“Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God” (Phil. 4:17-18).

The things given by the Philippian congregation to Paul’s work are here identified as “a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God” (Phil. 4:18).  Paul clearly points out that he was not interested in the material things given to him, but the fruit that came from their giving (cf. Phil. 4:17).  There is something deeply spiritual about this fruit of sacrificial giving.  Consider three qualities that come from such.

1. Gratification in Helping. While the Philippians could not do Paul’s work for him, they could support his efforts.  The sense of gratification that comes from doing good is one of the joys of the Christian’s life.  Paul stated of this congregation’s history, “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; Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” (Phil. 1:3-6).  While Paul was grateful for their support, they could be grateful to be able to help on a full time basis.  Such builds unity and enables the gospel to spread further and swifter.  Things given were but the means to greater ends.
2. Gaining in Selflessness. Philippi was one of those churches of Macedonia mentioned in Second Corinthians eight.  It is said of those congregations, “How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; Praying us with much entreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God (2 Cor. 8:2-5).  Selfishness was not in their character.  If such had been the case, they would have never contributed to the benevolent need.  After all, were they not already helping Paul in his preaching work?  They would grow to do more and more.
3. Growing in Love. The bottom line in sacrificial giving is to develop the love manifested by God Himself.  John wrote, “But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:17-18).  All commands to give are designed to produce the proper kind of love in the character of the Christian.  Paul wrote of the purpose of commandments, “Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned” (1 Tim. 1:5).  Think about that goal with these words in mind, “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:7).  Such giving produces an abundance of good works for the cause of Christ (cf. 2 Cor. 9:8).  May this fruit of sacrificial giving be appreciated and abound!

Jimmy Clark

“And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so” (Gen. 1:29-30).

Here is the first time in the Bible that the term “give” is found.  It does not express man giving to God but God giving to man and to His creation.  James wrote of God “Every good gift, and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning” (James 1:17).  Consider three gifts involved in the fact that God gives.

1. God Gives Resources for Life. Paul stated of God to the idolatrous philosophers of Athens, “Neither is worshiped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;” (Acts 17:25).  Solomon wrote, “Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labor that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion. Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labor; this is the gift of God” (Eccl. 5:18-19).  Jesus impressed upon his hearers the importance of knowing God as the abundant supplier.  “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?” (Matt. 7:11).
2. God Gives Revelation to Guide Life. God knows that man wanders if left without revelation (cf. Amos 8:11-12).  Man cannot direct his own steps by his own wisdom (cf. Jer. 10:23).  The Bible is, therefore, one of the greatest gifts of God to mankind.  Paul stated of divine revelation through inspired men, “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us” (2 Cor. 4:7).  James wrote, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him” (James 1:5).  Solomon wrote, “For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding” (Prov. 2:6).
3. God Gives Redemption and the Resurrection for Eternal Life. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).  Paul wrote, “The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 15:56-57).  The abundance of physical things pales in insignificance if in this life only we have hope (cf. 1 Cor. 15:19).  Man’s salvation is tied to the grace of God (cf. Eph. 2:1-9).  If God had not given, man would be hopelessly lost.  Seeing that God has given that man might be delivered from both sin and the cemetery, then he should labor abundantly knowing that such is not in vain (cf. 1 Cor. 15:10; 58).

Jimmy Clark

“Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms” (James 5:13). 

God’s people are a spiritually minded people.  James declares in the above short passage that when the heart is downtrodden, let it be lifted up in prayer to God.  When the heart is upbeat, let it be lifted up in praise through song to God.  Both prayer and singing are natural outlets of the heart of the child of God.  Consider three valid reasons on the topic of singing as to why God’s people sing.

