This is a broad statement, and it includes everything which pertains to the Christian life. Too many professed Christians are content with merely having their names on the church record, but anyone who is acquainted with the New Testament knows that the Lord expects more of them than that. (Read Titus 2:14-3:1).
I would emphasize the fact that there is not a responsible person in the church today who is not capable of having part in the work which the Lord has ordained for his people. No one can read the parable of the talents without realizing this truth. The term “ready” in Tit. 3:1 carries with it the idea of being prepared, that is, fitted or qualified in advance (this implies self-discipline). The individual must also have a willing and cheerful attitude toward the work in question, and must manifest a promptness in the performance of the duties involved.
I would emphasize the fact that no one need have any doubt about good works; for Paul tells us that the Scriptures not only make the man of God complete, but that they also furnish him completely unto every good work. (2 Tim. 3:16-17). This implies, of course, that one must become familiar with the Word of God, and be willing to be governed by it, if he is to please God; and we are further told that the word of God will be the standard of judgment at the last day. (John 12: 48-50).
I would call attention to the fact that it makes no difference how much one may be able to do, his efforts will not be acceptable to God, if love is not the controlling factor in his life. “If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal. And if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And if I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profited me nothing.” (1 Cor. 13:1-3).
I would show that the practical meaning of love may be learned from such passages as these: “If ye love me, ye will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15). “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” (1 John 5:3). “If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, cannot love God whom he hath not seen. And this commandment have we from him, that he who loveth God loveth his brother also.” (1 John 4:20-21).
I would emphasize the fact that when people make love the ruling principle of their lives, two results will always follow, namely, (1) They will try to please God; and (2) they will “work to use every opportunity for the betterment of those with whom they come in contact or may reach with their influence.” (Cf. Luke 10:25-37).
Onward Rejoicing, John B. Daniels, Associate Minister
