James 2:1-4, “My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?”
I suppose that one’s viewpoint on appropriate dress may be related to a number of factors: age, culture, customs of a given locale, but far from least should be the occasion. This writer came from another time, a time when clothing was harder to come by. In early post-depression days, animal feed sacks were chosen carefully when making a purchase because someone was going to be wearing it pretty soon. Subsequently, optional dress was virtually non-existent, but cleanliness was given a very high priority.
When Sunday came, there was no question as to where the family would be found. It was church whether it was preaching Sunday or not. In the absence of a circuit rider, dad always gave an extended devotional following Sunday School. I never heard a word about the appropriateness of attire regarding our family or anyone else in church, provided the apparel was clean. In most cases, it was not only clean, but also the best we had ( and yes, I have gone to both school and church in warmer months barefooted, and was far from alone. One pair of shoes came in late fall.
If guests were coming to our house, mom and dad always did their best. If we went anywhere to visit or keep an appointment, we always looked our best. It was an unequivocal way of life.
In keeping with that training, I have never criticized one’s clothing, if clean. I have no qualms about women wearing nice slacks or pantsuits, or men forfeiting a coat and tie in church services, but I do raise an eyebrow at modern, overt attempts to look much less than one’s best.
If I had an appointment with a corporate board to interview for an important job, or a banquet invitation from a high political dignitary, I would respect the event and the privilege of personal participation enough to not show up in common, everyday dress, if I had better apparel.
Surely, there is no more important reason to look one’s best than to meet with the chosen people of God, even the bride of Christ, knowing that in the Holy Spirit the Savior, Foundation, and Head of the church is also there. So, I will not criticize the appearance of others so long as what they wear is clean, decent, modest, but when you see me at church I wil look my best, which isn’t anything to brag about, but it is as good as it gets.
FOR THOUGHT: Do you believe that how one dresses is largely a product of culture, and generation, and that cleanliness and decency should be the overriding factor in appearance?
Can you think of at least one of many Bible verses that addresses this subject?
CHRISTIAN HUMOR NOT SACRILEGE OR TABOO!
It is strange, but there are folks who reflect annoyance or downright anger at any manifestation of humor by a Christian. Indeed, some people appear to have no sense of humor at all. That status signals to me the presence of a very unhappy person. But let stoicism be
“enjoyed” by others who do not rejoice in the blessed hope of happiness, and let it be abandoned by redeemed hearts.
No one on the planet should be more happy, peaceable, and quick to recognize good humor than a serious follower of Jesus. Those who fit this identification savor joy, and engage in rejoicing that simply passes all understanding. They are able to project joy and happiness in the face of pain or other distasteful discouragements. It is not a denial of the negative aspects of life, but the anointed ability to rise above them. Love is the badge of a true Christian, and love, among so many other things, appreciates good, wholesome humor.
Good humor ranks high among many reasons why the fellowship of knowledgeable, dedicated believers is so desired, and so precious. In this context, one does not have to “walk on eggshel s” for fear of offending someone, and the health benefits of a hearty laugh that is not at someone else’s expense is treasured. Solomon put it this way: “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” Proverbs 17:22.
There is an old saying, “Laugh and the world laughs with you; cry, and cry alone.”
Indeed, this reflects the nature of preferred human emotions. It is not that weeping has no place or even is out of order. There are times when it is the only thing that is in order, but not as a daily philosophy of life.
Some would purport that God is not a God of humor. For the life of me, I simply cannot understand how anyone can look at creation, and all that is in it which God has made and still think He has no sense of humor!
The Psalmist affirmed that one day God, Himself will laugh at foolish men who have sinned away their day of grace. Psalm 2:4; 59:8, Proverbs 1:26.
Moreover, who can help but rejoice with the Hebrews in their release from captivity and return to Jerusalem. Of them it is written, “When theLord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The Lord hath done great things for them. The Lord hath done great things for us;whereof we are glad.” Psalm 126:1-3.
FOR THOUGHT: Do you think the presence of wholesome humor is a good thing in a Christian’s life? Do you enjoy a hearty laugh now and then? Do you think of serious situations sometimes and lighten them with humor? What is your estimation of a merry heart?
CHRISTIAN SLAVERY??
