God’s commands is serious business. A failure to do so is not a “misdemeanor” but a “felony” against God and against his people. Let’s pray for the Lord’s help and guidance and do what brother Paul so strongly admonished us to do.

Scene – A meeting held after the action was taken.

Discussion – Brethren, let’s praise God for his wisdom. Our brother is back with us. He saw the seriousness of his sin and has repented. Let’s work with him to strengthen him, since he has a rough road ahead of him. God’s way works! We have a lot of work to do with some who condoned his actions, however. Let’s work with them to get them to repent also, so we will not have to take action against them for “bidding Godspeed” to this brother who has now admitted his sin and has repented. Brother, please help us to win back these weak folks who think we were mean to you.

Conclusion

Brethren, let’s all remember that if we love one another, we will care for one another. Sometimes this will require corrective discipline. Let us not shun providing the necessary care for one another, even though it may be hard and may require some risks. If more congregations would practice corrective discipline as the Lord commands, then churches would grow, and brethren would be more serious about service. On the other hand, when a congregation is permissive with the members and allows them to blatantly disobey God without penalty, it will not be long before the congregation will be composed of uncommitted people who are merely marking time. They will not feel any urgency to obey the Lord’s commands and consequently will be like Laodicea, they will be lukewarm, and make the Lord sick.

May we all realize the necessity of keeping the body of Christ pure and of loving our brethren enough to correct them when they are wrong. Let us not turn on one another and devour those who are trying to do right when error is pointed out or when sin is exposed. We can be lost for not fulfilling our responsibility in this area. Brethren, let us be strong and firm in our defense of Truth and our dedication and love for God and one another.

Guardian of Truth XXXVI: 9, pp. 259-260
May 7, 1992