“Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way, shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins” (James 5:19-20).

It is not uncommon in the electronic media to see posts like “What Elders Want All Members to Know” or “What Members Wish All Elders/Preachers Knew” as a message to communicate the needs of the church.  However, the problem with finite man is that he does not always know what is needed.  Man often confuses what are needs to what are mere wants.  The question should rather be “What Does the Lord Want All Brethren to Know?”  Consider three topics complementary of the passage above that show a sampling of what the New Testament declares is needed.

1. Truth Continues to Set One Free. Jesus clearly stated to certain followers, “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32).  Fake news is nothing new.  The devil has been lying from the beginning (cf. John 8:44).  His ministers (cf. 2 Cor. 11:12-15) are still alive and well in every quarter of the world.  It is the “word of truth” (James 1:18) that begat children of God.  It is that same “incorruptible seed” (1 Peter 1:23) that is to continue in the child to keep one from practicing a life of sin (cf. 1 John 3:9).  It is through the obedience of the truth (cf. 1 Peter 1:22) that one purified his/her soul.  One cannot deviate from the light of truth and be in fellowship with God (cf. 1 John 1:6-10).  Brethren are to love the truth (cf. 2 Thess. 2:10).  God’s people are exhorted to buy it and sell it not (cf. Prov. 23:23).  Truth is consistent and reliable in contrast to falsehood that deceives and harms.
2. Turn Away from Every Evil. Peter wrote, “For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it” (1 Peter 3:10-11).  Solomon wrote to his son, “Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil” (Prov. 3:7).  Again, “A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident” (Prov. 14:16).  And again, “The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul” (Prov. 16:17).  Sin truly is an insult to any people (cf. Prov. 14:34).
3. Take Responsibility for One’s Own Decisions and Actions. Paul wrote, “For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God” (Rom. 14:11-12).  As soon as Adam and Eve were confronted with their sin, they attempted to pass the responsibility to someone else (cf. Gen. 3:12-13).  The Lord said to Cain after his rejection, “If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him” (Gen. 4:7).  Attempting to avoid responsibility is as old as time.  Confessing and forsaking one’s sins brings mercy (cf. Prov. 28:13).  King Saul tried to put the accountability on the people (cf. 1 Sam. 15:15) while King David admitted his sin (cf. 2 Sam. 12:13; Ps. 32:5).  Personal responsibility is a sign of maturity and integrity.  May all appreciate the things God wants for us.

Jimmy Clark