Truth Magazine

By P.J. Casebolt

There is an old adage that says, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”

And, while this philosophy may work in some areas, some of the time, it must still be recognized for what it is – chimney corner Scripture. Or, for the purpose of this article, it may be more accurately termed vacation Scripture. Some brethren do things while on vacation that they wouldn’t do at any other time.

The Scriptures teach, and it is generally conceded, that Christians are not to forsake the assembling of themselves together (Heb. 10:25). In his travels, and often under severe conditions, the apostle Paul sought out and found the disciples in the communities where he visited. He found the disciples in Jerusalem (Acts 9:26), in Ephesus (19:1), at Troas (20:7), at both Tyre and Ptolemais (21:4,7), and at Putcoli (28:14).

Sometimes the disciples found Paul, or by their mutual efforts, they found each other (Acts 28:15; 2 Tim. 1:17). Paul looked diligently for the disciples before his conversion in order to persecute them (Acts 8:3; 9:2), but manifested a similar zeal after his conversion in order to edify, and be edified by, the disciples. The enemies of the church sometimes spend more time looking for the true disciples of the Lord than those disciples spend looking for each other.

Under normal conditions, brethren tend to assemble with and fellowship those brethren with whom they are in agreement on such matters as the identity, work, worship, organization, and mission of the church. But let those same brethren go on vacation to Florida or some other geographical area for a few days, weeks, or even months, and they will assemble wherever it is convenient.

And, this inconsistent practice isn’t just a one-sided thing. Those who consider themselves to be of a liberal or conservative attitude back in their home communities will switch their loyalties like vacillating politicians. When in “Rome,” they will fellowship the very thing which they condemn at other times and places.

I have known brethren to stop on vacation and “observe” the Lord’s supper with the digressive Christian Church, instrumental music, missionary societies and all. Yet, the Lord said his supper would be in his kingdom (Matt. 26:29). Some say if they had to make a choice, they would prefer Catholicism to Buddhism, Protestantism to Catholicism, the Christian Church to the Baptist Church, or a liberal church of Christ to a Crossroads church of Christ.

We should speak and practice those things which constitute “sound doctrine” (Tit. 2:1), and we should have no fellowship with those things which are “contrary to sound doctrine” (1 Tim. 1:10). The idea that “it is better to do something wrong than to do nothing” was born of rank liberalism, and violates the Scriptures in both precept and principle (Rom. 3:8).

Anyone may become lost, receive the wrong directions, be deceived by false information, or encounter circumstances beyond his control. But brethren get themselves into some of the aforementioned predicaments through negligence or a lack of conviction. “Let every man be persuaded in his own mind” applies not only to things which are optional (Rom. 14:5), but also to things which have been legislated (Jas. 4:17). We don’t have to be condemned by others, we condemn ourselves by allowing that which we condemn in others (Rom. 2:1; 14:22).

In order to take our phrase out of the realm of chimney corner or vacation scripture, and make it harmonize with the Holy Scriptures, we might say, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do, provided the Romans are doing things ‘in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ'” (Col. 3:17).

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 12, p. 357
June 20, 1991

By John A. Smith

Pressure From Peers

Peer pressure and influence can be good! Jesus described his disciples as the salt of the earth and the light of the world (Matt. 5:14-16). He told them to “let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” We are to influence and affect the lives of others. Influencing and teaching are not just for older saints. There is something special about a young person who sets a godly example.

In 1 Timothy 4:13 Paul encourages all young people to be a good example. Each young person has the responsibility to set a godly example. One young lady refused to wear the silky, skimpy shorts given her by a coach. As a result of her protest, the school’s uniform was changed. Another young Christian befriended a lonely, confused classmate. As a result of the Christian’s influence, the other young man found answers for his life in Jesus Christ. Godly young people can encourage other young people as well as older saints.

