Truth Magazine

By Jimmy Tuten

Few is the number of those who have not seen firsthand the potential danger of the Enabler. While their fruit is apparent, some may not have recognized its source. In this treatise an attempt to identify both the Enabler and his work will be carried out with the prayer that it will help the cause of Christ, even in a small way.

The Enabler: A Clarification

In this writer’s circle of activity at least, the term “enabler” is something new. In the past it has not been included in my glossary of words. Standard dictionaries define the term “enabler” thus: “to make able, provide the means, opportunity, power, or authority, to make possible or effective. ” In this context an enabler is one who makes it possible for someone to do something responsibly or irresponsibly. By providing the circumstances, whether negative or positive, one is encouraged in whatever action is taken, right or wrong.

Parents, for example, make it possible for their offspring to grow into responsible beings, if they provide proper direction. On the other hand, by their failure to stress responsibleness, they enable the child to be shiftless and non-dependable. Parents must enable their children in the development of proper character. Through negligence, carelessness or lack of forethought it is possible for the parent to provide the circumvention of responsibility. Thus, a child reared in this type of environment is likely to develop a general disposition of shiftlessness and unreliableness. It is generally an accepted conclusion that the irresponsible disposition readily apparent in some of our young people can be traced to parents who provide the means for a convenient way of life, rather than the acceptance of moral obligations and responsibilities. The sense of moral responsibility is lacking in so many. Enablers do great harm, that knows no end.

The demands of God for the refinement and training of the mind do not allow the support of the irresponsible lifestyle so prevalently seen (Phil. 4:4-6). Yet there is an increase in the obvious display of adamant refusal to be directed (call it “indifference” if you wish) by intelligent understanding based on biblical concepts. When a mother of several children violates her convictions concerning adultery and has an on-going affair over the protest of her husband, family and brethren, rebellion to God exists. The sadness is compounded by the sowing of the seed of irresponsibility toward morality and the increase of disrespect for the will of God. She enables her children to follow in her steps. Her example provides the setting for duplication in their lives. She enables them to fail in contributing something positive to society.

Brethren we cannot be oblivious to the need of our steps being ordered by the Word of God so that iniquity will not have dominion over us (Psa. 119:133; Jer. 10:23). As we view our brethren displaying multiple definitions of sin in their attempt to sort out general conditions that are out of control in their personal lives, we see another display of the failure to follow the directives of the Word (1 Tim. 6:3-6). As is the case with contemporary society, the church is currently faced with a moral dilemma. It is obvious that too many of us have been enablers, when we should have been standard bearers.

Hopefully, before all is lost, there will be as in society “a rediscovery of the fact that there is something radically wrong with all of us” (Tony Campolo, Chairman: Dept. of Sociology, Eastern College in Penn. sylvania). Not just on the part of a few preachers and elders, but throughout the brotherhood. We need to return to the “old path” of a God directed life. Personal awareness of responsibility and accountability is essential to the welfare of each of us. We must enable others to do likewise. We need to recapture the language and meaning of these things and address ourselves to them in a meaningful way in body, mind and spirit. “That ye put off the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another” (Eph. 4:22-25).

At the risk of sounding redundant let it be said again that we must not enable people to feel little restraint in the pursuit of selfish interests. We must help them develop a responsible philosophy of life that is Bible centered. This cannot be done until the necessary discipline is provided. Instead of enabling people to be irresponsible, let us provide what it takes for them to make a positive contribution to society. Let us return to teaching what God says about moral responsibility.

Perhaps a more practical approach to the problem will help if a question and answer is given: just what is an Enabler?

You Are An Enabler If

1. In your relationship with your children you pamper them, yield to their every whimsical desire, provide them with everything they want, provide no family chores, and do not teach them personal responsibility. Rest assured that the irresponsible control that society encourages will lead to tacit approval of sin in all its forms. It encourages the short-sighted pursuit of pleasure, the loss of the feeling of restraint, a lack of responsibleness to others and a destruction of the family ties. If you love your children then do for them what true love demands: “bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4). Teach them the value of work (1 Thess. 4:11), the importance of pride in what they do (Eccl. 5:10) and of the sin of slothfulness (Eccl. 10:18).

