Here is a picture of a fortune. The widow's mite. It wasn't much. Yet it was everything. God isn't preoccupied with the amount we give but He is concerned with what's going on in our heart as we give. The widow's love made her gift a fortune! God has chosen to advance His work through you and your gift. But not by twisting your arm. He knows that if you've really given Him your heart, you'll also give your dollars. When you reach into your purse or wallet to support the Sabbath School offering this week, reach into your heart also. That's where God is looking when j you give. Open Heart Let God's love show through your giving. ALTER R. L. SCRAGG, PRESIDENT B. B. BEACH. SECRETARY R. UNNERSTEN, TREASURER ;ENERAL CONFERENCE OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS NORTHERN EUROPE—WEST AFRICA DIVISION LEPHONE: Et ALBANS 60331 119 ST. PETER'S STREET. ST. ALBANS. YELEGRAMSICABLEE: HERTFORDSHIRE. ENGLAND. ALl 9EY '•AWENTIST sr. ALBANS.' January 1, 1977. Fellow Sabbath School Members Around the World, Once more the thoughts of the world Sabbath Schools are turning toward the Northern Europe - West Africa Division. Sabbath Schools in nine European and nine African countries join in sending Christian Greetings to their brothers and sisters everywhere! So much that is good and fruitful has come from Sabbath School offerings. We thank you for helping make Newbold a strong and effective training college. Our high schools and colleges in Europe and West Africa rejoice in the 13th Sabbath overflows received. The Adventist Seminary of West Africa represents the accomplish- ments and hopes of the church in this region. Staffed by a mix of highly trained national and overseas workers, ASWA recently entered into an affiliation programme with Andrews University. This will enable our African students and workers to continue their advanced education within the church educational system. And now with your help we are building ASWA a brand new library and auditorium building. Severe overcrowding, the leasing of facilities in different parts of Oslo and restrictions on the use of more efficient equipment are among the reasons for rebuilding the Norwegian Publishing House. Another project which benefits this 13th Sabbath is in Finland where our Junior College at Toivonlinna desperately needs new buildings. We have already done some rebuilding. With your gifts to swell the funds available even more will be possible. The training of our Finnish workers depends on Toivonlinna, and the provision of adequate facilities at Toivonlinna depends on you. A mix of publishing and Christian education institutions seems a typically Adventist celebration of the Advent cause this coming 13th Sabbath. We thank you for past blessings shared with us and look for added expansion and success for the work of God in Northern Europe- West Africa through your support in March. God bless you. Sincerely~yeprs, Walter R.L. Scragg, President 1—ASSL 1-77 The life.story of the greatest spiritual Leader the world has ever known—Jesus Christ. THE DESIRE OF AGES has been acclaimed by many as the most signifi- cant and deeply spiritual life of Christ ever written. It has given comfort to millions of readers the world over. What better way than to examine the life of Christ and how He communicates to us? THE DESIRE OF AGES is available in several editions at your local Adventist Book Center; or order through your church lay activities secretary. hh CID1 o Brought to you by Pacific Press UP DAYBREAK SERIES Adult Sabbath School Lessons / No. 327, January-March, 1977 1. Moral Principles Contns 7. The Christian and Human Need 2. God and Man 8. Honor Between the Sexes 3. Standards and Principles 9. The Christian and the State 4. Our Words and Witness 10. The People Around Us 5. Honesty 11. The Moral Use of Power 6. The Christian and His Living 12. The Moral Man 13. Strength for Moral Action The Adult Sabbath School Lessons are prepared by the Sabbath School Department of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. The preparation of the lessons is directed by a worldwide Sabbath School Lesson Committee, the members of which serve as consulting editors. Editorial Office: 6840 Eastern Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20012 Lesson Author: W. P. Bradley Editor: W. Richard Lesher Editorial Secretary: Florence L. Wetmore Circulation Manager: Arthur R. Mazat Art and Design: Concerned Communications Scripture references other than from the King James Version quoted by permission in this quarterly are as follows: NEB. From The New English Bible, copyright@ by the Delegates of the Oxford University Press, and the Syndics of the Cambridge University Press 1961 and 1970. Used by permission of Cambridge University Press, New York City. Phillips. From The New Testament in Modern English, Revised Edition, copyright © 1958, 1959, 1960, 1972 by J. B. Phillips. Used by permission of The Macmillan Company and Collins Pub- lishers. RSV. From the Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1946 (renewed © 1973), 1952 and © 1971, by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and used by permission. Braille lessons available. See page 112. Adult Sabbath School Lessons (regular edition). Single copy, 40 cents; four issues (1 year) $1.50; no additional charge to countries requiring extra postage. Published in the U.S.A. by Pacific Press Publishing Association (a corporation of SDA), 1350 Villa Street, Mountain View, California 94042. Second-class mail privileges authorized at Mountain View, California. Form 3579 re- quested. When a change of address is desired, please be sure to send both old and new addresses. Copyright 1976 by Pacific P;:ess Publishing Association 5 Have You Ever Tried Living On One Meal A Week? It's possible to survive on one meal a Daily Bible study is not an option tc week. For a few weeks. But within a spiritual life; it is basic—not dessert but short time you'll discover you are suf- the main course. Regular Sabbath fering a loss of physical strength. School lesson study is also essential Likewise, your spiritual strength de- spiritual food; it is your opportunity to pends on a regular consistent diet of follow an organized program, covering spiritual food. the broad scope of A Sabbath morn- Biblical truth. ing sermon and a Why not decide Sabbath School that your spiritual class discussion diet deserves at once a week are not least the attention enough to provide you give the physi- the strength needed cal. God's table is for a life of spiritual the place to feast. victory. Daily Feast An invitation to dine at God's table GIVE GLORY TO GOD Studies in Christian Behavior Introduction "To give glory to God is to reveal His character in our own, and thus make Him known. And in whatever way we make known the Father or the Son, we glorify God."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 979. The first angel's message calls on God's people to "give glory to him [God]." Jesus indicated that glory is given to God as a result of the good works of believers. These lessons on Christian behavior are a study of how to give glory to God in our everyday experience. By believers' Christlike behavior the character of God is held up before the world, and the true Christian will give to God all the glory that results from it. This behavior of the Christian by which God is glorified results from faith in Jesus Christ. These two—faith and behavior—must always be united. Ellen White, in Steps to Christ, pages 57-61, discusses the danger of either behavior or faith standing alone. Of behavior without faith she wrote: "The love of influence and the desire for the esteem of others may produce a well-ordered life. Self-respect may lead us to avoid the appearance of evil. A selfish heart may perform generous actions. By what means, then, shall we determine whose side we are on? "Who has the heart? With whom are our thoughts? Of whom do we love to converse? Who has our warmest affections and our best energies? If we are Christ's, our thoughts are with Him, and our sweetest thoughts are of Him. All we have and are is consecrated to Him. We long to bear His image, breathe His spirit, do His will, and please Him in all things."—Page 58. Of faith without behavior she wrote: "That so-called faith in Christ which professes to release men from the obligation of obedience to God, is not faith, but presumption. 'By grace are ye saved through faith.' But 'faith, if it hath not works, is dead.' Ephesians 2:8; James 2:17. Jesus said of Himself before He came to earth, 'I delight to do Thy will, 0 My God: yea, Thy law is within My heart.' Psalm 40:8. And just before He ascended again to heaven He declared, 'I have kept My Father's commandments, and abide in His love.' John 15:10. The Scripture says, 'Hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His command- ments.... He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk even as He walked.' 1 John 2:3-6."