Have you ever had the inclination to do something and then decided to leave it undone with the reasoning that "I am just one person and one person can’t do very much"? Well, I know the feeling but the following article (which I read in the 11-19-98 issue of the bulletin from the Jacksonville, AL church) made me feel differently. Please read it and think about how we are led about by just a few (I am assuming that the figures given in the article are true).

I don’t know if Robert Hawkins is a Christian or not but at least he has some concern about the condition of the morals of our country. This article is not about the morals of our country but about the tendency we have to let someone else determine what we will believe and how we will behave.

Paul told the saints at Rome not to allow the world to set their standards or morality, or right and wrong, but to let their mind be renewed by the word of God.(Rom. 12:2) However, in order for the word of God to renew one’s mind the mind has to be fed the word of God. And, as the wise man of old said years ago, much study is a weariness of the flesh.(Eccl. 12:12) So we have the tendency not to study very much and simply follow the flow of those around us.

Another thing, it is hard to stand up for things that others do not believe in. It is easier to keep our convictions (if we have any) to ourselves and not get into a discussion with others. When this happens we usually end up doing what the other person wants done, unless that other person has no convictions.

Children of God will not likely become writers, producers, actors, etc. for the TV industry. But we can still make a difference in a little part of the world in which we live IF we present our body as a living sacrifice to the Lord and IF we refuse to let the world set the standard for our morals. Let the world set the morals for the world but let saints set their standard of morality based upon the word of God. This is what Paul wrote about in Romans 12 and was what was needed in the Roman empire as well as today.

One Sunday morning at the Dwarf’s house we hear...

• Sleepy: "Oh, I’m so tired! That party last night lasted too long. I didn’t get enough rest. I might nod off in Bible class, so I think I’ll stay home."
• Dopey: "I don’t know whether I’ll go or not. I want to go, but I just don’t know."
• Sneezy: "I don’t feel too good, and besides, I may give my hay-fever to someone, or worse, I may catch something. I’ll stay in today."
• Bashful: "I might not know everybody in class. I hate to meet new people. It’s just too much to expect of anyone.
• Grumpy: "I don’t like the teacher, and besides, we’re studying a boring subject, and some of those people in class, well..."
• Doc: "What a great day this is going to be! I can hardly wait to go to Bible class!
• Happy: "Everybody smile! We are going to learn more about God and His Word! It makes me so happy I can hardly stand it!"

What kind of son or daughter will I be? The world says, "You are only young once, so enjoy it in every way you can." This is easy for most to accept, because they want freedom from restraints. However, the Bible says, "Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth..." (Eccl. 12:1). Young people should be obedient and have consideration for their parents(Eph. 6:1-3; Prov. 10:1; 17:50; 25). Parents are not, as some think, just old fogies trying to keep them from having a good time - but are mature and experienced in many of life's problems. It is wise for young people to heed the advice of their parents (Prov. 13:1).

What kind of character shall I develop? "A good name is better than precious ointment..." (Eccl. 7:1). "A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold (Prov. 22:1). It takes no planting, watering, or cultivating to grow weeds, nor does it take effort to grow worthless character. Careful attention and diligent effort are required for noble character. Young people, strive to build a good reputation by purity and godliness, and by being examples of the believers(1 Tim. 4:12).

Whom shall I choose as my associates? "Do not be deceived: Evil company corrupts good habits" (1 Cor. 15:33). "Evil companionships corrupt good morals" (1 Cor. 15:33 ASV). The counterpart of this is also true: Good companionships promote good morals. Young people should avoid the crowd that drinks, dances, tells dirty stories, uses curse words, and laughs and pokes fun at people who serve God.

What will be my life's occupation? Much depends on the answer of this question. In far too many instances, though, too much emphasis is placed on money. "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?" (Matt. 16:26). Furthermore, one must be careful to choose an occupation that is honorable and legitimate. Dishonest gains and get rich schemes must be avoided. This may mean a smaller income; however, "Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right" (Prov. 16:8).

Whom shall I marry? If there is ever a place for clear minds and true ideas, it is in marriage. God's laws must be understood, respected, and heeded (Matt. 5:32; 19:9). Marriage is for life (Rom. 7:2-3; 1 Cor. 7:39). The best advice I can give to young people in choosing a mate is: "marry a Christian." Marry someone who will encourage you in the way of salvation. If that boy or girl cannot be converted before marriage, they probably never will be, and problems are only multiplied when children come along.

What shall I do with my life in relation to God? If you have never obeyed the gospel, you should answer, "I shall become a Christian." Jesus said, "For whosoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed..." (Luke 9:26). If you are already a Christian, you should answer, "I shall remain faithful." Jesus said, "And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved (Matt. 24:12-13).

In Proverbs 23:26 Solomon writes: "My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways." Before anyone can do God’s will, their heart must first be set on wanting to do God’s will. We learn from Matthew 6:21 that the heart is where its treasure is. If our heart is truly in tune to serving God then we will "seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness."(Matt. 6:33)

In our life God demands a hearty service.(Col. 3:23-24) A half-hearted service will not be pleasing to almighty God.(Rev. 3:16) Here are some things that men do(while claiming to be Christians), that show they really don’t have God’s interest first in their hearts:

Before we can ever hope to be eternally saved, we must give our heart first and fully to the Lord.(I Pet. 1:5) A true Christian practices his Christianity before both Lord and man, striving to be perfect.(Matt. 5:48) Do others observe Jesus as they observe our ways?

-- Richie Thetford

Junior bit the meter man, Junior bit the cook, Junior’s anti-social now (according to the book).

Junior smashed the clock and lamp, Junior hacked the tree, (Destructive trends are treated in chapters 2 and 3)

Junior threw his milk at Mom. Junior screamed for more, (Notes on self assertiveness are found in chapter 4).

Junior tossed his shoes and socks out into the rain, (Negation -- that is normal -- disregard the strain).

Junior set Dad’s shirt afire, whittled Grandpa’s pine, (That’s to gain attention, see page 89).

Grandpa seized a slipper, and yanked Junior across his knee, (He’s read nothing but the Bible since 1933). -- selected

"Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him."(Prov. 22:15)