1. Singing Expresses the Joy of the Heart. While singing is a part of the worship of the church (cf. Heb. 2:12), it should never be a mere expression of “Well, it is commanded so let’s obey.”  Some may want to portray the singing of God’s people as mere legalistic expression, but such is not the case when one searches into the heart of those who understand.  God’s people have a reason to sing.  One of the great songs of the Psalms has these words, “Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall show forth thy praise” (Ps. 51:14-15).  Saved people sing.  When one comes to grips with the depth of one’s sin and then realizes that through the grace of God the forgiveness of those sins is found, the heights of joy are openly expressed in praise and thanksgiving.  David also wrote, “I will sing unto the Lord, because he hath dealt bountifully with me” (Ps. 13:6).  Again, “O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation” (Ps. 95:1).  Life is centered in God and the child of God understands “the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Neh. 8:10).
2. Singing Educates and Encourages Those Hearing. Luke wrote of Paul and Silas, “And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them” (Acts 16:25).  Those prisoners were privileged to listen to two men show that suffering is not fatal to the soul.  Paul wrote to the Colossians concerning singing, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” (Col. 3:16).  Congregational singing involves that teaching and admonishing of one another.  Singing with grace in the heart to the Lord is very moving in encouragement toward those who hear.  While singing is directed toward the Lord, indirectly it is uplifting toward those who hear.
3. Singing Embodies the Spirit of What God is Seeking. David wrote, “And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord” (Ps. 27:6).  Again, “Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defense, and the God of my mercy” (Ps. 59:17).  Solomon wrote, “In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare: but the righteous doth sing and rejoice” (Prov. 29:6).  Isaiah wrote, “Sing unto the Lord; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth” (Isa. 12:5).  Again, “Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry: behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty: behold, my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed: Behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart” (Isa. 65:13-14).

Jimmy Clark

“Salute one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you”   Romans 16:16

Saints in the church are well aware of this passage.  The religious world is so divided through human inventions and doctrines of men that the passage has lost its significance to many.  While the church is designated by other phrases [i.e. the church (Eph. 1:22), the church of God (1 Cor. 1:2), etc.), there is nothing denominational about the usage of a Biblical phrase; otherwise, Paul would be doing what he charged the Corinthians not to do (cf. 1 Cor. 1:10, 13).  The long list of names in Romans 16 would be a small illustration of what constituted “churches of Christ” (Rom. 16:16).  Consider some of the details from that list which would magnify the importance of churches of Christ.

1. Identified as Being in Christ. Over and over is the identification that all these were to be greeted or saluted in view of their connection to Christ and thus to each other.  “Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my helpers in Christ Jesus:” (Rom. 16:3).  “Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. Greet Amplias, my beloved in the Lord. Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved” (Rom. 16:7-9).  Notice the other passages that denote this same designation of being in Christ (cf. Rom. 16:10, 11, 12, 13).  Paul made it clear previous to the Roman letter that in order to be “in Christ” one must be baptized into Christ.  “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” (Gal. 3:26-27).  Being outside of Christ is to be without God and thus without hope (cf. Eph. 2:12).  Being in Christ is to be where all spiritual blessings are found (cf. Eph. 1:3).
2. Inclusive of Varying Demographics. Jesus declared plainly that the gospel was for all and thus the conditions of salvation in the gospel were for all who would obey (cf. Matt. 28:19; Mark 16:15-16).  The church was not to be divided by gender, nationality, age, etc.  Paul commends to the church at Rome “Phoebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:” (Rom. 16:1).  Paul mentions another woman, “Greet Mary, who bestowed much labor on us” (Rom. 16:6).  Paul was by no means a male who despised women in the church.  Paul respected Gentiles (cf. Rom. 16:4) as well as Jews (cf. Rom. 1:16; 16:11) in the church.  Varying locations of brethren did not change the relationship as brothers and sisters in Christ.
3. Important to Paul, Who was also in the Church.  The Holy Spirit through Paul wanted the brethren at Rome to know that all other congregations in Christ worldwide greeted them through this letter.  The common bond of all was through the brotherhood in the church.  Paul knew how he became a part of the church.  He wrote to the Corinthians, “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit” (1 Cor. 12:13).  God specifically set the apostles first in the church concerning the work of it (cf. 1 Cor. 12:28).  Therefore, Paul was a member of churches of Christ.  “One Lord, one faith, one baptism” (Eph. 4:5) brought him into the “one body” (Eph. 4:4).  Would that all be in the same church like Paul was!

Jimmy Clark

“He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls” (Prov. 25:28).

The Hebrew word translated “rule” (Prov. 25:28) means “restraint, control” (Brown, Driver and Briggs, A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament, p. 784).  This passage indicates the danger of a lack of control over oneself.  Such can produce major destruction.  Another passage along these same lines declares, “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city” (Prov. 16:32).  Ruling one’s spirit is better than major military victories.  While people may not see the importance of such from a cursory observation, such is true from a variety of practical vantage points (cf. peace, unity, building lasting relationships, etc.).  Just because one has won a war does not guarantee a lasting peace.  Consider three areas of life that are important to control when it comes to the inner man.