—Page 61. These two dangers, behavior without faith and faith without corresponding be- havior, should not frighten us off from a study of Christian ethics. These lessons on Christian behavior must be seen as faith seeking to know and to do God's will. Ellen White has urgently counseled the church about maintaining deportment distinct from the world: "As the truth is brought into practical life, the standard is to be elevated higher and higher to meet the requirements of the Bible. This will necessitate opposition to the fashions, customs, practices, and maxims of the world. Worldly influences, like the waves of the sea, beat against the followers of Christ to sweep them away from the true principles of His meekness and grace; but we are to stand as firm as a rock to principle. It will require moral courage to do this, and those whose souls are not riveted to the eternal Rock will be swept away by the worldly current. We can stand firm only as our life is hid with Christ in God."—Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 146. 7 1. MORAL PRINCIN All principles upon which moral action is based begin with God's revelation through His Word. MORAL PRINCIPLES education is a knowledge of God. LESSON 1 December 26 to January 1 Used as a textbook in our schools, the "The way of the just is uprightness: Bible will do for mind and morals what thou, most upright, dost weigh the cannot be done by books of science path of the just' (Isa. 26:7). and philosophy. As a book to discipline and strengthen the intellect, The principles that are concerned to ennoble, purify, and refine the with right and wrong ways of behaving character, it is without a rival. are often called moral principles. In "God cares for us as intelligent order for behavior to be distinctly beings, and He has given us 1-fis word Christian it must be based on Christian as a lamp to our feet and a light to our moral principles. path. Its teachings have a vital bearing These principles are revealed in the upon our prosperity in all the relations Bible. In practice there is always the of life. Even in our temporal affairs it danger that biblical moral principles will be a wiser guide than any other will be diluted with standards from counselor. Its divine instruction other sources, such as non-Christian points the only way to true success. religions, human philosophies, or the There is no social position, no phase of examples of worldly people. There is human experience, for which the constant danger that members of study of the Bible is not an essential Christ's family on earth may do this. preparation."—Counsels to Teachers, Therefore it is always appropriate that p. 422. we reexamine the Bible principles of This first lesson of the quarter points behavior in relation to how we are out the source and need of Christian actually conducting ourselves. moral principles for the believer. Ellen White clearly states the value of the Scriptures as the standard of DAILY HIGHLIGHTS conduct: 1. Ethics and Morality (Micah 6:8) "God has not only revealed to us the 2. Sources of Morality (Ps. 33:4, 5; doctrine of the atonement, holding 1 John 2:29) out the hope of eternal life, but His 3. Decision (Prov. 1:10; Gen. 39:9) words are the manna from heaven for 4. Need of Guidance (Ps. 32:8; 25:9) the soul to feed upon and receive 5. Some Christian Virtues (2 Peter spiritual strength. The Bible is the 1:5-7) great standard of right and wrong, 6. A Call to High Standards (Prov. clearly defining sin and holiness. Its 4:23-27) living principles, running through our lives like threads of gold, are our only safeguard in trial and temptation. "The Holy Scriptures were the essential study in the schools of the prophets, and they should hold the first place in every educational system, for the foundation of all right Moral Principles LESSON 1 ❑ Sunday December 26 Part 1 "He hath shewed thee, 0 man, what is good; and what doth ETHICS AND the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, MORALITY and to walk humbly with thy God?" (Micah 6:8). (See James 1:27.) Ethics is the study of the rightness or wrongness of human conduct or judgment. It includes the organization and analysis of moral principles, and is thought of as the science of morals and of moral conduct. Morality is the practice of right conduct by a person, a community, or a nation. The moral person makes a discrimination between right and wrong resulting in rectitude of life and thought. Morality has to do with righteousness, vir- tue, and justice. What are some examples of how spokesmen for God en- deavor to point out wrongdoing and to lift the moral standards of the people? Jer. 22:3; 1 Cor. 6:6-10. Systems of ethics have been developed by philosophers. These may have a certain intellectual appeal, but they cannot be accepted as the norm for Christians who live in the world but are not of the world. (See John 17:15, 16.) "Morality cannot be separated from religion. Conservative tradition received from educated men and from the writings of great men of the past are not all a safe guide for us in these last days; for the great struggle before us is such as the world has never seen. The brethren who have not acted a part in this work in the past need to move with far greater caution in regard to that which they accept and that which they refuse."—Medical Ministry, p. 99. One who has met and accepted Jesus as his Lord must ever follow where He leads. To stand approved of God is the highest goal of life. "Of Job, the patriarch of Uz, the testimony of the Searcher of hearts was, 'There is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil.' "— Education, p. 155. THINK IT THROUGH What examples of high ethical principles can you recall from your observation of the lives of people? "Now is the time to obtain a moral fitness for heaven.... God requires His followers to be men of good report, as well as to be pure, elevated, and honest; kind, as well as faithful. . . . The principles of the law of God must be developed in the life and character. An amiable temper, combined with firm integrity and faithfulness, will constitute a moral fitness for any position."— Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 367. FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 4, pp. 366-368. 10 Moral Principles LESSON 1 ❑ Monday December 27 Part 2 "For the word of the Lord is right; and all his works are done SOURCES in truth. He loveth righteousness and judgment; the earth is OF MORALITY full of the goodness of the Lord" (Ps. 33:4, 5). "If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him" (1 John 2:29). Clubs, associations, family traditions, newspaper editorials, and philosophical treatises are among the influences that pur- port to provide wisdom on how to behave. But the Christian's thoughts are tuned to another guidance system from which he derives his ideals and inspiration. These are the same sources from which he received his Christian faith at his conversion and from which he draws daily strength to live. These sources are not inherent in his nature or generated within himself but come to him from above by interaction with God and His Holy Spirit. They originate in the character and will of God as revealed to man in the Bible and the inspired testimonies of His servant. The idea of righteousness is ever associated with God, His law, and all of His acts. (See Ps. 145:17; 19:9; Rev. 16:5.) Jesus exhorted His listeners to be perfect even as their Father in heaven is perfect (Matt. 5:48). In the Bible God has made a self-disclosure of His nature, and to Him we can look for a knowledge of the good and the right. THINK IT THROUGH Give a summary of God's nature as revealed in the Bible. How does divine nature contrast with unconverted human nature? "Many need to take frequent lessons from the life of Christ, who is the Author and Finisher of our faith.... You are to show a growth in the Christian graces. By manifesting meekness under provocation and growing away from low earthliness you give evidence that you have an indwelling Saviour, and every thought, word, and deed attracts men to Jesus rather than to self."—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 597. "All righteous attributes of character dwell in God as a per- fect, harmonious whole, and every one who receives Christ as a personal Saviour is privileged to possess these attributes."— Christ's Object Lessons, p. 330. "The character of God, His love manifested in giving His Son to die for the world, and the beauty of holiness, are exalted themes for contemplation. These will strengthen the intellect, and bring man into close communion with the Infinite One."— Fundamentals of Christian Education, p. 49 FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 541, 542. 11 Moral Principles LESSON 1 ❑ Tuesday December 28 Part 3 "My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not" (Prov. DECISION 1:10). "How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God" (Gen. 39:9)? God has made man free in a very real sense. He is free to make choices that involve every aspect of life—clothing, food, recrea- tion, thoughts, work, marriage, religion, friends, hobbies, edu- cation, money, and his relation to society. When we have made a wrong decision, what does David's experience teach us should be our attitude toward our mis- take and toward God? 2 Sam. 24:10. (Compare 2 Cor. 7:9-11.) There could be no moral meaning to life if humans did not have this power to make choices. If they were made by nature so that they acted rightly automatically, there would be no ground to consider duty, conduct, or any standard of right; they would only be responding to an unchosen impulse. But God has made us with the power to decide, and herein lies responsibility for our actions. THINK IT THROUGH When discussing a situation, what does the use of the word "ought" imply? "In Pilgrim's Progress there is a character called Pliable. Youth, shun this character. Those represented by it are very accommodating, but they are as a reed shaken by the wind. They possess no will power. Every youth needs to cultivate decision. Adivided state of the will is a snare, and will be the ruin of many youth. Be firm, else you will be left with your house, or character, built upon a sandy foundation."