It is the purpose of this article to enhance the knowledge of several folks with a distinction, and contrast of the words “Ge” and “cosmos. ”First of all, the term “Ge” is not to be confused as the opposite of “Haw” as a directional command to a farm animal. Additionally, it is not to be confused with a slang expression of the South as in “Geeminee or geewhiz.” But more to the point, it is not to be confused with “Cosmos.” Of course, here the phonetics are quite different, but the idea still gets muddled. Speaking of muddled, some minds may be muddled already, but bear with me.
In the Bible, the word “world” is most often used as the translation of “cosmos.” This is proper, but herein is also the problem. Too many students tend to think of the “world” as the planet on which we live. That is an incorrect understanding. The ancient Greek word “cosmos”
references a working system designed to produce predictable results. Hence the universe of planetary bodies is referred to as a cosmos as it is a definite, predictable working pattern. The order of the world of men is a cosmos because it is framed on the predictable order of sin and death. A clock is a cosmos since it is a working system designed to produce predictable results.
Oh, yes, they call that stuff women use to make themselves pretty “cosmetics.” That, too, is from cosmos because it transforms a female from an ordinary human being to a predictable system designed to attract the opposite sex. (now, I am going to get it). Summation: “world” is from “Cosmos.” It designates a system. It is not a designation of the planet earth in the context of creation.
Of course, there is a term designating the planet. It is “Ge.” Furthermore, that root word in its expansion gives us such words as “geology, geography, geometry, geophysics, Georgia,”
etc., all having to do with physiology of the planet.
Being discriminatory with words goes a long way toward eliminating confusion of ideas.
It helps the speaker to think more precisely, and it helps the audience to infer more properly what exactly has been implied, connoted, or denoted. Most all of us would profit from a review of etymology ( a study of root words, prefixes and suffixes). It would most likely stoke our love for our mother tongue as well as open pleasurable avenues of ideas contained therein which may have never been entertained previously. Well, I had hoped this article would be somewhat of a cosmos, but it seems that all I can say is “Gee.”
FOR THOUGHT: Did this article help you to learn anything? With a proper understanding of words, these two words, does that alter your thinking on several passages of scripture?
GENTLE: AN IMPORTANT BIBLE “BE”
Gentleness in all of God's people is much set by in Holy Writ, both in admonition, and in examples set by Paul and other inspired writers. Paul said on one occasion, "And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient," 2 Timothy 2:4. Let's think about that for a brief moment!
As others, Christians also display a variety of attitudes, but they have one wonderful attitude that the world cannot possess. It is the attitude of Christ Jesus. Biblical examples and admonitions abound of less than desirable attitudes because the sin nature is not removed in spiritual salvation. It is left as the objective goal to conquer. One indignant minister of the cowboy mentality purportedly studied to "skin the sheep of his flock." Fortunately, he was reminded that sheep may be fleeced many times, but skinned only once. How much better then should all of God's people have the attitude of a loving, under-shepherd of His sheep rather than that of a roughshod cowboy!
The apostle Paul reminded the church at Corinth, and the church at Thessalonica that they were gentle among them, even as a nurse cherishes her children. He also taught the churches of Galatia that gentleness was very much a part of the fruit of the Spirit, Gal. 5:22.
One of the highest compliments that may be paid to a man is that he be known and called a gentleman. Such mildness and sensitivity to others is far from weakness, but indicates great strength of character. It also denotes an ability to stand fast for that which is right and good without lashing out in verbal disparagements of the character of others even if it seems they deserve such.
Perhaps the book of James is perceived as the most down to earth, pointedly expressed book of the New Testament. Yet James goes on to tell all who take the name of the Lord Jesus as a Christian that, " ... the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy."
James 3: 17.
So, in all the dealings one has with others, earnest prayer is in order that above the myriad of possible attitudes, gentleness might prevail. Be gentle: it is an important Bible "Be"
FOR THOUGHT: Have you ever wanted to give someone a piece of your mind, but thought better of it and showed Christian gentleness? How did that make you feel? Do you win a friend which you could have easily lost? WDJD! What did Jesus do?
GIVE ME CHILDREN, OR ELSE I DIE!
“And when Rachel saw that she bare Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister; and said unto Jacob, Give me children, or else I die.” Gen. 30:1
Many years ago, my good friend and mentor, Dr. R. T. Perritt wrote a book entitled, KINDLING FIRES FOR CHURCH GROWTH. As the title would suggest, the chapters of the book were devoted to encouragement for the Lord’s people to seek growth both spiritually and numerically in the churches.
The text verse above, reveals an extremely deep desire to fulfill one’s purpose in life. For Rachel, the wife of choice of Jacob, it was to bear children. As that scenario may be extrapolated into the present, spiritual realm, it is realized that the churches of the Lord have purpose to fulfill.
They realize that unless they are given spiritual children to carry on the great work of Christ’s commission to them, they wil soon become extinct. Subsequently, the cry of Rachel “…else I die.” wil become a reality for the churches.
The anguish of Rachel was heightened by others in the extended family bearing children.
