SCRIP-BITS

Ephesians 4:28.    Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
 
Oh Friends, my area is a virtual blanket of white! Unsullied by humans, the snow looks beautiful. But like many other beautiful things, its appearance is very deceptive; it’s cold as hell! (smile) Obviously that sounds like a contradiction of terms, but for some unknown reason, many of us use that analogy. I guess we mean that it’s an exceedingly abnormal temperature, like that associated with Lucifer’s lair. But be it known to all and sundry, whatever term you choose to use, my neck of the woods is brrrr… beastly cold! And for all you fortunate ones in the warm, sunny climes, please pay particular attention to the fact that in these northern parts, neither rain, sleet, cold nor snow is an excuse for not going to work. One is expected to go out and labour despite the severity of the elements. It’s certainly not like in the sunny southlands, where as soon as the clouds darken, or a little drizzle begins, we claim it’s raining and can’t go to work. Hn! Up here, you’d lose that job. But that just shows the different attitudes to work that are prevalent in different countries. So all you folks from down south who desire so badly to come or go ‘a foreign,’ please note that the southern attitude to work, won’t cut it in the north countries. But a healthy work attitude is one of the main reasons why some countries are prosperous, while others are not. And it’s not even a matter of working extra or real hard, but more about working consistently and efficiently. Unfortunately though, in these modern times, even in these northern climes, the work ethic needed to attain and retain prosperity is being eroded, it’s dying a slow and painful death. That’s why so many supposed first world countries are in decline, while some supposed third world countries are prospering. I guess it’s just the nature of the human animal, which seems cyclical: first work hard and become prosperous, then relax, get idle and lazy, wrongly thinking that your wealth is self reproducing and thus everlasting, then finding out it’s not, and consequently sinking right back down into the mire of poverty. Now let’s check out our Bit: ‘Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.’ Oh Friends, our Bit indicates that work serves at least a threefold purpose in our lives. It stops us from doing wrong, puts our time to good use in a legal, moral and godly activity, while also enabling us to have enough earthly substance so that we can share with the less fortunate. And my people, what a wonderful experience it is, having enough to share with others! It is the basic element of our Christian faith; helping others through giving and sharing. That’s what Jesus was all about when He sojourned on earth! And Bruh Paul certainly put it in the right perspective the last time he addressed the Ephesian elders in person. ‘And now brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel. Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto (provided for) my necessities, and to them that were with me. I have showed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than receive.’ (Acts 20:32-35) John the Baptist also preached the great value of sharing when he thundered forth out of the wilderness, scourging the people with his strong words on repentance and righteousness, warning them ‘to bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance… And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire. And the people asked him saying, what shall we do then? He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats (tunics), let him impart (give) to him that hath none; and he that hath meat (food), let him do likewise. Then came also publicans (tax collectors) to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do? And he said unto them, Exact (collect) no more than that which is appointed you. And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man (intimidate or shake down for money), neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.’ (Luke 3:8-14) Yes my people, to build a true Christian society, one worthy of Jesus’ name, certain elements must proliferate in it, namely; a strong work ethic, basic honesty, a genuine desire to share with the less fortunate and general contentment with one’s life, all encompassed by a true LOVE for God and sincere obedience to His Word. That’s the only prescription for a sustained successful society my brethren! And we all know that our society these days is definitely not a reflection of those principles. So, since we believe that a godly society is what we need, and what we will have, then let’s go out, each of us, and in our own small, individual way, try and implement some of the changes we so badly need nuh. Remember Jesus’ parting words to His disciples, of which we are the current crop: ‘Go ye therefore, and teach (make disciples of) all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.’ (Matt.28:19-20) Yes Friends, let’s get up off our too fat fannies and busy ourselves with Jesus’ work as we ought to, for no godly changes will be made in this evil and cruel world unless we believers cause them. Much LOVE!…Jesus left His earthly work in our hands…what would His current evaluation be of our progress…most likely…not good enough…