—My Life Today, p. 73. "In the work of redemption there is no compulsion. No exter- nal force is employed. Under the influence of the Spirit of God, man is left free to choose whom he will serve. In the change that takes place when the soul surrenders to Christ, there is the highest sense of freedom. The expulsion of sin is the act of the soul itself."—The Desire of Ages, p. 466. FURTHER STUDY Christ's Object Lessons, "Friends by the Mammon of Un- righteousness," p. 374 (p. 378 in 1923 ed.). 12 Moral Principles LESSON 1 ❑ Wednesday December 29 Part 4 "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou NEED OF shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye" (Ps. 32:8). GUIDANCE "The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way" (Ps. 25:9). The Bible teaches that man's nature is sinful and depraved. This being the case, how can man hope, unaided, always to discern and choose the right and the good? Without divine aid he is doomed to a life of trial and error and frequent defeat. The sinner, his nature weakened through transgression, finds that it is "impossible for him, in his own strength, to resist the power of evil."—Steps to Christ, p. 17. It is equally true that he cannot, without divine help, make the right choices. One who endeavors to choose the right on the basis of human reason has no assurance that his choice will be the right one. The very faculties he employs in making a decision are subject to the pride and selfishness of the natural human heart. What is the source of sinful passions? Mark 7:21-23. This is why the Christian, understanding the hazards of his sinful condition, admits that he needs a revelation of truth from outside himself and reaches out in faith to understand and follow the will of God. "The power of a higher, purer, nobler life is our great need. The world has too much of our thought, and the kingdom of heaven too little. "In his efforts to reach God's ideal for him, the Christian is to despair of nothing. Moral and spiritual perfection, through the grace and power of Christ, is promised to all. Jesus is the source of pbwer, the fountain of life. He brings us to His word, and from the tree of life presents to us leaves for the healing of sin-sick souls. He leads us to the throne of God, and puts into our mouth a prayer through which we are brought into close contact with Himself. In our behalf He sets in operation the all-powerful agencies of heaven. At every step we touch His living power."—The Acts of the Apostles, p. 478. FURTHER STUDY Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 290. 13 Moral Principles LESSON 1 ❑ Thursday December 30 Part 5 "For this very reason make every effort to supplement your SOME CHRISTIAN faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge VIRTUES with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love" (2 Peter 1:5-7, RSV). (Read also verses 2-4.) Peter gives us herewith a dependable list of moral qualities to be developed in our lives. There are other good lists in the Bible. In Galatians 5:22, 23 is Paul's list of the "fruit of the Spirit," and certainly these will be seen as one grows in Christian "gentle- ness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance." What virtues did Jesus teach would be characteristic of citizens of the kingdom of heaven? Matt. 5:2-12. The Christian will give evidence of these virtues in his daily work as a craftsman, in carrying on his chosen profession, in his business dealings, in his thoughts and words. Jesus exemplified all of these high qualities in His life, and He is our pattern. "Who of us is faithfully following the Pattern? Who of us has instituted and continued the warfare against pride of heart? Who of us has, in good earnest, brought himself to wrestle with selfishness until it should no longer dwell in the heart and be revealed in the life?"—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 18. THINK IT THROUGH Which of the following is most important in influencing my choices: church rules, attitude of friends, personal moral re- sponsibility, pastor's sermons? Are my actions always mor- ally right if my motive is good? "He [Christ] laid aside His glory, His dominion, His riches, and sought after those who were perishing in sin. He humbled Him- self to our necessitaes, that He might exalt us to heaven. Sac- rifice, self-denial, and disinterested benevolence characterized His life. He is our pattern.... We cannot equal the pattern; but we shall not be approved of God if we do not copy it and, according to the ability which God has given, resemble it."— Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 549. FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 6, pp. 147, 148. 14 Moral Principles LESSON 1 ❑ Friday December 31 Part 6 "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues A CALL TO of life. Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips HIGH STANDARDS put far from thee. Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil" (Prov. 4:23-27). It is woven into the very fabric of Christianity that one should search to know the right and make that knowledge a pattern for his own personal behavior. In the striking words of an Old Testament prophet to God's people, what are they admonished to do? Isa. 1:16, 17. It is this striving to do the right, to know and follow God's will, in cooperation with divine grace, that develops character. It is our privilege to realize that whatever people may think of us, God knows exactly what we are. Reputation is what the world thinks of a man or a woman; character is what a person really is. No one can injure one's character but he himself. Character is the sword; reputation is the scabbard. When the gates of heaven swing open to welcome the victors in life, their reputa- tion will be left behind them; but their characters will be with them through all eternity. What are the six plus one things God hates? Prov. 6:16-19. "Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire?" asks the prophet, and then gives the answer: "He that walketh righte- ously, and speaketh uprightly; . . . and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil; he shall dwell on high" (Isa. 33:14-16). THINK IT THROUGH What do you think is the role of Seventh-day Adventists today in the fabric of the community where they live? "The work of every true Christian is to represent Christ, to reflect light, to elevate the standard of morals, and by words and influences consecrated to God, to compel the careless and reckless to think of God and eternity. The world would gladly drop eternity out of their reckoning, but they cannot succeed so long as there are those who represent Christ in their practical life."—Selected Messages, bk. 1, p. 132. FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 4, pp. 294, 295. 15 2 GOD AND MAN GOD AND MAN and bickerings and gives men a fin LESSON 2 January 2-8 foundation on which to approach all "For my thoughts are not your their moral judgments. The ultimat thoughts, neither are your ways my issue then becomes very clear, that' ways, saith the Lord. For as the man's relationship to His God. heavens are higher than the earth, so There are two ways of writing are my ways higher than your ways, history. One is the secular, which and my thoughts than your thoughts" ignores the existence of God and H (Isa. 55:8, 9). presence in human events. The secular writer hears no divine voice God is the source of the Christian's and acknowledges no divine force moral responsibility. The believer's the rise and decay of nations. To hii acceptance of this responsibility is the flow of human history has beet based on five points of belief: First, determined by such things as that there is a God; second, that God geography, economics, and human is and should be in ultimate control; ambition. third, that God is concerned with It is true that these have greatly man's behavior; fourth, that God will influenced the growth and finally judge man for his response to development of peoples; but in th his duties and privileges in life; and Christian view of history God must fifth, that the believer has a personal always be taken into account. Bible relationship with God. prophecy helps us see God's action God has not left us to struggle in history. The Christian acknowledge ignorance in coping with the great the truth stated so aptly by Ellen issues of human existence. He has White: given His Word, the Bible. He has sent "To every nation and to every His Son Jesus, the Living Word, to individual of today God has assignee teach us, to draw us, and to redeem place in His great plan. Today men a4 us. nations are being measured by the The more God has revealed to us of plummet in the hand of Him who His nature and will, the more makes no mistake. All are by their c,A responsibility falls upon us to respond choice deciding their destiny, and and to seek His way. We could never God is overruling all for the find our way without God's help; and accomplishment of His with His help there is no excuse for not purposes."