We must take a balanced approach to our relationship with those of the world and recognize the danger that can be present. In 1 Corinthians 15:33 Paul bluntly and plainly tells us that “evil company corrupts good habits.” One of the reasons why evil companions often have a corrupting influence is seen in Deuteronomy 22:10. There the law prohibited the binding of a donkey and ox. Think about it for a minute – a big, strong, broad-shouldered ox and a diminutive donkey. That simply would not be fair or humane. The ox has an obvious advantage and superior influence over the actions of the donkey. The same is true among some people. If our worldly friends are stronger willed and more influential than we are, then we will be unequally yoked. I think you can see how such influence would corrupt good morals.

Often the pressure from others comes because of their own guilt. Peter speaks of those who will “think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you” (1 Pet. 4:3-4). This happens because those engaged in sin do not want their evil practices exposed by the righteous example of another (see Jn. 3:19-21). If they can corrupt the righteous then there is one less righteous light exposing their corruption. Thus their conscience is momentarily soothed.

The selection of peers is one of a young Christian’s most challenging and important decisions. Peers will either encourage and support spirituality or promote and encourage worldliness. Consider for a moment the example of Solomon. In I Kings 3:16-28, Solomon took time out of his busy schedule as king to hear the grievance of two prostitutes. Moved by compassion and concern for the life of an innocent baby, Solomon used his wisdom to secure the baby’s place with its true mother. However, in 1 Kings 11:7 we find Solomon building an altar for the abominable Molech. This disgusting idol had a furnace for a belly and accepted the sacrifice of live babies. What happened? What caused Solomon to change? 1 Kings 11: 1,4 tells us what happened. Solomon married many foreign wives and when he was old “his wives turned his heart after other gods.” Now, if a man with the wisdom of Solomon can have his heart turned from the Lord by the influence of peers, I certainly face the same danger. Choosing friends is one of life’s most important decisions.

We cannot avoid the influence of the world, but we can check its influence. I have often heard it put this way: We can’t keep birds from flying over head, but we can keep them from nesting in our hair! Or, if you lie down with the dogs don’t be surprised if you wake up with fleas!

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 12, p. 361
June 20, 1991

By LesterA. Doyle, Jr.

God’s Family

We come together this Lord’s day morning as God’s family, brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ. When we believed that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and were baptized into him, we were born into his spiritual family. We entered into a new and never-ending life.

In Luke 8:19-21 Jesus said, “Then his mother and brothers came to him and could not approach him because of the crowd. And it was told him by some, who said, ‘Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, desiring to see you.’ But he answered and said to them, ‘My mother and my brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it.'”

All this was made possible by the death of Christ on the cross. In his death he removed the barriers that separated us from God. In his resurrection, he opened the door to God’s eternal home.

We that have believed and obeyed come now as a family around his table, to remember and proclaim his death until he comes again.

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 12, p. 360
June 20, 1991

By Dan Madrigal

It seems all too clear that the vast majority of our society has very little knowledge of what a meaningful life is. Living life meaningfully is one of the most important facets of living a successful life. Most people really want to be successful, and most people want meaning in their lives. The problem is that most of these same people haven’t found meaning in life and don’t know what true success is.

Jesus spoke about the abundant life in Matthew chapters 13 and 25. He essentially says the same thing in both of these passages, “and he shall have abundance. ” Contrary to popular use by some people, Jesus wasn’t necessarily promising an abundance of material riches. The abundance that he had reference to here refers to a life that is rich in meaning and satisfaction. The truly successful person will be the one who has lived life in a satisfying and meaningful way. Those who eventually commit suicide, in most cases, act out of despair. They don’t know who or what they are.