The following thoughts will help to analyze the problem:

(a) Your child is unruly in the home, he has disciplinary problems in school and when you take him to the services of the church he becomes almost impossible to handle. But it’s a stage he’s going through and so other than a threat here and there, a little slap on the wrist once in a while and some firmer action when you become exasperated, you do very little about the situation. You are an enabler! Your child needs firm discipline. Read Proverbs 13:24, with special notice given to “he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.”

(b) Your child is belligerent and quarrelsome, he tosses the head and talks back to you. But he’s just a high-spirited child who will grow out of it. You avoid upsetting him, you do not confront him and you do not say anything to trigger him. You are an enabler! Read Proverbs 19:18, with special notice to “let not thy soul spare for his crying.”

(c) Your child is now grown, he’s married, he quarrels with his spouse, they get physical sometime, he’s running home with criticism of his wife. You agree that his wife is self-centered, you let him know this and encourage him not to put up with it (he can come home anytime he wants to). Read Ephesians 5:25-31, paying close attention to “for this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and they two shall be one flesh.”

(d) Your child, though grown and with a family is somewhat shiftless, will not work steadily, moves from job to job (it’s always someone else’s fault) and does not pay his debts with consistency. He spends recklessly and foolishly for the latest stripe package for his new four wheeler and the latest in stereo equipment; he increases his gun collection at the expense of sacrificing the needs of his wife and children. If he gets too far in debt he appeals for another loan to be added to what he already owes. He knows you will not let him down. You give in just one more time. You are an enabler! Read 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, with special note given to “walk honestly toward them that are without.”

2. You are an enabler if in the local church you witness and/or become party to factionalism, strife, bickering and divisiveness and do not seek a biblical solution to the problem. Though we deplore strife and division, to defend non-confrontation of error and remain silent when we should be reproving and rebuking, is sin (2 Tim. 4:2-3). We must not enable the sinful and/or unconverted brethren (the troublers of spiritual Israel) to gain a stronger foothold in their war against standards of truth and righteousness. When a brother comes into one of the congregations of God’s people and shows that he is a false teacher by advocating everything from Calvinism to adulterous marriages, or that he is a heretic because he wants to bind his opinions and judgments upon the brethren even at the risk of destroying peace, they need to be dealt with forcefully, yet in a kind, loving, brotherly manner (Rom. 16:17). When there is a furtherance of the divisions and a refusal to repent then there must (given the seriousness of the situation) be some marking (Rom. 16:17), rejecting (Tit. 3:10) and withdrawing (2 Thess. 3:6). Those who scripturally react to the turmoil caused and damage done to the souls of the saints are not divisive in such actions, nor are they sowers of discord. The real enemy is the perpetrator of strife and divisiveness. How can one possibly profess to be faithful when, after having enlisted in the army of the Lord, he fails to thus fight the good fight of faith (Eph. 6:11-12)?

The Following Items Will Help Us To Analyze The Problem:

(a) A brother comes into the assembly from another congregation. At first he is passive somewhat and appears to be uninvolved. This is followed in time by positive input in various classes. As the familiarity of the situation increases, criticisms of procedures and methods begin. Brethren try kindly to deal with the criticizer, but since men come to personify matters and issues that inflame them, the factious man begins to identify his objectors as the embodiment of the issues that are intolerable to him. Though opinions, expediencies and personal judgments demand forbearance, a party spirit ensues and divisiveness develops. We know that this sinful condition should never have occurred. You know that it proceeds from a heart and mind destitute of truth. So what do you do? Do you show your disapproval, or do you stand around shaking your head? Know assuredly that anything short of a forthright defense of what is right will not be pleasing to God. To thus encourage the trouble-maker is to enable him to further his divisiveness. Such action will never bring one to repentance. In situations like this one cannot be an enabler.

(b) A brother with a self-righteous attitude constantly criticizes and condemns others who do not measure up to his self-imposed standards of righteousness. We are aware of the many expressions of disapproval expounded by this man. You know that a great deal of his criticisms constitute plain fastidiousness, pickiness and as the Lord put it, “beholding the mote that is in thy brother’s eye” (Matt. 7:3). You know that more often than not the ones thus criticized are not aware of what’s happening until the criticisms run full circle. By then great damage has been done. You wonder why this “sound” brother does not practice Matthew 18 in these personal matters, or why in the interest of peace his personal preferences are not controlled with an attitude of patience and longsuffering (Rom. 12:9-10,18). You know that they should be looking at others thusly as a reminder to change themselves. So what do you do? Do you try to be a fence sitter in no man’s land or remain silent for fear of starting another fight on another issue? If so then you are an enabler! To fail to restore those overtaken in sin (Gal. 6:1) constitutes sin itself (Jas. 4:17). To try to correct the situation by any other way than by God’s way of converting “the sinner from the error of his way” (Jas. 5:20) is to make a complete wreck out of the principles of brotherhood. (Read James 2:1; 3:2, 13-18; 4:7.) Do you try to apologize for the critical brother by telling visitors, etc. that “that’s the way he is,” “he’s getting senile in his old age,” or “he’s just a lefthanded screw”? Patience can only go so far. Then something needs to be done. To do nothing is to be an enabler!

The Solution To The Sin

Man’s freedom from sin is conditioned upon knowing the truth and continuing in it (Jn. 8:31-32). We must let the Word of Truth become our dwelling so that we can abide and continue in it. There will be two results of such action: (1) we will know the truth, (2) we will be made free. The only thing that will free us from the prejudice and hate, division and isolation, bitterness and hostility, abuses and selfishness, is the saving, working, living truth of God.

Truth is not simply something known, it is something to be done (Jn. 8:31). The knowledge and the experience of truth permits no compromise with evil, not even the appearance of it (1 Thess. 5:22). We cannot be an enabler and have proper regard for truth. Truth, if it is to be effective has to be regarded in every respect: in belief, reverence, speech, action, etc. When truth produces this type of behavior in our lives then are we free from the bondage and impediments of life. Jesus is “the way, the truth” (Jn. 14:6). He did not come to enable men to the furtherance of sin, but to save them. We cannot hope to see all men save by the gospel until we confront them. Do not be an enabler by providing the means or occasion for the furtherance of their sinful cause.

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 6, pp. 182-184
March 21, 1991

By Eric Norford

We live in an age in which technology is tremendous, money can be earned abundantly, a person can be anything he wants to be, and can do practically anything that he wants. In a society where problems abound on every hand, the Christian is exposed to practically everything the world has to offer. It seems as the years go by, it will get worse, and Christians will become more loose in their attitude toward sin. In fact, should present trends continue, the so-called Christian will altogether remove the word “sin” from the Bible. Whether or not that happens, God still calls sin, sin. There is no such thing as a little sin or a big sin. Sin is still sin and God says through James (1: 15), that sin, when it is finished brings forth death. Yet, some Christians have the idea that it is not sin, but a “mistake.” Sin is disobedience of God’s law. It is a transgression (1 Jn. 3:4); sin is unrighteousness (1 Jn. 5:17); sin is an omission of doing what is right (Jas. 4:17); sin is an action not “of faith” (Rom. 14:23). God’s word is very plain about sin. Sin will send a person to Hell – even one sin will. One sin kept Moses from entering the land of Canaan (Num. 20:12; Deut. 34:4), one sin killed Nadab and Abihu (Lev. 10:1, 2), and one sin killed Uzzah, who thought he was doing right by steadying the ark of God (2 Sam. 6:6-7). When God says something, we better not go against it!

However, there are Christians who have the idea that they can commit any type of sin and get by with it. This shows the world’s impact on people’s minds. It is no wonder that the divorce rate is ridiculous, fornication is out of control, murder for an unwanted pregnancy (abortion), filthy language, homosexuality abound, etc. God’s word is still very plain about these, they are sin. Divorce is wrong, if it is not for the cause of fornication. Divorcing for every reason, then remarrying someone is wrong; those living in this condition will go to Hell, unless they change and make it right with God according to the Scriptures (Matt. 19:9). God still says pre-marital sex (fornication) and sex with someone who is not your husband or wife, while you’re married (adultery), is sin (1 Cor. 6:9-10). Language that is disgusting and dirty is wrong, for a Christian is to speak wholesome, godly words (Eph. 4:29). Abortion is murder, regardless of what every pro-choice person in the world says about this; he is not God. Man has no right to take a life that has been formed by God himself and kill it (Isa. 44:2,24; 49:5; Gal. 5:19-21). These passages show that God made the womb and murder is a work of the flesh. Homosexuality was an abomination to God in the Old and New Testaments and it still is today. Despite the gay movements and despite what some church leaders say about it, it is sin (Rom. 1:24-27, 32). God destroyed two cities for this same sin in Genesis 19:1-29. There are many other sins that we have not touched on: stealing, telling a lie, hatred, drinking, drunkenness and such like: those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God (Gal. 5:21)!

These problems have crept into Christians’ lives and in the church and they are getting worse. Christians just shrug them off and think they will pass. Paul says that we are not to be conformed to the world but “transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God” (Rom. 12:2). We need to stand up against sin and drive it from our minds! If we have the idea that sin is not a big deal, God help us. God says sin is still sin and we have cited passages which teach that a person who commits sin will not inherit the kingdom of God. The fact is, God will not send you to Hell, you will send yourself there. We need to be living our lives according to God’s Word and not by the world’s offerings. If we sin, we have an advocate with the Father (1 Jn. 2:1-2). This must be true repentance, not the idea that “I got that sin off my shoulders and now I can go do the same thing later today.”

This writer likes the words that Peter expressed in 2 Peter 3:11, after he discussed that the Lord has promised that there will be a judgment day (v. 10) and knowing this will happen. He said, “What manner of persons ought you to be?” How should we be living – God’s way or the world’s way? God’s way will lead you to eternal life (Matt. 7:21; 2 Jn. 9); the world’s way will lead you straight to Hell (Jn. 12:48). In Hell, there is complete darkness (Jude 13), eternal fire (Rev. 20:10; Mk. 9:45), eternal separation from God (2 Thess. 1:7-9); it is the second death (Rev. 20:14; 21:8). Do you still think sin is some minor thing? One sin will send you to eternal damnation. Some can attach another name to sin to make it look innocent or disguise it; however, God says sin is still sin.

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 6, p. 175
March 21, 1991

By Andy Alexander

The Lord strictly teaches that his children are not to fellowship with those who teach and practice false doctrines (2 Jn. 9-11). Those who violate God’s standard are to be marked and avoided by faithful Christians, yet most people blindly follow false teachers in the denominational world and support them with their attendance and contributions (Rom. 16:17; Tit. 3:10).

A task force for the Methodist Church has just completed its second meeting on homosexuality. Why was a task force needed? God has spoken on this subject and declared that it is a sin that will keep one out of heaven (Rom. 1:27). The task force is needed because there is a move in the Methodist Church to accept homosexuals into full fellowship. Where does that leave the members who do not approve? They are guilty of condoning this and all the other errors that the Methodist Church is engaged in. The answer for the Methodist member who does not approve: find the right church!

Many denominations are allowing women to preach and teach the whole assembly. For years Pentecostal churches have allowed women to preach, but this practice is now accepted in many other denominations as the feminist movement in the past two decades has gown stronger. Has anyone ever considered to search the Scriptures to learn what God’s will is in this matter? Paul commanded, “Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence” (1 Tim. 2:11-12). What does a person do who is caught up in a church that is teaching and practicing this sin? Find the right church!

The Baptist Church teaches that man’s sins are forgiven the moment he believes in Jesus Christ. The Bible teaches that belief is necessary and no one who has read and studied the Bible will argue about the need for a man to believe that Jesus is the Son of God and that he has been raised from the dead. There are a vast number of Bible passages that affirm this teaching (Jn. 3:16; 8:24; Mk. 16:16; Rom. 10:10). However, we must take all of the passages that deal with our salvation and not just the ones that tell us to believe. A sinner must also repent of his sins if he is to avoid eternal punishment (Lk. 13:3). The Bible also teaches in Romans 10: 10 that confession with the mouth that Jesus is the Christ is necessary. Can we leave out confession and repentance as the Baptist would have us to do and please God? The Bible also teaches that baptism is the place where man’s sins are washed away (Acts 22:16). Jesus placed belief and baptism prior to salvation in Mark 16:16. Can we omit any part of the plan that Jesus has given. What does a person do if he finds himself in a denomination that practices these things which are contrary to God’s will? Find the right church!