1. Appetites of the Flesh. Various fleshly desires (hunger, thirst, sexuality, etc.) are to be governed by the word of God and controlled by the inner man in keeping with the word of God.  Man is not to live by the “law of the jungle.”  The Bible is explicit about the danger of the “lusts of the flesh” (1 John 2:16; Gal. 5:16, 24; Rom. 6:12) as the guiding force of a mortal life.  Temperance is the approach toward filling the belly (cf. 1 Cor. 9:25; Gal. 5:22-23).  Marriage is the honorable relationship for intimate relationships (cf. Heb. 13:4; 1 Cor. 7:2-6).  The faith in Christ included such things (cf. Acts 24:24-25).  Bringing one’s body into subjection is necessary for the approved life (cf. 1 Cor. 9:27).
2. Attitudes When Frustrated. Trouble is to be experienced by all (cf. Job 14:1).  How one handles the day-to-day situations of conflict says much about a person’s character and maturity.  Self-control is stressed over and over in the Bible.  Self-control starts in the mind.  James wrote, “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God” (James 1:19-20).  Again, “If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain” (James 1:26).  Solomon wrote, “Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him” (Prov. 29:20).  Again, “He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly” (Prov. 14:29).  And again, “Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools” (Eccl. 7:9).
3. Aspirations When Fail. When things do not go as expected, the inner man can become so troubled that discouragement leads to despair.  How does one remain “upbeat” when the situation looks grim?  Losing or failing in a specific endeavor is not, as is commonly expressed, “the end of the world.”  Paul wrote of great discouragement with optimism.  “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body” (2 Cor. 4:8-10).  Let none be weary in well doing (cf. Gal. 6:9).  Control oneself and let God see each through to victory.

Jimmy Clark

“And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lifted up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom” (Luke 16:22-23).

What happens when this life is over has always been a fascination with humanity.  While some do not believe the things revealed in the Bible, those who do believe take heed to the knowledge gained through the revelation.  While things are known by faith now, things will be fully known by sight when this life is over.  Consider three things that all will know by sight either at the moment of death or at the moment of the Lord’s return at the end of time should one be alive at the time.

1. The Soul Lives Forever. The Bible plainly states, “the body without the spirit is dead” (James 2:26).  Notice that the body dies when the spirit leaves it.  The spirit does not cease to exist.  Solomon wrote, “Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it” (Eccl. 12:7).  The Bible plainly teaches that the nature of man is dual in being: physical and spiritual.  Luke recorded of the Lord himself, “And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost” (Luke 23:46).  Evolution teaches that man is only fleshly in nature like the animal kingdom.  Such a belief produces an adverse effect upon mind and conduct.  One second after this life is over will reveal a sobering fact to the unbeliever.  By the way, no one will be an unbeliever of this after the end.
2. The Spiritual is the Most Important. Paul wrote, “For to be carnally minded is death: but to be spiritually minded is life and peace” (Rom. 8:6).  How true will these facts be known by all when this life is over?  Ecclesiastes is a book that explores the fact that the spiritual far outweighs the material in value.  “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil” (Eccl. 12:13-14).  Sadly, multiplied numbers of people will have lived their lives exchanging their souls for that which does not profit them.  Carnality in all its forms is most popular with the worldly mindset (cf. 1 John 2:16).  The rich man in torments learned too late that his comfortable life apart from true righteousness was a path to misery.
3. The Sacrifice for the Cause of Christ is Really Worth It.  Sometimes people become so discouraged that they make a similar statement to what was said in the days of Malachi, “It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the Lord of hosts?” (Mal. 3:14).  All will know in the end that such is foolish talk.  Jesus said of the persecuted, “Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you” (Matt. 5:12).  Paul wrote to the Galatian brethren, “And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Gal. 6:9).  The righteous understand that one will suffer for wickedness (cf. Prov. 13:15) as well as for righteousness (cf. 2 Tim. 3:12).  Trouble is part of this life (cf. Job 14:1; Matt. 6:34; Eph. 5:16).  The end will bring full awareness to all that earthly living is for work in the kingdom.  Learn now or learn later.

Jimmy Clark

“Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you. All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar’s household." (Phil. 4:21-22)

Seemingly insignificant passages have great significance.  Every saint is significant in the eyes of the Lord and His people.  Consider three specific people in the first century who were well respected.