—Education, p. 178, finding it. In this fact lies the great DAILY HIGHLIGHTS burden of moral responsibility that 1. God Created Man (Ps. 8:5, 6) rests upon each soul on our planet. 2. God Came to Redeem Sinful Ma To those who are lost in the moral (Rom. 5:8). wilderness of this evil world, the first 3. God Will Judge Man (2 Cor. 5:11 needful step is to acknowledge that 4. God Is Ruler (Dan. 4:17) God is sovereign and that He deals 5. Man's Need of God (Ps. 23:1-3) justly. To do so clears away 6. Man's Response to God (Rom. immediately a multitude of hesitations 12:1; Ps. 95:6) It is the mercy and justice in God's character which provide the rationale for human ethics. God and Man LESSON 2 ❑ Sunday January 2 Part 1 "For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and GOD CREATED hast crowned him with glory and honour. Thou madest him to MAN have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet" (Ps. 8:5, 6). The Bible affirms that man was created by God in a special act at a given time. It lends no support to the theory that man slowly developed in response to the operation of natural law. How is the God of the Bible distinguished from the gods of the nations? 1 Chron. 16:26; Acts 17:24, 29. God made man with a superior order of intelligence. The brain in man is most mysterious and wonderful. The cortex, which is the seat of thinking, judgment, speech, and memory, if ironed out flat would be as large as a newspaper page, yet it is far more than a clever computer. "The most sophisticated cybernetic device is still a primitive instrument when compared with the human brain."—Time, book review of Man and Memory, Nov. 30, 1970. God planned for man to be deeply involved in his earthly environment points to the wisdom shown by God who created man and the earth to be together. And it was all good; it exhi- bited the vast intelligence of our great God, as Creator and Sustainer of all. The process of creation is something that we cannot under- stand. We come closest to catching a glimpse into it as we listen to the physicists tell us how matter can be converted into energy. Creation is the reverse of this. When we accept the fact of our creation by God, it is reason- able also to accept as best His plan for the order of our lives. It means listening to His voice, thinking His thoughts after Him, and not only depending upon Him, but admiring Him, learning from Him, yes, loving Him. THINK IT THROUGH As you think of man and his world as given to us by our Creator, try to show from the Bible or your own observation how our created world gives evidence of divine (1) purpose, (2) wisdom, and (3) design. "As regards our responsibility and influence, we are amena- ble to God as deriving our life from Him. This we do not obtain from humanity, but from God only. We are His by creation and by redemption."—Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 422, 423. FURTHER STUDY Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 50, 51. 18 God and Man LESSON 2 ❑ Monday January 3 Part 2 "God commendeth his love toward us, in that. while we were GOD CAME TO yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Rom. 5:8). REDEEM SINFUL MAN In the middle of human history stands the cross of the crucified One. He is both God and Creator, yet joined in com- passion to the human race to redeem it. Surely no study of ethics and morality can escape the lessons and the judgments of that cross. The world had been beguiled away from righteousness into sin, and because of that had come under the sentence of death. Were all men to die? Had they crossed a line, passed a point of no return? Was their future hopeless? God had an answer full of hope for all sinners. That plan culminated in Christ's cross, on which He paid the penalty for our sins and made it possible for us to receive by faith the merits of His sinless life record. What more could He have done? The redeeming sacrifice of Jesus draws us away from de- fiance and revolt toward submission and obedience. It woos our rebellious hearts with its message of love. It shows how the hard sentence of judgment against sin may be diverted from the repentant sinner, and he may step into that glorious freedom awaiting all who repent and accept Jesus as Saviour. In what way can we attain true freedom? John 8:36. What result awaits those who ignore or neglect the proffered grace? Heb. 2:2, 3. In a world where cynicism of motives prevails, and skepticism closes the prejudiced mind, the cross of Christ cries to us inviting us to try to understand God's mind, His thought, His will; and to turn to Him for redemption. Jesus condemns all kinds of immoral behavior. He holds up a pure, sinless pattern. Through Him we can attain an incorrupti- ble crown that endures forever. THINK IT THROUGH In what sense is Jesus the "desire of all nations" (Hag. 2:7)? "THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS" (Jer. 23:6)? "Men hate the sinner, while they love the sin. Christ hates the sin, but loves the sinner. This will be the spirit of all who follow Him. Christian love is slow to censure, quick to discern peni- tence, ready to forgive, to encourage, to set the wanderer in the path of holiness, and to stay his feet therein."—The Desire of Ages, p. 462. FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 316, 317. 19 God and Man LESSON 2 ❑ Tuesday January 4 Part 3 "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; GOD WILL that every one may receive the things done in his body, ac- JUDGE MAN cording to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad" (2 Cor. 5:10). Read also Eccl. 12:13, 14; Ps. 96:13; and Matt. 3:12. Sin and evil always stand under the judgment of God. God never condones what He has declared to be sin. He will never accept sin as a viable way of life. He cannot be in favor of or on the side of sin. How is the one described who fails to take sin seriously? Prov. 14:9. (Contrast Ps. 4:4.) Christ's death "was the means through which an end was to be finally made of sin and Satan, and his host to be vanquished."—Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 209. Thus God has the moral right to destroy sin and those who cling to it, and still be a righteous, loving God. But He is long- suffering toward the sinner and wants him to escape the judg- ment that finally falls upon those who refuse to separate from sin. When an individual consciously takes his stand with Christ and identifies with His righteous life and His law, he must also join Christ in His righteous judgment against sin. The mind of Jesus with respect to sin must be our mind as well. We must see God's judgment against sinners primarily as a judgment against sin. If we are not agreeable to that the door of redemption and reconciliation cannot open to us. THINK IT THROUGH Why did Jesus say to the people of His time: "The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it" (Matt. 12:41)? Have we any excuse if we also are condemned in the judgment? "The expectation of Christ's coming is to make men fear the Lord, and fear His judgments upon transgression. It is to awaken them to the great sin of rejecting His offers of mercy. Those who are watching for the Lord are purifying their souls by obedience to the truth."—The Desire of Ages, p. 634. "The One who has stood as our intercessor; who hears all penitential prayers and confessions; who is represented with a rainbow, the symbol of grace and love, encircling His head, is soon to cease His work in the heavenly sanctuary. Grace and mercy will then descend from the throne, and justice will take their place. He for whom His people have looked will assume His right—the office of Supreme Judge."—Ellen G. White Com- ments, SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 7. p. 989. FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 486, 487. 20 God and Man LESSON 2 ❑ Wednesday January 5 Part 4 What was the purpose stated by the Holy One for GOD IS RULER Nebuchadnezzar's predicted loss of reason and kingship? "To the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men" (Dan. 4:17). A scientist cited the orderly operation of the universe as evidence that there is a big Engineer that operates the universe. But he was thinking only of God's regulation of the heavenly bodies that hang and move in space. God claims rulership in another sphere, the area of human events. We may neglect Him, or overlook Him, or ignore Him, or even doubt His presence; but He is nevertheless very much present, and we need to take into account His sovereign author- ity in all our thoughts and plans. He is referred to in the Bible as the God of heaven and the God of the earth (Gen. 24:3; 2 Kings 19:15; 2 Chron. 20:6). To one who has chosen the way of God, He becomes an ever present companion and guide. The life is yielded to His lord- ship; He takes His place as King; His followers are His subjects. And the relationship is not forced and harsh, but willingly ac- cepted and cherished. Here in this rebellious planet God wants His people to ac- knowledge Him before the world. He wants them to witness to the excellency of His rulership. They are to give evidence that their lives are not prey to the shifting tides of human opinion, but are anchored to eternal power and authority. THINK IT THROUGH Are we sensitive and fearful lest we let others know that we respect and obey a higher power? Do we show that we are out of date when we acknowledge and honor God as our personal Ruler? "That which God purposes, man is powerless to disannul. Even amid the working of evil, God's purposes have been mov- ing steadily forward to their accomplishment.2=Prophets and _ Kings, p. 720. "As the wheellike complications are under the guidance of the hand beneath the wings of the cherubim, so the compli- cated play of human events is under divine control. Amidst the strife and tumult of nations, He that sitteth above the cherubim guides the affairs of the earth."—Education, p. 178. FURTHER STUDY Prophets and Kings, pp. 499-502. 21 God and Man LESSON 2 ❑ Thursday January 6 PART 5 Reflect on the Bible passage below. What does the symbol MAN'S NEED OF GOD of the shepherd teach about God in His relation to men? "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake" (Ps. 23:1-3). Without God man is incomplete, and spiritually and intellec- tually lost. God has revealed Himself through His Written Word, in nature, in Jesus Christ, and in His presence through the Holy Spirit. How ignorant and how subject to deception we would be without this revelation! We live in the midst of enemies—diseases that threaten our physical lives, and temptations that threaten our spiritual lives. We are "made captive by Satan, and would have remained so forever had not God specially interposed."—Steps to Christ, p. 17. Sin is man's mortal enemy, not his friend. The truth concern- ing God and our world illuminates our minds and dispels the darkness, showing us what we really are and what we may become. The truth, God's truth, and not our own human theories and judgments, makes us free. Those who have traveled widely in the world know how people seem to want to worship, to reach out to a power above themselves. The animist in the jungle, offering some food on a banana leaf to the spirits, may be worshiping out of wonder, perhaps out of fear. How precious the knowledge of God is to him as he learns of God's power and love and receives Jesus as his Saviour. Recall how the apostle Paul, visiting Athens, stood on Mars' Hill and proclaimed the existence of the true God to his audi- ence (Acts 17:22-31). The response was typical of the attitude of the world in every time: "Some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter. . . . Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed" (verses 32-34). THINK IT THROUGH In what ways does your knowledge of and faith in God give you strength and hope? Can you imagine how you would face life without Him? "God dwells in every abode; He hears every word that is spoken, listens to every prayer that is offered, tastes the sorrows and disappointments of every soul, regards the treatment that is given to father, mother, sister, friend, and neighbor. He cares for our necessities, and His love and mercy and grace are continu- ally flowing to satisfy our need."—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 105. FURTHER STUDY Steps to Christ, "The Sinner's Need of Christ," pp. 17-22. 22 God and Man LESSON 2 ❑ Friday January 7 Part 6 "0 Come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before MAN'S RESPONSE the Lord our maker" (Ps. 95:6). TO GOD "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service" (Rom. 12:1). Here the relationship between God and us is outlined. He is our Creator. He gives us life. He created us for a purpose. "In the creation it was His purpose that the earth be inhabited by beings whose existence should be a blessing to themselves and to one another, and an honor to their Creator. All who will may identify themselves with this purpose."—Education, p. 174. Man's ideal response to God is to cease rebelling against Him and to cooperate with Him. These two responses combine in a person's acceptance of Jesus Christ. "We are to surrender our hearts to God, that He may renew and sanctify us, and fit us for His heavenly court. We are not to wait for some special time, but today we are to give ourselves to Him, refusing to be the servants of sin. Do you imagine you can leave off sin a little at a time? Oh, leave the accursed thing at once! Hate the things that Christ hates, love the things that Christ loves. Has He not by His death and suffering made provi- sion for your cleansing from sin?"—Selected Messages, bk. 1, p. 327. What effect will this close relationship with God have upon our purposes, our judgments, our actions? We come to Him in faith—Heb. 11:6. We turn to Him in repentance—Ps. 38:18. We confess and are forgiven-1 John 1:9. He makes us new creatures in Christ-2 Cor. 5:17. THINK IT THROUGH Has there been a tendency lately in your life to think less frequently of God or to be forgetful of Him? What is the basis of your faith in God? Check those that apply: the Bible ( ) nature ( ) your father told you ( ) world events ( ) your conscience ( ) reason ( ) moon walks ( ) personal experience ( ) other ( ). "If you will seek the Lord and be converted every day; if you will of your own spiritual choice be free and joyous in God; if with gladsome consent of heart to His gracious call you come wearing the yoke of Christ,—the yoke of obedience and service,—all your murmurings will be stilled, all your difficulties will be removed, all the perplexing problems that now confront you will,be solved."—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 101. FURTHER STUDY Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, "True Motive in Ser- vice" (Matt. 6:33, 34), pp. 98-101. 23 3 STANDAR any Within the general principles of the Ten Commandments are encoded the roots of all moral issues for our relationship with man and God. ZINC PE STANDARDS AND PRINCIPLES will promote the happiness of those LESSON 3 January 9-15 who keep them."—Sons and "Thou hast commanded us to keep Daughters of God, p. 267. thy precepts diligently" (Ps. 119:4). Speaking of Abraham's faithfulness in training his family, Ellen White says: Various of God's precepts are found "There is no betraying of sacred trusts, scattered throughout the Bible, both no hesitating between right and in the Old and New Testaments. When wrong. The Holy One has given rules God was leading the children of Israel for the guidance of all—the standard out of Egyptian bondage to the of character from which none can Promised Land, He gave His law as the swerve and be guiltless. God's will is basic governing document:and to be diligently and conscientiously standard of personal conduct for His studied, and it must be made people. We call that law the Ten paramount in all the affairs of life. The Commandments. Many of the Bible laws which every human agent is to writers have referred to these statutes. obey flow from the heart of infinite These writers often have called the love."—Selected Messages. bk. 2, p. people to follow standards of conduct 217., based upon these ten." In Jesus' teaching He called DAILY HIGHLIGHTS attention to the broad itteaning of the 1. Law (1 John 3:4; Rom. 3:20; Ps. commandments. His hearers saw 119:172) them in a new light. He called 2. God Speaks in His Precepts (Ps. attention to the two duties of the Ten 119:15, 128) Commandments, love to God and 3. Holy and Eternal Standards (Rom. love to fellowmen. 7:12; Ps. 111:7, 8) Throughout the experience of the 4. The New Testament and the Law many Bible characters one sees the (Matt. 5:17, 18) tension between human weakness 5. Love Is Commandment Keeping and the requirements of God's law. (1 John 5:2, 3) The law mirrors conduct, exposing the 6. Law in the Heart (Heb. 10:16) wrong and confirming the right. It is ' silently bearing its witness and calling those who will listen to a life of obedience. Obedience to God's commandments is most natural for those who know God and live close to Him. Those who choose God's will reduce the world's rebellion and increase the loyalty to Him. But there is a personal result also. "The laws of God have their foundation in the most immutable rectitude, and are so framed that they Standards and Principles LESSON 3 ❑ Sunday January 9 Part 1 "Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law" LAW (1 John 3:4). "For by the law is the knowledge of sin" (Rom. 3:20). "All thy commandments are righteousness" (Ps. 119:172). • Satan would like to see God's law defamed. He would like to see the whole plan of redemption perverted by bringing about a misunderstanding of the relation of the law to the gospel. If there were no law, there would be no sin. Then the gospel would lose its meaning, for it announces salvation from sin. Then Christ would have died in a purposeless sacrifice, for His death was to save people from sin, which would not exist with- out the law. What does the New Testament teach about God's Ten Com- mandment law in relation to faith in Jesus? Rom. 3:31. But what is the purpose of God's law? It is God's standard of what is right and true. It expresses the mind of God (Ps. 40:8). It declares the whole duty of man (Eccl. 12:13). The law ordains to life those who keep its precepts (Rom. 7:10, 12). But man is not standing where he was when created. He has left his original relation to the law and the will of God. He is now under the law in a relationship that makes it a ministration of death. The law is an expression of God's character. To change the law would mean either a change in God's character or a disas- sociation of the law from His character. God will never do either in order to extricate man from the dilemma of being condemned by the law. The sin of disobedience must be dealt with in another way. Obedience to God's law must continue to be the standard of life for this world and the universe. THINK IT THROUGH Is it possible for Christians actually to love God's law? Is it possible to have love for the very precepts that measure our lives and point out our sin? If we reach the point where we love God's law, can sin have power over us? "The law was not spoken at this time exclusively for the benefit of the Hebrews. God honored them by making them the guardians and keepers of His law, but it was to be held as a sacred trust for the whole world. The precepts of the Decalogue are adapted to all mankind, and they were given for the instruc- tion and government of all. Ten precepts, brief, comprehensive, and authoritative, cover the duty of man to God and to his fellow man; and all based upon the great fundamental principle of love."—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 305. FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 467, 468. 26 Standards and Principles LESSON 3 ❑ Monday January 10 Part 2 "I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy GOD SPEAKS IN ways" (Ps. 119:15). HIS PRECEPTS "I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way" (Ps. 119:128). It is hazardous for us to substitute our unguided choice for what God teaches in matters of morals and conduct. Nor is it safe to look for guidance to our human reason in these matters. Human reason has proved to be not always dependable. If reason is to be the sole guide in moral problems, then only the trained reasoner could know the right. Jesus Himself illustrated how we should apply the teachings and requirements of God's law to human situations. He showed that the spirit and not just the letter should govern behavior. (See Matt. 5:27, 28; 43, 44.) Human beings, finite and sinful, need guidance in decision making. This guidance they can find in the Bible; and the Spirit will enlighten them to know how to apply the instruction to their living. What is the key to true and ready obedience to the statutes of God? Ps. 40:8; 119:77. Many people associate the thought of law with unpleasant restrictions on their actions, or maybe as something that will get them into trouble. How shortsighted a view of the true nature of the law! God's law provides the great guidelines of life, as the compass at sea, or the map on the road. THINK IT THROUGH Into what two sections are the Ten Commandments di- vided? What do you think is the difference, if any, between the laws of God and the laws of your city or state? "It is as true now as when the words were spoken to Israel of obedience to His commandments: 'This is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations.' Deuteronomy 4:6. "Here is the only safeguard for individual integrity, for the purity of the home, the well-being of society, or the stability of the nation. Amidst all life's perplexities and dangers and con- flicting claims the one safe and sure rule is to do what God says. 'The statutes of the Lord are right,' and 'he that doeth these things shall never be moved.' Psalms 19:8; 15:5."—Education, p. 229. FURTHER STUDY Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, "The Spirituality of the Law" (Matt. 5:48), pp. 76-78. 27 Standards and Principles LESSON 3 ❑ Tuesday January 11 Part 3 "Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, HOLY AND and just, and good" (Rom. 7:12). ETERNAL "All his commandments are sure. They stand fast for ever STANDARDS and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness" (Ps. 111:7, 8). Ellen White wrote the following pertinent statement: "Vice and crime, and iniquity of all kinds, are steadily on the increase. The penetrating power of Bible truth must show the contrast between truth and error."—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 529. It is amazing how people will try to accommodate standards to fit the things they want to do. They rationalize concerning what is right and what is duty so that a given type of conduct will be socially approved. It is man's way of pandering to his lowered stand ards and easing his conscience over his ethical shortcuts. A holy and righteous God has established laws and standards of conduct. God's laws do not change with each passing gener- ation, sinking to a lower and still lower level as humankind moves farther from Creation Day when God made man perfect. Rather His statutes remain as beacons to give a steady, depend- able light pointing the direction man should take. How are children and grandchildren to learn correct princi- ples? Deut. 6:6, 7. God's laws do not deviate or shift as one goes from country to country or from one type of civilization to another. With Him truth is always truth; purity is ever purity; idolatry does not cease to be idolatry; integrity is unchangeable. THINK IT THROUGH Analyze Psalm 19:7-9, gathering out the various adjectives that describe God's law. How can law be said to rejoice the heart? Verse 8. Does morality depend on what we feel or on what God declares? "These monstrous doctrines [that the elect can never fall from grace] are essentially the same as the later teaching of popular educators and theologians—that there is 'no un- changeable divine law as the standard of right, but that the standard of morality is indicated by society itself, and has con- stantly been subject to change. All these ideas are inspired by the same master spirit—by him who, even among the sinless inhabitants of heaven, began his work of seeking to break down the righteous restraints of the law of God."—The Great Con- troversy, p. 261. FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 262-264. 28 Standards and Principles LESSON 3 ❑ Wednesday January 12 Part 4 "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the THE NEW prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say TESTAMENT unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall AND THE LAW in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled" (Matt. 5:17,18). It is curious how some Christians have looked upon the Old Testament times as the dispensation of law and the New Testa- ment era as the dispensation of grace, as if the reign of law after Christ had come to an end. Today's text refutes that concept. So do other New Testament passages. Notice Paul's comment on the use of the law, pointing out how the law condemns lawlessness and disobedience. (See 1 Tim. 1:8-10.) Recall how James argued that the law stands as a unit and we are not at liberty to observe one part and ignore another. (See James 2:10-12; 1:25.) Note that the apostle John taught that followers of Jesus are under obligation to keep the command- ments of Jesus. (See 1 John 2:4.) No release from obedience to God's law and will exists in the New Testament, though we search it from Matthew to Revela- tion. Grace is offered, but not release from obedience. Surely every true Christian would want it that way. Certainly as he thinks upon life and duty, he wants his life to be free from sin. What is the relationship between faith in Jesus and the law? Rom. 3:31. THINK IT THROUGH Ask yourself—Do I want to know the right, really desire to follow it, to reject self-justification, to make no excuses for my past conduct? "God has given us His holy precepts, because He loves man- kind. To shield us from the results of transgression, He reveals the principles of righteousness. The law is an expression of the thought of God; when received in Christ, it becomes our thought. It lifts us above the power of natural desires and tend- encies, above temptations that lead to sin. God desires us to be happy, and He gave us the precepts of the law that in obeying them we might have joy. When at Jesus' birth the angels sang,— 'Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, good will toward men' (Luke 2:14), they were declaring the principles of the law which He had come to magnify and make honorable."—The Desire of Ages, p. 308. FURTHER STUDY Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, "The Spirituality of the Law" (on Matt. 5:17, last half), pp. 48-51. 