In the same manner, churches that are not growing spiritually and numerically see yet others who may not be of the “faith once delivered to the saints” growing numerically can be tempted to reach beyond biblical boundaries to incorporate unqualified members into their fold. That may produce a temporary sense of well-being, but any growth in the Lord’s churches, not accomplished His way not only fails to help, it can actually hasten the spiritual death of that body.
As the cry of Rachel was to her husband, so let the cry of God’s people be unto Him Who is able to give the proper increase. Let us be done with seeking to do the work that only God can do, and increase efforts in the work He gave us to do. Let us pray earnestly! Let us witness genuinely! Let us live honestly, and enthusiastically according to the hope that lies in our hearts.
Truly, we can plant the seed. We can water that which is planted, but it is God Who gives the increase. Thus to the Lord of harvest let us cry, “Give us children, or else we die.” That is the increase that will last.
FOR THOUGHT: Should a church be concerned with adding to its membership without first making Rachel’s cry to the Lord of the church? To whom should Christians look for blessings?
Do you think it is easy to put the power of God in the background of church activities? What do you think will be the result of such actions?
GO UP, BALD HEAD, GO UP!
Once disdained, or at least recognized as cause for offense: sarcasm, ridicule, fleshly humor at another’s expense are all elevated to be acceptable humor in the modern, more degenerate society. Furthermore, these things are often drawing cards in commercial competition ever vying for a few moments’ attention from consumers seen as potential patrons.
What was taboo, and quickly rejected by generations gone by, seems to have found new favor in an “enlightened generation” free from the protocols and civilities of the past. So deeply ingrained is this attitude that some younger ones are often made to wonder at those earlier restraints, and to make fun of anyone whose deportment matches those of yesteryear. This is not a compliment, but more of a disparagement. Think with me about a peculiar incident of long ago.
The Old Testament prophet Elisha was an understudy of the prophet Elijah. Elisha wanted a double portion of the spirit that rested on Elijah, and was told it would be so, if he saw him when the Lord took him up. It happened! 2 Kings 2. A chariot of fire took Elijah up that he did not see death. Elisha picked up Elijah’s mantle and began to work wondrous deeds. Of course, this vastly unusual incident was noised far and wide in Israel.
It came to pass that in Elisha’s travels, some children saw him and began to shout tauntingly: “Go up thou bald head, go up!” They were children! Doubtless they had heard disparaging statements from their parents and/or other adults of a cynical nature. So, they made fun of the work of the Lord that had occurred, and of the prophet Elisha. Under the curse of the prophet, two bears ran out of the woods, and tore up 42 of them for their sacrilege “fun” made of God’s work and God’s prophet. Read it! 2 Kings 2.
Modern man should give tremendous pause to this historic incident. Above all, DO NOT
JUDGE GOD, YOU ARE NOT QUALIFIED! God called those children home for an act that probably lies at the feet of their disrespectful parents. Make of the incident what you will, it must be understood that God does not take lightly to sinners poking fun, and speaking disparagingly of His Mighty will, work, and word.
“But worse, is perpetuated in the world today,” one may protest. Certainly, that is the truth, but the will of God is seen in this act preserved for all time, just as his judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah depicts His judgment of perverted lifestyles for all time. No one gets away with anything. For it is appointed unto men once to die, and after that THE JUDGMENT! Heb. 9:27.
Men shall indeed give account to the King of Kings and LORD of Lords for even every idle word spoken. “Go up bald head, go up!” became the up-going, not of the prophet, but of the children.
How respectful then should we be of God and of all that is holy!?
FOR THOUGHT: How respectful are you toward God, His Word and His work in others? Do you find an arresting lesson in 2 Kings 2? What is it? Are you adding it to your deportment?
GOD BLESS YOU!
“God bless you!” is an oft heard exclamation in a wide variety of contexts. The exclamation is issued in frivolity to another’s sneeze, and most sincerely spoken as a deep desire for the wellbeing of others suffering in bereavement or pain. It may be directed to one who has gone astray spiritually in hopes of his being returned to the fold of obedience to the Word. Certainly, it is a powerful exclamation that God can use to accomplish much in the varied experiences of life common to us all.
For too long the assumption has reigned that one must have theological correctness down pat in order to witness to others. One of the most simple, and direct blessings in the Bible is recorded in Luke 6:20 as Jesus said, “Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.”
Accordingly, God and His power are sold short. Please consider that it is amazing what He can use to prick human conscience. It is reminiscent of a story of a man who used these three powerful words as a common reply to anyone who greeted him. He never said “How are you?”
He never said, “Nice weather isn’t it?” He always said, “God bless you!” Although not directly spoken, powerful messages emanated from those words. The one greeted knew immediately that he believed in God. He also perceived that the man had faith in God to bless the lives of others. Moreover, he could not but be humbled by the desire expressed that the blessings of deity be conferred upon him.