It is no wonder that people eventually despair of life in an age where every generation is being raised on the false theory that they are the product of evolution. Common sense, and an innate knowledge of God ultimately lead to an inner conflict of the soul, which leads to further unhappiness. Paul put it this way, “because that, knowing God, they glorified Him not as God, neither gave thanks; but became vain in their reasoning, and their senseless heart was darkened” (Rom. 1:21). Ultimately, knowing one’s purpose in life becomes central to happiness. This becomes very difficult when you give up God, and accept the false idea that you evolved from apes or slime. Pondering the meaning and purpose of life without consulting what God and his word say about the subject is dangerous and strikes at the center of man’s unhappiness and loneliness. Without a clear and definitive answer that gives “eternal” hope, most people will end up in despair. The result is psychological suicide. The unfortunate reality is that many people are more consistent and resort to physical suicide as well. This may partly explain why so many thrust themselves into a busy lifestyle. If our society is not busy with work, there are always many things to keep our minds busy. Is it no wonder that entertainers such as “movie stars” and “star” athletes are valued so highly and paid so lucratively? Entertainment, in this way, becomes a drug in which this society become innocuous to the pitiful and hopeless state it finds itself in. What a waste! Paul said it best, “Professing themselves to be wise they became fools” (Rom. 1:22).

Therefore, for a godless society, happiness is defined by how successful materially one is. The race for worldly success begins early in life, as children are guided into “the” career, and learn by the example of their parents or other adults. Today, little girls are made to believe that to be a complete person as an adult she will have to get into the fast track and enter a competitive career. Usually we hear people speak about the “unfulfilled” housewife in this connection. Yet, the real issue is not the housewife who is unfulfilled, but people in general who are unfulfilled. Increasingly, women are beginning to realize that although they are not housewives, but in their choice career, they are still “unfulfilled, ” and are thus returning to the home. It is not a problem exclusive to women, but to all people who don’t know who they are, where they came from, why they are here, and where they are going.

Those who have obeyed the gospel understand that living life meaningfully comes with seeking God. Unfortunately, far too many “Christians” fail to continue with the same single-minded approach to life. It is not uncommon to find Christians putting just as much emphasis on human worldly success in order to achieve some measure of satisfaction and meaning in life. This is truly sad, for Christians are the very ones who are to show the world how happy, content, and fulfilled we are. Sometimes people just simply forget who they are. Jesus said that the Christians are to be “fruit bearers.” Just as Jesus condemned the barren fig tree (Matt. 21:19), so he will condemn the Christian who fails to bear fruit. Actually, I personally believe that this parable provides us with a better understanding of what it means to truly and honestly be fulfilled individuals. If a fig tree had feelings, and could reason, consider how it would feel if it understood that its purpose was to bear figs, but for some reason it wasn’t. Can you imagine the utter dissatisfaction and helplessness it would create every time someone came along seeking sustenance from its branches?

It is therefore my contention that to live a satisfying and meaningful life we should be viewing ourselves as fruitbearers. There are so many people in this world seeking sustenance, and we have what they need. The gospel! Far too many of us are not letting ourselves bear fruit to the world. Consequently, many Christians are unhappy, and don’t feel the sense of meaning in their own lives that comes with accepting God. Far too often we urge brethren to do personal work because its needed, and because God expects it of us. Yet, I think it much more useful to emphasize the fact that “fruit bearing” is a necessity in order for the Christian to truly achieve a meaningful and purposeful life. The problem that has arisen in our culture is that the prescription the world relies on for satisfaction and contentment has been adopted by Christians. It is becoming the norm to find Christians pursuing their careers with just as much vigor as those in the world. There additionally seems to be just as much patronage to the arts (i.e., Hollywood, TV, etc.) by brethren as there is by heathen. This is not to suggest it to be wrong to pursue a career, or to go to a movie, but when there is emphasis upon these for the pursuit of happiness, in a primary way, rather than upon our God, that pursuit is lopsided. A manifestation of this fact is seen when Christian women take jobs not because the family needs a second income but to achieve some sort of meaning and purpose in life. This is also manifested in a similar way when a Christian retires from the labor force and has to return, not out of financial need, but out of boredom. Brethren, when will we realize that if we are a Christian we can’t be bored and there is always work to do and fruit to reap. Let meaning and purpose in your life come from where God intended it to come: from him. In the end, we will have found fulfillment and satisfaction in life, will never be bored or in despair, and will truly have an “abundant” life.

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 12, pp. 353, 375
June 20, 1991