Dental Hygienists may be glad to learn that theirs is a profession of antiquity. Most would think it a fairly new thing of the last century or so. As a matter of fact, God Himself was the first dental hygienist. Think with me a moment.
When the Hebrews were following the pillar of cloud by day, and the pillar of fire by night in the long trek from Egyptian bondage to the Promised Land, they were mightily blessed of the Lord. He dropped bread on them every night except the Sabbath eve; provided them with water in the desert; kept them in clothing, and shoes that simply would not wear out, etc.
But, they began to complain because of the light bread, which, though tasty, they had come to disdain. So, they lamented over the leeks, onions, melons, and fleshpots they had in Egypt, but here all they had was light bread. Their cry became “give us flesh to eat!”
God gave them flesh, and He also smote them while the flesh was in their mouth, Numbers 11. Much later,in their backslidden condition, the Lord dealt with them differently. The people were exposed to a dental cleaning. This is underscored by the prophet Amos who cried out against the children of Israel in these words: “And I also have given you cleanness of teeth in all your cities, and want of bread in all your places: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith theLord.” Amos 4:6.
So, the Loving God Who dealt with them severely in the wilderness wanderings to fill their teeth with flesh, also provided them with cleanness of teeth (famine), but they still did not turn to the Lord from their sinful ways . It is descriptive of a condition afflicting a lot of folk nowadays.
It seems people want the prayers of Christians when they are ill, but they do not want healing in order to serve God, they want it so they can continue their sinful lifestyle. Should they have a wreck in their automobile, they will seek a safer, more indestructible car rather than humbly submit to God’s working in their life. Should they have a blowout, they will not reckon with their actions, but simply seek blowout proof tires. Such is the status of a large percentage of what is called Christianity in general, and Baptists in particular.
There is a saying that those who forget history are doomed to relive it. Remember, the cleanness of teeth that the Lord provided His people was altogether good, but not to be desired. Those who are wise recall I Cor. 10 in which it is expressly stated that all those things that happened to Israel are recorded for our admonition upon whom the ends of the world are come.
It is obviously better for every Christian to keep his teeth (heart) clean lest a visit to the first dental hygienist be in order.
FOR THOUGHT: What diet are you feeding your never-dying soul? Have you abandoned the precious Word of God for the exciting, fleshly ways of the world? If so, what do you think that will ultimately bring you?
FOREMAN’S FABLES
“To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.” I Corinthians 9:22-23.
When I entered Missionary Baptist Seminary in the late 1950s, Dr. L. D. Foreman, President of the school, taught the course: Bible in Eight Ages. It was a real eye-opener, and most helpful to students to grasp the overall outline of the Bible presentation of times and events. Foreman had a lot of select stories designed to inspire students to dedication, and to achieve their highest potential in the ministry. This is one of them.
Once there was a man who loved to farm. He was really good at raising abundant crops of various vegetables that could bless multitudes of folk in faraway places. But, his interest ended at hands-on farming. Of course, he had an unsteady two-wheel cart on which he would load as many vegetables as it would hold, and painfully take them to town to sell to eager customers. Because of his inability to transport his goods effectively, most of the vegetables lay on the ground and soon rotted. However, that did not bother the farmer. He could hardly wait to till the soil again and raise still more luscious vegetables.
Now what the farmer needed was a spur to the railroad and some refrigerated cars to transport his vegetables far and wide. But, that never was an interest to him. He just wanted to till the soil and raise more vegetables.
The moral of the story is this: as you gain information and the ability to study with specific objectives in mind, you will rejoice in what you continue to learn, and produce from the Word. Do not be content with that alone. What you also need is an appropriate vehicle to deliver what you learn to others who eagerly wait for the benefit of your study. English is that vehicle.
Learn vocabulary! Learn grammar! Learn to spell! Learn to speak effectively to college educated folk as well those who lack education. Otherwise your ministry will be greatly limited for lack of effective transport.
Dr. Foreman was right, of course, but his fable applies across the board to all of God’s people, not just to ministers. We should study to show ourselves approved unto God as a workman who needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth. We should also diligently study to have the ability to convey these great truths in an acceptable manner to others about us.
FOR THOUGHT: Do you agree that poor speakers succeed far less than excellent speakers given that all other things are equal? Do you learn new words each week to give you more options in framing your witness?
FRANCOIS MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH