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| Volume 20 Number 1 January 2018 | Page 14 |
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| Volume 20 Number 1 January 2018 | Page 14 |
Donald R. Fox
Three cheers for quiet Christians. We all know them. They don’t say too much. They go about their jobs, business and Christian responsibilities in a quiet manner. They stay out of trouble. They can be counted on when others need help. They don’t like to be in the limelight. They are faithful to their God and perform good works within the framework of their makeup. They are just good, every day folks that have a quiet and calming disposition.
Psalm 131:2 says, “Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child.” The word “quieted” means to forbear, hold peace, rest, be silent, keep or put to silence, be or stand still, tarry or wait. Unfortunately, because some Christians have a silent, hold their peace temperament, they sometimes are overlooked and neglected. Further, because of their quiet demeanor, they have a tendency to feel that they are not an important part of the inner church family circle. Spiritually, they may feel overlooked as they observe the more outgoing or seemly more significant Christians. This, sadly, is true with many in some congregations of the Lord’s church! May we never ignore or neglect these quiet Christians!
Acts 6:1 reads, “And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.” According to Acts 6:1, we see that these widows were being overlooked, disregarded or neglected. It is possible to unintentionally overlook folks because of their quiet nature. Further, Christians, which by the natural aging process, being less active and who have taken a quieter disposition must not be neglected.
We remember our Lord “as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box…” She came to anoint Jesus. “And there were some that had indignation within themselves…” They had indignation because they thought it was a wasteful act. Bear in mind the words of Jesus. “And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? She hath wrought a good work on me. She hath done what she could…” (Mark 14:3-9). Quiet, faithful Christians do what they can within the structure of their nature.
Let’s all make an extended effort to enjoy and appreciate these quiet Christians and like people. No one should be overlooked and neglected. We should show by our individual actions a friendly attitude and the taking pleasure in each other’s company. Don’t allow an overlooking and the disregarding of people who have a quiet nature. Again, a big hurray for quiet Christians! You are cherished and needed! God Bless You!
The Sum of Your Word is Truth
Cliff Holmes
The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever. Princes persecute me without cause, but my heart stands in awe of your words. I rejoice at your word like one who finds great spoil. I hate and abhor falsehood, but I love your law. Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous rules. Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble. I hope for your salvation, O Lord, and I do your commandments. My soul keeps your testimonies; I love them exceedingly. I keep your precepts and testimonies, for all my ways are before you. Let my cry come before you, O Lord; give me understanding according to your word! Let my plea come before you; deliver me according to your word. My lips will pour forth praise, for you teach me your statutes. My tongue will sing of your word, for all your commandments are right. Let your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts. I long for your salvation, O Lord, and your law is my delight. Let my soul live and praise you, and let your rules help me. I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant, for I do not forget your commandments. (Psalms 119:160-176)
During a mid-week Bible study, I was fascinated by the reference to Psalms 119:160. As is my custom, I usually read around the quoted text seeking context, and I think I have found a treasure piece here by reading on through verse 176.
Starting from verse 160, we find the immutable truth that God’s Word is true. No matter how a nation, state, community or even a supreme court may try to pervert it, God’s Word is true forever.
Moving on to verses 162-163, “the princes of this world” persecute those of us who believe in and follow the only true God of all creation. They would have us to be silent and let them have their way as they see fit, even if it infringes on our rights to be heard extoling the name and the virtues of the Lord God Almighty. They won’t understand or accept that we stand in awe of the Word of God. We consider it a great treasure, and we absolutely love God’s laws, precepts and instructions. People will not see why we hate and abhor their falsehood, lies and deceits.
In verses 164-168, we praise God because of His rules for us. The peace and love we have for His law makes us so that we cannot stumble. We show that we have hope for our salvation by doing His commandments, and we keep His testimonies because we love them, totally. We keep them because we know that He sees the inner heart and knows that we are open wholly to His sight and knowledge of us.
In verses 169-172, we must cry before Him for understanding of the Word. We plead for deliverance promised by His very Word; our lips pour out praise (not in silence) for the very Word He puts in our hearts. Our tongues should speak and sing loudly because all of His commandments are right and true.
In verses 173-176, we pray for His help because we have chosen to follow Him. We long for the promised salvation that makes His laws our hearts’ delight. As we live and praise Him, His rules will be of great help in all things. Though we are weak and may sometimes wander and grow weary, He being the Shepherd will find His flock. He will find us, His servants, because we have not forgotten His commandments.