1. Faithful Servant: Epaphras. “As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellow servant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit” (Col. 1:7-8).  “Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God” (Col. 4:12).  “There salute thee Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus” (Philemon 23).  This great servant known by Paul likely established the congregation at Colosse.  Epaphras was a member of the congregation for which he labored (cf. Col. 4:12).  While Paul was a prisoner in Rome, he came bringing word to him of the love that the brethren had for him and the cause of Christ.  He was also one who suffered as a prisoner (cf. Philemon 23) like Paul did in Rome.  The prices paid by such servants did not go unnoticed by God and by Paul.  Servants have always made great sacrifices in every age where the work of the Lord prospers.  Paul did not have to go to Colosse to know that the work there would prosper as Epaphras had the same zeal and determination as Paul for the brethren.  Such significance needs to be found in every age.
2. Fellow Soldier: Epaphroditus. “But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God” (Phil. 4:18).  While this man did Paul a great service in bringing him necessary provisions from the brethren at Philippi while he was in prison, his more notable work was in the continued time with Paul.  Paul wrote of him, “Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labor, and fellow soldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants. For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick. For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful. Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation: Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me” (Phil. 2:25-30).  Great soldiers often forget about themselves to keep doing the task.
3. Fervent Seeker: Onesiphorus. “The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain: But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me. The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well” (2 Tim. 1:16-18).  This self-motivated servant did not let adversity stop him.  He would refresh the spirit of Paul many times.  He was a true seeking of the kingdom of God and His righteousness (cf. Matt. 6:33).  No opportunity was too small.

Jimmy Clark

“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger” (Prov. 15:1).

Words have power.  It is also written, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof” (Prov. 18:21). The familiar song “Angry Words” admonishes all to be careful with the attitude of anger that can be manifested through speech.  Life often brings situations that can disturb the peace of a person and cause rash words to come from the tongue.  It is the responsibility of all who follow God to be aware and take care of the use of the tongue.  James wrote, “If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain” (James 1:26).  Consider some thoughts about grievous words and what needs to be understood and applied.

1. Grievous Words Can Hurt. The Hebrew word here translated “grievous” literally means “pain, hurt, toil” (Brown, Driver, Briggs, p. 780).  Therefore, one can easily use the phrase “hurtful words” to describe this picture.  Anyone who has ever lived long enough to interact with the sinfulness of this world knows how hurtful words can be.  Jesus said to his disciples, “Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also” (John 15:20).  Jesus was preparing them to face the reality of their coming days.  While some will be hurtful, such does not mean that the child of God must respond in like manner.  Peter wrote, “Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. 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 3:9-11).
2. Grievous Words Can Help Fuel Anger’s Fire. The Holy Spirit through Solomon made it clear that grievous words “stir up anger” (Prov. 15:1).  Anger might very well already be present before the hurtful words come out.  Letting someone have a “piece of your mind” often adds “fuel to the fire.”  “Brutal honesty” and the like are no excuse to cause more problems.  Hurtful words do not help solve problems.  Abigail saw what her husband almost did to the entire family (cf. 1 Sam. 25:10-11, 14).  Rehoboam launched the beginning of the division of the nation when he “answered the people roughly” (1 Kings 12:13).  Choosing the right words with the proper approach takes wisdom and a cool head when situations are difficult.
3. Grievous Words Can Harm Relationships. It is written in the psalms, “How oft did they provoke him in the wilderness, and grieve him in the desert!” (Ps. 78:40).  What that “stubborn and rebellious generation” (Ps. 78:8) did in grieving God is the same term used with grievous words in Proverbs 15:1.  There were some very hurtful things said by them.  One example is in the words, “Yea, they spake against God; they said, Can God furnish a table in the wilderness?” (Ps. 78:19).  These questioned the goodness of God over and over even though God was merciful unto them (cf. Ps. 78:38-39).  They ultimately stirred up God’s anger to bring judgment upon them (cf. Ps. 78:56-64).  Hurtful words truly do harm.

Jimmy Clark

 

“And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him” (Luke 15:20).

This passage reveals a great scene of acceptance and forgiveness.  The younger son took the journey “into a far country” (Luke 15:13) which produced a spiritual state of him being “dead” and “lost” (Luke 15:32).  This sad account ended with a happy ending upon the young son as he did not stay in such a spiritual condition but by taking the road back home came to be both “alive again” and “found” (Luke 15:32).  Would that many who are still away from God would take the road back home.  Look at three spiritual traits about that road that are necessary in order for one to have such a spiritual change of greatness in life.

