Since the Bible is our standard, the truth is what the Bible actually says.  Unfortunately, in determining the truth on different issues, many let the consequences of their possible decisions dictate what their decision is going to be.

            A classic example of this occurring is found in Matt. 21:23-27 which reads, “And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? And who gave thee this authority?  And Jesus answered and said unto them, I also will ask you one thing, which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things.  The baptism of John, whence was it? From heaven, or of men?  And they reasoned with themselves, saying, if we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him?  But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet.  And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell.  And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.”  Notice that when Jesus asked the chief priests and elders of the people from whence did the baptism of John come, they couldn’t answer, not because they couldn’t make a correct judgment based upon the evidence, but because the consequences of deciding for either choice would be unpleasant.  They were letting the answer to the issue before them be determined, not by the facts, but by the consequences of the possible answers to the issue.

            Many do the same today.  Most of “Christendom” cannot see the plain fact from Mk. 16:16 and other passages that baptism is necessary to salvation.  A good number of these cannot see the obvious because of how many people would be wrong, past and present, if the Bible did teach that baptism is essential.

            How many times has the reader pointed out to a non-Christian that sin condemns even a Christian (that “once saved, always saved” is not true), only to have them respond with, “but that would leave a Christian with no assurance,” or “then nobody will be saved because we can’t help sinning”?  These are supposed consequences of the doctrine that a Christian can lose his salvation, that cause many to reject what Gal. 5:4 and many other passages plainly say.

            Some Christians will not practice the teaching of 1 Cor. 5 and other passages on withdrawal because that would mean they would have to cease having purely social contact with close friends, even relatives.  Yes indeed we might have to withdraw from someone close to us, but after all, who is going to have the most effect on a fallen Christian by withdrawing from them, one who is close to that Christian, or one who just barely knew them?

            The Bible teaches that divorce is wrong in Matt. 5:32.  Marriage is for life.  Some won’t accept what this verse actually says, because that would mean that a person might have to live with someone who has a “mean and vicious spirit” as one writer put it.  None of the marriage and divorce issues should be decided based upon consequences.  We must accept the truth on the matter regardless of how unpleasant we deem the consequences of that position.  The answers to the marriage and divorce questions are contained in the text of the passages that bear on the issue, and not in any of our own reasoning on how hard that answer might make it for someone.

            Remember John 12:42-43 where many of the chief rulers believed on Christ, but would not confess him because of the Pharisees (the consequences)?  We must not let the consequences of a position play a part in our decision on a Biblical issue.  If the text of the Bible teaches it, we must accept it no matter what we think the consequences are.  The Bible is our standard, and living by that standard could possibly leave us facing some unpleasant consequences.  But isn’t that the real test of whether or not we are actually serving God, or just doing what we would want to do anyway?  We need to accept what the text actually says, and let the chips fall where they may.

                                    Pat Donahue (submitted by  Jeff Privett )

HONOR IS DUE

          The Lord teaches that we are to “Render to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.” (Rom. 13:7).  Many times there are those in the church who are taken for granted, ignored or criticized, when honor should be given them for their function in the body of Christ.

            Teachers of the classes of young and old have accepted a grave responsibility, and give much time and exert much effort to this work, for they realize that souls are in their hands.  They are deserving of gratitude, respect and honor for their labor.  Are their efforts appreciated?  Or are the taken for granted?  They are to be esteemed highly for their work’s sake.

            The work of keeping the building and grounds; of keeping records involved in the church’s activities; of arranging for assistance in cases of bereavement, illness and other needs; of handling the treasury; other office work; all these things require the willing contribution of many hands.  Do we sometimes feel that “they are just doing their job” rather than showing appreciation?  If those who are doing these things cease, who would do it?  They deserve honor for their work’s sake.

            Those who lead the singing in our worship make extra effort in their task beyond merely singing as one of the congregation.  If you do not believe it, just try doing it.  Then there are those who willingly give of time and effort in singing for special occasions.  All these do not ask for special recognition for their services, for they feel that they are serving the Lord, but from all of us they deserve honor and esteem for their work’s sake.

            The Group Leaders should have our esteem, appreciation and honor for the time and effort consumed in keeping records of attendance and causes of absence of which we should be aware, in preparing lessons, in arranging for cards and visits to those needing attention.

            For all those who faithfully and willingly engage in specially assigned tasks in our midst these words are appropriate: “know them that labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and to esteem them exceedingly highly in love for their work’s sake” (1 Thess.  5:12 -13).

            Finally, we bestow honor even upon the less capable (1 Cor. 12:23 ) that the church should be whole and entire.  “Honor all men.”

                                                            Robert C. Welch