There are many other practices which are being done in the name of Christ in the denominational world, but they do not have his approval. Things which may appear small in the eyes of man, are still departures from God’s word and those who teach, practice, and support them will perish, because they are not obeying the gospel (2 Thess. 1:7-9). Where do we find support in God’s word for quarterly observance of the Lord’s Supper, instrumental music in worship, men to wear titles such as Father, Reverend, Monsignor, etc., social activities as a means to induce people to obey the gospel, women preachers, and taking up collections during the week? Search the Scriptures and see if these acts are authorized (1 Jn. 4:1; Acts 20:7; Matt. 23: 8- 10; 1 Cor. 11:34; 1 Tim. 2:12; 1 Cor. 16:2).

What’s the answer? Find the right church! And, if you cannot find the church that you read about in the Bible, then start one and try to lead as many people out of error as you can.

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 6, p. 171
March 21, 1991

By Billy Ashworth

While a prisoner of the Roman government, Paul wrote the saints at Philippi who were not in prison, saying, “Rejoice in the Lord always: again I say, rejoice” (Phil. 4:4). Earlier, Paul had written: “Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord . . . For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus” (3:1,3).

The epistle has been called “the Epistle of Joy” since the words “joy” and “rejoice” occur about sixteen times in the letter. It is probably the most affectionate and personal letter Paul wrote that has been recorded in divine revelation. It has very little censure in it, but is mostly devoted to encouragement for his brethren and sisters in the Lord. Is it not striking that Paul, a prisoner in Rome, could write such a letter to saints at Philippi who were relatively free to exhort them to “rejoice in the Lord”? Saints there must have needed this encouragement as many do today.

Recently, while walking in the mall with my wife, I saw a sign at the entrance of a business establishment which read: Hiring management Trainees – Only smiling faces – No grouches,” I remarked to Lois, “I wonder how many of our brethren and sisters could apply.” I observe people’s expressions while greeting them at the assembly building. Some are smiling, friendly and seem to be filled with joy. Some appear burdened down with cares, anxiety and almost despondent. Then a few seem to be hostile. (These observations have been made over a period of nearly thirty-eight years. Therefore, I am not referring to any one group of people.) Why such a wide range of attitudes among the people of God?

I call attention to the fact that Paul is not suggesting, or hinting, that the saints at Philippi “rejoice in the Lord.” It is commanded, and therefore not only can be obeyed, but must be obeyed. I find no commands in Scripture that are optional on the part of those who are so instructed. God does not command one thing of us that we cannot obey. He is a just, omniscient God, no respecter of persons; he could not by his very being command things impossible to do, and then condemn his grandest creation, mankind, for failing to obey.

Joy is listed in the catalog of the fruit of the Spirit: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” (Gal. 5:22,23). Notice that joy is related closely with love and peace. In fact, in the English construction joy is between the other two. For a person to experience true joy, he must be filled with love and will be at peace with God, his fellow men and himself. A lot unhappiness on the part of people is because they have poor self-image; even sometimes they seem to be overcome with self-hate. I have read “experts” say that many drug addicts, including alcoholics, become such because they do not like themselves and try to escape reality by indulging. in alcohol and other drugs. (Alcohol is a drug – the most abused of all drugs. It is redundant to speak of people indulging themselves in “alcohol and drugs.”)

I believe Paul’s secret to rejoicing, even while in prison is found in the Philippian letter. Let us notice some of the things he cited:

1. In the first chapter, Paul wrote: “Grace be unto you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; . . . I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defense in the confirmation of the gospel, ye are all partakers of my grace. . . And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment.” Here we find Paul rejoicing in remembrance of these faithful saints for whom he prayed with joy. He was thankful for their fellowship in the gospel and was confident that they would be faithful and without offense till the “day of Christ.” He loved them (” have you in my heart”) and rejoiced in their love for truth (vv. 9, 10).

2. Paul saw in his imprisonment and afflictions a fallout for good. “That the things that have happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel, so that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace and in all other places: and many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.” This is an example of faith overcoming fear in Paul’s brethren, when they observed his unwavering faith in God and fearlessness of men, and caused then to preach boldly.

Paul saw that, from what looked like a great injustice as a consequence of the maliciousness of the unbelieving Jews, God worked it all out for his good (see Rom. 8:28 and following context). By having been sent as a prisoner to Rome, Paul was able to reach people even in “Caesar’s household” (cf. 4:22). Also, he saw other saints encouraged by his own boldness, to preach Christ “without fear.” Just to think of all the good that came from what seemed to be adversity, filled Paul’s heart with joy.