29 Standards and Principles LESSON 3 ❑ Thursday January 13 Part 5 "By this we know that we love the children of God, when we LOVE IS love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of COMMANDMENT God, that we keep his commandments: and his command- KEEPING ments are not grievous" (1 John 5:2, 3). Christian love, as it fills the heart, does not draw the posses- sor away from keeping God's commandments. Love that per- tains to God would necessarily be an upright, obedient, moral love. Love for a neighbor or associate would never allow us to wrong him, to treat him shabbily, to be less than honest and true with him and faithful to his best interest. Love for God will result in our honoring Him through obedience as well as in singing His praise. A feeling of love does not make our every act or judgment right without regard to what God teaches us is right. The princi- ple of love is the fulfilling of the law. (See Rom. 13:10.) Senti- mentality could lead us astray with regard to our love to our fellowmen and to God, and His love to us. Neither God's love nor our love relieves us from the necessity of having regard for God's precepts. Is it Paul's intention in Romans 6:14, 15 to teach that keep- ing God's law is not required? Explain. Because of their wrong conduct Adam and Eve were cast out of the Garden; Satan and one third of the angels of heaven were cast out; Saul lost the kingship of the nation of Israel; and Ananias and Sapphira suffered the sentence of death. THINK IT THROUGH What are your motives for obeying God? Love? Loyalty? Fear? Social pressure? Reward? Notice how Revelation 14:12 reads in the new English Bible: "This is where the fortitude of God's people has its place—in keeping God's commands and remaining loyal to Jesus." "God's great object in the working out of His providences is to try men, to give them opportunity to develop character. Thus He proves whether they are obedient or disobedient to His com- mands. Good works do not purchase the love of God, but they reveal that we possess that love. If we surrender the will to God, we shall not work in order to earn God's love. His love as a free gift will be received into the soul, and from love to Him we shall delight to obey His commandments."—Christ's Object Les- sons, p. 283. FURTHER STUDY The Desire of Ages, p. 668. 30 Standards and Principles LESSON 3 ❑ Friday January 14 Part 6 "This is the covenant that I will make with them after those LAW IN days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in THE HEART their minds will I write them" (Heb. 10:16). God's laws written in the hearts of His children is the purpose of the gospel. Without the law written there, the Christian is in danger of being a cold legalist, smug in spiritual blindness. Who is the power that promotes spiritual blindness in the minds of those that believe not? 2 Cor. 4:4. A knowledge of the law and of one's own shortcomings can leave one with a "certain fearful looking for of judgment" (Heb. 10:27). In fact, of ourselves we are unable to keep God's law and we remain under God's disapproval. But if we are will- ing to comply with God's plan, He has two ways to deal with our human impossibilities: 1. He writes His law in our hearts, making us willing and cooperative as regards the keeping of His holy law. The Holy Spirit does this writing in the "fleshy tables of the heart" (2 Cor. 3:3). 2. When we do our best in carrying out God's will and fall short, we still have an advocate in "Jesus Christ the righteous" (1 John 2:1). The goal of the plan of salvation is to restore the image of God in man and to bring about righteousness in his life. So the penitent sinner experiences the new birth, submitting to the writing of God's law in his heart, and constantly growing in grace and a knowledge of God. (See 1 John 2:29.) "If we abide in Christ, if the love of God dwells in us, our feelings, our thoughts, our purposes, our actions, will be in harmony with the will of God as expressed in the precepts of His holy law.. . . . "The condition of eternal life is now just what it always has been,—just what it was in Paradise before the fall of our first parents,—perfect obedience to the law of God, perfect righ- teousness... . ". . . If you give yourself to Him, and accept Him as your Saviour, then, sinful as your life may have been, for His sake you are accounted righteous. Christ's character stands in place of your character, and you are accepted before God just as if you had not sinned."—Steps to Christ, pp. 61, 62. FURTHER STUDY Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 372, 373. 31 it OUR WORDS Al A Christian's attention to his words implies more than refusing to lie and slander. lwrnsiess OUR WORDS AND WITNESS shipwreck of faith. 'Stand therefore, LESSON 4 January 16-22 having your loins girt about with "Lying lips are abomination to the truth. Ephesians 6:14. He who utters Lord: but they that deal truly are his untruths sells his soul in a cheap delight" (Prov. 12:22). market. His falsehoods may seem to serve in emergencies; he may thus One of the surest indexes of high seem to make business advancement moral standards in one's life is that he could not gain by fair dealing; trustworthiness in words and witness. but he finally reaches the place where Deception is so common that ,people he can trust no one. Himself afalsifier, learn to be on their guard against he has no confidence in the word of being led astray. In some situations others."—The Acts of the Apostles, the plainest lies are used, repeated p. 76. again and again, as a matter of policy. In other situations a tendency on the DAILY HIGHLIGHTS part of a speaker to exaggerate lowers 1. The Truthfulness of God (Titus 1:2) the quotient of belief on the part of the 2. The Father of Lies (John 8:44) average listener. Advertising 3. Speaking the Truth (Eph. 4:15) sometimes verges on the unbelievable 4. Wordiness and Talebearing (Prov. or raises false expectations. What 10:19; 17:9) man, trying to sell his old automobile, 5. Criticism (Rom. 2:1) would call attention to its faults and 6. Messengers of Truth (2 Cor. 6:4-7) weaknesses? But could a Christian fail to deal truly and fairly with his "neighbor' ? A lie is a statement or action made with intent to deceive. As Christians we must not onlyavoid deception, but also go the second mile and make sure that the other party is not misunderstanding us and thus being misled. There should be no "credibility gaps" with respect to the words and actions of Christians. If such exist, not only is a grievous wrong done to the other party, but it follows that there could be no foundation of confidence on which to lead others into spiritual truth. "Let truth telling be held with no loose hand or uncertain grasp. Let it become a part of the life. Playing fast and loose with truth, and dissembling to suit one's own selfish plans, means Our Words and Witness LESSON 4 ❑ Sunday January 16 Part 1 "In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised THE TRUTHFUL- before the world began" (Titus 1:2). NESS OF GOD Only if God is truthful do we have a firm basis for the hope of salvation. He has said that if we come to Him in contrition He will forgive us (1 John 1:9); if we thirst for righteousness we shall be satisfied (Matt. 5:6); Jesus will provide for Hischildren a home in heaven (John 14:2, 3); the redeemed become heirs of all the gospel promises and benefits (Gal. 3:29; Titus 3:7). God has pledged His word and is fully on record as to His plans for this world and those who believe Him. How does God describe His own character? Ex. 34:6. We have every reason to believe that God is truthful, that we can accept His word and put our full trust in Him. It is true that His statements regarding us are often conditional, and the out- come will depend on our response or attitude. The Bible gives abundant evidences of God's truthfulness and dependability. It illustrates how His word has been proved. The most prominent and important of these are the Messianic prophecies recorded in the Old Testament. These prophecies promised the Mes- siah's coming, even giving time, place, and many other details. One list, gleaned from the Old Testament, gives 46 different aspects of His coming. All of these were exactly fulfilled in the New Testament record. Christ's acts and words made His work and the purposes of His Father in heaven believable to the listeners. What did Jesus' adversaries acknowledge concerning Him? Matt. 22:16. How important in our lives are the words "faith." "trust," "belief," "confidence," "assurance" with respect to God! THINK IT THROUGH Can you think of incidents in your experience that have led you to the belief that God is trustworthy? "As a child, Jesus manifested a peculiar loveliness of disposi- tion. His willing hands were ever ready to serve others. He manifested a patience that nothing could disturb, and a truth- fulness that would never sacrifice integrity. In principle firm as a rock, His life revealed the grace of unselfish courtesy."—The Desire of Ages, pp. 68, 69. FURTHER STUDY Christ's Object Lessons, "Asking to Give," p. 147 (p. 146 in 1923 ed.). 34 Our Words and Witness LESSON 4 ❑ Monday January 17 Part 2 "Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father THE FATHER ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode OF LIES not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it" (John 8:44). The description of Satan, the devil, is a very uncomplimentary one, yet not overdrawn. Jesus in heaven had every reason to know the character of Satan, and on earth He branded him a liar. In most societies this is the most insulting term that can be used of an adversary. Yet Christ did not hesitate to use it of Satan. In what condition are those who accept the ways of Satan? 