1. The Road of Awareness. Jesus said of the mind of this broken young man, “And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!” (Luke 15:17).  There has to be a spiritual awakening inside for one to go back home.  His thoughts turned on himself to take introspection of his situation.  There was no lying to himself.  There was no looking for excuses.  There was no putting the blame on someone else.  He was personally aware of what he had done to himself by his choices.  While sin has its pleasures for a season (cf. Heb. 11:25; Luke 15:13), it also has its hard ways (cf. Prov. 13:15; Luke 15:14-16).  One must become aware of how sin works and what sin does to life (cf. James 1:13-16).  While reality can be harsh and painful, reality must be objectively faced.
2. The Road of Affirmation. Jesus said of the heart of this broken young man, where he said to himself, “I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants” (Luke 15:18-19).  Pride is gone.  Denying self is the new normal.  Godly sorrow now works repentance unto salvation (cf. 2 Cor. 7:10).  There is no sorrow of the world here.  There is no talk of “Well, if I have sinned, then . . .”  Sin is the problem and confession and forsaking is the plan.  Solomon wrote, “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy” (Prov. 28:13).  There is no cover up here.  He will affirm before heaven and his father that he has sinned.
3. The Road of Action. Jesus said of the will of this broken young man, “And he arose, and came to his father” (Luke 15:20).  It is the power of the will to act that ultimately brought the blessing of acceptance and forgiveness.  Many know the way back home and have good intentions to go home but in the end do not act on the intentions.  Whether it is pride or fear or bitterness or the like that keeps the feet in “the far country,” the result is still the same: dead and lost.  The road back home is one of action.  What he affirmed to say to his father, he actually did (cf. Luke 15:21).  Grace, therefore, was given to the humble (cf. James 4:6).  The road back home is not an easy road to take.  If anyone sees himself in a like spiritual situation, let go of the distractions and come home.  Your real family and friends are ready to “make merry” (Luke 15:23-24) with you.

Jimmy Clark

“And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up” (Deut. 6:6-7).

These words of Moses are set against the background of the greatest command (cf. Deut. 6:4-5).  What parents do in the development of their children’s lives is so important that God told them the words to teach.  The generation who initially heard these words had parents who died in the wilderness (cf. Num. 14:29-35) because of unbelief (cf. Heb. 3:16-19).  It was paramount that the next generation both believed and sought to instill basic truths to their children.  This is the heart of parenting.  Consider three teaching areas needed for parents to pass on.

1. Teaching Respect for Authority. Knowing the Lord with proper respect is the first step in parenting.  Moses stated, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord:” (Deut. 6:4).  There is no God other than God (cf. Isa. 45:21; 1 Cor. 8:5-6).  That same God is the Lord.  The term “Lord” necessarily implies authority.  Parenting involves both modeling that respect and molding that respect into the hearts of one’s offspring.  Life is not lived unto self; it is lived unto the Lord (cf. Rom. 14:7-8).  One of the basic problems that has plagued every generation is a lack of respect for authority that falls back on a lack of respect for the Lord.  Parents are to instill that all, even the parents, are under the authority of heaven.  There is to be no compromise here.  It is to be remembered that Solomon wrote, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Prov. 1:7).
2. Teaching Responsible, Heart Moving Regard for God. The primary motivation for demonstrating respect for authority is in the command to love (cf. Deut. 6:5).  Jesus himself stated that (cf. Matt. 22:37-40).  Any action of man that is not moved out of love is unprofitable.  Paul wrote, “And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing” (1 Cor. 13:2-3).  God initiated His love for man that man might see love and do likewise to the strength of his being (cf. 1 John 4:19).  Where the heart of man is in the right frame of mind, completed with love (cf. Col. 3:14), such will take care of the daily course of life.
3. Teaching the Reality of All Day, Every Day Living for God.  Parenting is not a sporadic, put in the “quality time” sort of thing.  Moses told them that they were to teach diligently “when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up” (Deut. 6:7).  In other words, parents are to be training by word and deed in their children’s presence.  Seizing the opportunities to answer their questions, to listen to their conversations, to guide in critical decisions, to discipline when they wander from truth, to rejoice when they do the right thing, etc.  There is no break time when it comes to parenting.  The responsibility falls not on “the village,” but upon the home.

Jimmy Clark