3. In chapter 2, Paul exhorted, “If there be any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” Here Paul’s exhortation is for the unity of the saints in love in the bond of peace which would prove them worthy of his love and joy in them. And, this is the pathway to joy and peace.

4. In chapter 3, Paul again exhorts: “Rejoice in the Lord . . . For we are the circumcision which worship God in the spirit and rejoice in Christ Jesus.” Notice, that in all these exhortations, Paul exhorts to “rejoice in the Lord. ” How does one become a Christian “in the Lord”? Galatians 3:26,27: “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” Paul wrote the Ephesians: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (1:3). How joyful we should be that we are children of God in Christ, and that we have all spiritual blessings if we are faithful.

5. Paul explains how he was rejoicing in the Lord.: “This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before; I press toward the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (3:13,14). Brethren, we cannot rejoice while mourning over things past which we cannot undo or indulging ourselves in self-pity because of mistreatment by others. There are some things we must forget in order to reach toward the goal.

6. Finally Paul learned to be content: “For I have learned, in whatever state I am, therewith to be content” (4:11). No person can be joyful in discontentment, always looking at everything as being wrong, looking at everything from a negative view to the point we despair and feel like nothing is right with us and the Lord’s church. When Elijah, the bold prophet of God who destroyed the prophets of Baal, fled from the wicked Jezebel who threatened to kill him, and finally stopped running, God asked him: “What doest thou here, Elijah?” The reply: “I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and 1, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it way.” Elijah was far from rejoicing. He was despondent! Nothing looked good. But God told him to get up and get busy. God said, “Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him” (1 Kgs. 19:10,18).

We need to learn this lesson. When things seem to “go to pieces” and nobody is faithful any more but “I only,” remember God is still on his throne; Jesus is still at his own right hand, ruling in his kingdom and there are thousands of faithful Christians out there!

I believe Paul’s wonderful words found in 1 Corinthians 15:53-57 when he was refuting the heresy afloat at the time that there would be no resurrection of the dead: “For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death where is thy sting? O grave where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” If one believes this, he must truly rejoice!

Then consider these words: “For our light affliction which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made by hands, eternal in the heavens” (2 Cor. 4:17; 5:1).

Christians need to remember that we are the children of God. What a wonderful thing to be recognized of Jehovah God as his children and to be able to approach him in prayer as “Our Father.” We are assured that he will hear and answer our prayers if we are faithful (cf. 1 Jn 3:1-3).

To rejoice, we must: Determine to be joyful. Some people never come to terms with life by deciding to control their thinking. We learn what we should think as given by Paul in Philippians 4:8. After one reads that catalog of proper things to think on, is it any wonder that so many “Christians” today are not rejoicing because they have let the things of this world crowd out the things of God? The liberal media, most modern educational systems, and the world in general are filling the minds of professed Christians with evil ideas and philosophy.

We must keep malice out of the heart, and keep love in the heart. We must love the good, and hate the evil (Amos 5:15; Rom. 12:9; Psa. 97:10). We must be loving and forgiving (Eph. 4:31,32). We must love God supremely and each other dearly (Matt. 22:37-39; 1 Pet. 1:7,8,22; cf. 1 Jn. 4:6-21). We must be thankful people; our hearts must be filled with gratitude (Phil. 4:6,7). Ingratitude is inexcusable, showing one’s lack of love for a loving heavenly Father from whom “every good gift and every perfect gift cometh down” (Jas. 1:17). The Father’s greatest gift to mankind was the gift of his only begotten Son to die for the sins of mankind (Jn. 3:16). What love; what matchless grace the loving Father has bestowed upon us!

Finally, we must keep our eye on the goal of spending heaven with God the Father, Christ our Savior and the redeemed of all ages in the Father’s house where Christ went to prepare a place for his own – in a holy city, new Jerusalem where God shall wipe away all tears. There will be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain. Why so? Because there will be no sin there (Rev. 21:2-4,8). How could anyone who truly believes in all these things (promises) fail to rejoice?

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 6, pp. 180-181
March 21, 1991