I am not seeking to wrinkle horns or to lose friends, but sometimes a subject just won’t leave me alone. I refer to the subject of slavery, and the fact that I hear an almost universal condemnation of it from saints and sinners alike. So, I just have to think about it, and then I just have to write a little about it. Bear with me.
Slavery has been around almost as long as the oldest profession. So, throughout the Old Testament times it was prevalent among God’s people and widespread elsewhere. Then throughout the times of the New Testament it was widespread even in the churches. Moreover, there are places in the world today where it is a common practice, but the strictest form of it ended legally in the United States over one hundred years ago.
When one surveys the Word on the subject, he is likely to read: “Art thou called being a servant? (Gr. “doulos.” slave) care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather. For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.” 1 Cor. 7:21-22. Moreover, the book of Philemon was written by the apostle Paul to the Christian master of a run-a-way, but now Christian slave: Onesimus, seeking leniency for him. Indeed, there is much to be said biblically in favor of the master/servant relationship of men. The Old Testament gave specific instructions on how one was to be noted as a lifelong slave to his master: piercing the ear and inserting a ring. Exodus 21:6, et.al. “Hummmm!”
Certainly, nowhere in Holy Writ will it be found that a sinful or abusive relationship is to exist among men regardless of their status; but the exact opposite. Comparing this with many unethical actions of modern day employers against their employees might make the more permanent master/servant relationship appear desirable to some.
In any event, one should be terribly slow to condemn what the Bible recognizes as being in play, but does not condemn. It just might be that if the master/servant relationship still existed here among men, the idea of that relationship with the Lord would be enhanced. In casting off the bonds of servitude to men, servitude to God has also been largely cast aside, too. That, my friends, is not a good thing!
FOR THOUGHT: Do you know of anyone who admits to being a bond-slave to the Lord?
Should you know many people with such an admission? Why do you think the Bible never condemn slavery as such, but soundly condems man’s inhumanity to man?
CHRISTMAS AND THE BECOMING “I AM”
The richness of language is used to span the literal, the figurative, the physical and the spiritual, the formal and colloquial, and the Bible is filled with all of these applications.
Therefore, it is incumbent upon all who would know the true things of God, and of life itself to seriously heed the admonition of 2 Timothy 2:15: study to rightly divide, to arrive at the proper understanding and application of Holy Writ. The meaning of Christmas was revealed millennia ago to Moses and to the enslaved Hebrew people. Think with me for a moment!
Most nominal Christians are passingly familiar with the “I am that I am” of Exodus 3:14: the name God applied to Himself, and told Moses to reveal to his brethren in Egypt. However, translation to various languages has its problems, and decisions of translators must be studied.
Here, it should be noted that “I am” is present tense in English, but the Hebrew language does not have tense in verbs: only complete and incomplete states. The incomplete state of this name in Hebrew means it could be translated in English: I have been Whom I have been; I am Who I am; or I shall become Whom I shall become. Certainly the sense of the eternal is depicted, but in recognition that God continually revealed Himself by different names to His people as He moved to fulfill their needs, the latter is preferred as offering the best understanding. After all, the Hebrews were praying for God to come or become to them in forward action of deliverance. Moreover, the “LORD” (Jehovah) of the Old Testament is indeed the Jesus of the New Testament, and He is the final and ultimate “becoming” of God to man.
This was fulfilled initially in the great story of His birth as recorded in Luke chapter two, and presently celebrated as Christmas.
Yet, there is another sense of understanding that magnificent name. It is not the revelation of a new personage, but that of the “coming one” even the same Jesus, but now glorified Jesus as the Ruler, Judge and Lord of the planet, and all therein in the great millennial reign. Thus shall the ultimate fulfillment of the name He gave to Moses so long ago be fully realized by His people of covenant in a manner that shall remain eternal. It is then that He shall remain as it would be expressed in the English, “I AM!” What an exceedingly marvelous, and logical extension of thought as focus is retrained on His birth. Here then is the true meaning and joy of Christmas!
FOR THOUGHT: Christmas is a lonely time for some folks. Is it that way for you? Christmas is a very happy and joyful time for many. Is it that way for you? The difference is often the result of focus. Is it on the din and noise of materialism, or on the blessedness of God becoming a man?