Well, as the story goes, the biggest sinner in town had been repeatedly greeted by this humble servant. It upset him. He exploded: “Why do you say ‘God bless you’ when you know full well that I am not a Christian? In fact, I do not believe there is a God!” To this retort the humble, well-meaning Christian replied, “Yes, I do know that sir, and those are the very reasons I want you to be blessed: that you many know my Lord and the joys of righteousness.” The confrontation did not diminish the kind salutations, and in time God used them to magnificent accomplishment.
“I simply could not get those words out of my head,” said the town’s biggest sinner after he found Jesus precious to his never-dying soul. This is a marvelous underscoring of how God can use simple words to train thoughts to Himself and His power. Such words are within the capability of most all of God’s people. Also, it is true that opportunities to witness in detail are often cultivated over time by such simple expressions. Furthermore, they are becoming to all Christians. Please consider that there is not one person on earth who does not need to be blessed in some way. Give it a try, and “God bless you!”
FOR THOUGHT: When was the last time you spoke such simple words of blessing to someone who may not have been expecting it? How did that make you feel? What did it cost you? Will you seek to do this more often?
GOD MADE ALCOHOL!
What a wonderful thing God did when He made alcohol! It has a very important basic purpose in the progress of humanity. But as with many other things, sinful men have learned ways to misuse and abuse it, and that is the very essence of sin: missing the mark; wrongful use. Noah learned, arguably through innocence, what the wrong use of alcohol could do. But since that time, men have chosen to use it as a beverage more than medicine.
Now, due to the desire for alcohol the people of Arkansas are staring at the possibility that they can no longer exercise the right of local governance to have their families to live in areas where alcohol is not merchandised as a beverage. The issue has been put before Arkansas voters and wil appear again. If passed, some “Alcohol Amendments” automatical y turns every Arkansas County wet regardless of the expressed will of the people who live there.
It gives bars and liquor stores the right to operate next door to churches, schools, and day care centers, too.
What is at stake here is local governance, make no mistake about that! The ABC, (Alcoholic Beverage Control) Board has already circumvented the will of voters in dry counties by issuing the farce called “Private Club” status that any hamburger joint can acquire by simple application. So folks can sin by the misuse of alcohol most anytime they want. But the big buck-hungry enterprises want in on it too. They sponsor amendments to destroy local governance throughout the state. Here then is another reason that personal participation in elections is extremely important.
If everyone, and I do mean everyone, does not cast a vote, they can be sure they are casting a vote for the encroachment of sinful substance abuse that will come to their neighborhoods in a manner they do not want, but will be unable to do anything about. This cannot be underscored enough! Even if one does not agree about the misuse of alcohol, he should be extremely concerned that he is going to lose his local rights, and big money is poised to cash in by destroying even small neighborhoods.
FOR THOUGHT: Speaking up about local and regional issues continues. Expressions of thanks should be made to God regularly for this freedom and right to do so. It is important what one speaks up about negatively and positively. Is your voice being heard?
GOD’S SHARECROPPER
In 1939, (my birth year) Hollywood produced a box office bonanza with the all-time classic movie, GONE WITH THE WIND. It depicted a labor intensive way of life forever gone. Of course, in 1939 the nation was only about seventy years beyond the Civil War, so, those times were still on the mind of older citizens (much like WWII remains on older minds today). In addition to those times, there are also many things, and ways that have fallen to the chapters of history, especially with the vaunted progress of the 20th Century. I write briefly about one of those ways of life: that of the now largely extinct sharecropper.
Well over a half a century ago, my pastoral ministry was initiated in the cotton and bean fields of northeast Arkansas. Most folks in the area were known as sharecroppers. Like the aforementioned movie, this, too, is a way of life largely gone with the wind.
Sharecroppers lived in someone else’s house on someone else’s land. In varying agreements, they worked the land for the land owner, and shared a percentage of the crops produced. It was not much of a way to get ahead in life, but it was a way to sustain life. Most of the houses provided were substandard, and largely without indoor plumbing. My wife and I spent one memorable winter night with a family in that environment. To stay warm, we slept under so many quilts that it was virtually impossible to turn over. However, though poor, the people were sweet, kind and loving, and they loved the Lord, and they loved my young wife and me. It was such a joy to be considered their pastor, although a neophyte in every sense of the word.
Years have come and gone, and I am, as they were: a sharecropper. But, the sharecropping presently experienced is being accomplished in an agreement with God, the true land owner. Paul taught in I Cor. 3:9, “For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.” We plant and water, but He gives the increase. It is He who has given us this laboring ministry of reconciliation, and He teaches us all in Psalm 126:6, “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”
Formerly, due to weather or pestilence, crops might fail, leaving the farming sharecropper in dire straits financially. But one may be sure that sharecropping with God brings a guaranteed successful harvest to the rejoicing of everyone involved. Since all are tenants and not owners, they are sharecropping for someone. But soon the window of time for sharecropping on this terrestrial ball will pass away. It is but for a season. Consequently, it is so very important to choose wisely with whom you partner in the sharecropping venture of life.
FOR THOUGHT: Most everyone necessarily share crops in some industry to provide for the things needed in life, but who are you sharecropping with in spiritual matters? There are many voices, but one is true. Are you sharecropping with Him?