2 Tim. 2:26. The word "devil" literally means "slanderer." Satan has shown this characteristic again and again. He slandered the character of God and the fairness of His government before the angels of heaven, speaking falsehoods and misrepresenting God's nature and His purposes. In the Garden of Eden the devil lied about God to Eve and Adam and by his insinuations and temptations brought about their moral fall. As a liar Satan was expelled from heaven (Rev. 12:9) and will never regain resi- dence there; nor will his children. (See Rev. 22:15.) What reason is inferred in Second Corinthians 11:13,14 why Satan would want to masquerade as an angel of light? "Disguised as an angel of light, he [Satan] will walk the earth as a wonder-worker. In beautiful language he will present lofty sentiments. Good words will be spoken by him, and good deeds performed. Christ will be personified, but on one point there will be a marked distinction. Satan will turn the people from the law of God."—Fundamentals of Christian Education, pp. 471, 472. THINK IT THROUGH Can you think of lies that are being circulated today about God to deceive people so they will not turn to Him? "Now [after Christ's ascension] the guilt of Satan stood forth without excuse. He had revealed his true character as a liar and a murderer. It was seen that the very same spirit with which he ruled the children of men, who were under his power, he would have manifested had he been permitted to control the inhabi- tants of heaven. He had claimed that the transgression of God's law would bring liberty and exaltation; but it was seen to result in bondage and degradation."—The Great Controversy, p. 502. FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 526, 528. 35 3-ASS L 1-77 Our Words and Witness LESSON 4 ❑ Tuesday January 18 Part 3 What two traits does Paul link together in Ephesians 4:15? SPEAKING THE TRUTH "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ" (Eph. 4:15, RSV). (Read also Eph. 4:29; 5:4.) Speaking the truth is a precious Christian virtue and one of the brightest evidences of Christian morality. There is such a lack of it that one who always speaks the truth even to his own hurt becomes marked in a community and becomes known as a person of the highest integrity. Always to be truthful and honest sets a student apart when, for example, he refuses to cheat in a school examination even when he could easily do so. There are said to be some cooks who, when asked to give a choice recipe to a friend, leave out an important ingredient rather than to disclose the full truth and the secret of their success. Children are expected to be truthful with their parents. But are parents always scrupulously honest with their children? Do parents have a freedom to lapse from the truth that is not allowed to children? Also, what about truthfulness in one's work? In each business or profession there are special temptations to evade the truth. Can you think of a time when someone was grievously wronged by not being told the truth? Should an employer tell the employee the truth, and vice versa? Also, in what spirit? A long list of questions could be compiled covering the subject of truthfulness. THINK IT THROUGH In what other ways besides speaking a lie can a person convey an untruth? "Life's best things—simplicity, honesty, truthfulness, purity, integrity—cannot be bought or sold. They are as free to the ignorant as to the educated, to the humble laborer as to the honored statesman."—The Ministry of Healing, p. 198. "A slight deviation from truth, a little variation from the re- quirements of God, is thought to be, after all, not so very sinful, when pecuniary gain or loss is involved. But sin is sin, whether committed by the possessor of millions or by the beggar in the streets."—Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 311. "The Lord requires of all who profess His name a strict ad her- ence to truth. This will be as salt which has not lost its savor, as a light amid the moral darkness and deception of the world."— Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 356. FURTHER STUDY Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 309. 36 Our Words and Witness LESSON 4 ❑ Wednesday January 19 Part 4 "In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that WORDINESS AND ref raineth his lips is wise" (Prov. 10:19). TALEBEARING "He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends" (Prov. 17:9). While some people by nature are withdrawn and quiet, in contrast some are talking incessantly. What is the nature of all this talking? Much of it may be pointless; it doesn't edify or instruct. Often it is about the individual who is doing the talking and then it can become extremely boring. Again it rambles on about all the common acquaintances and may include a gener- ous amount of gossip. The Bible states some very clear principles about speech. 1. The mouth discloses what is in the heart (mind) (Matt. 12:34, 35). 2. Corrupt communication is condemned (Eph. 4:29). 3. The tongue needs to be bridled (James 1:26; Ps. 39:1). 4. Speech should be used to communicate our hope (1 Peter 3:15). 5. Our words will be reckoned as a factor in the judgment (Matt. 12:36). 6. Controlling the mouth avoids trouble (Prov. 21:23; Matt. 5:37). 7. Speech should minister grace (Eph. 4:29). Talebearing (gossip) comes in for special condemnation (Lev. 19:16). Solomon says that a person of "a faithful spirit" conceals rather than reveals an evil report (Prov. 11:13). There must have been a great deal of this wanton gossip in Israel, for there is so much said against it. It was also pointed out and condemned in the New Testament church (1 Tim. 5:13). THINK IT THROUGH "The spirit of gossip and talebearing is one of Satan's spe- cial agencies to sow discord and strife, to separate friends, and to undermine the faith of many in the truthfulness of our positions."—Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 195. It might be profitable for each one to make some new resolu- tions about his future exercise of speech. "Upon every family, upon every individual Christian, is laid the duty of barring the way against corrupt speech. When in the company of those who indulge in foolish talk, it is our duty to change the subject of conversation if possible. By the help of the grace of God we should quietly drop words or introduce a subject that will turn the conversation into a profitable, channel."—Christ's Object Lessons, p. 337. FURTHER STUDY Christ's Object Lessons, "Talents" ("speech"), pp. 335-339 (pp. 338-342 in 1923 ed.); The Desire of Ages, p. 323. 37 Our Words and Witness LESSON 4 ❑ Thursday January 20 Part 5 "Therefore thou art inexcusable, 0 man, whosoever thou CRITICISM art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou con- demnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things" (Rom. 2:1). Whether it is called judging or criticism, it is of the same nature. It reflects one's own sins and comes under the condem- nation of the Bible. Jesus condemned it and labeled the one who practices it a hypocrite (Matt. 7:1-5). Christ's words sound in our ears today, and we should listen to them: "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her" (John 8:7). Especially must we be careful not to put a stumbling block in the path of a brother (Rom. 14:13). The principal reason Christians should refrain from criticiz- ing and judging is that they cannot understand the heart and read the motives correctly. Therefore judgment must be left to God (Rom. 14:10). Eventually all circumstances both good and bad will be made plain (1 Cor. 4:5). What was God's reaction to the criticism of Moses by Aaron and Miriam, his brother and sister? Num. 12:1-10. Leaders of the church have often been subjected to critical attitudes and unkind judgments. Ellen White penned an admon- ition worthy of our attention today: "Let those who have used the talent of speech to discourage and dishearten God's servants, who are striving to advance God's cause, planning and working to master hindrance, ask God to forgive them for the injury they have done to His work by their wicked prejudices and unkind words. Let them think of the harm they have done by spreading false reports, by judging those they have no right to judge."—Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 84. THINK IT THROUGH While we should not criticize others, what is the value of self-criticism? Where should this be done? In open confes- sion? In secret? "We want to show to the world that we have a faith that is elevating, that it makes us kind, courteous, self-denying; and begets in us love and reverence for God, and makes us Christian ladies and gentlemen. We must pray more earnestly for the grace of Christ which is essential for us if we preserve our integrity and spiritual life. If any one comes to you and begins to tell you of the faults of another, if you cannot stop that voice in any other way, lift your voice and sing the Doxology. Vain talkers and mischiefmakers are Satan's agents in doing his work."— Manuscript 4, 1885. FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 288, 289; Education, pp. 235, 236. 38 Our Words and Witness LESSON 4 ❑ Friday January 21 Part 6 "But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of MESSENGERS God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distres- OF TRUTH ses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; by pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love un- feigned, by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left" (2 Cor. 6:4-7). The world is full of false messiahs, of elusive cures for the world's evils, of voices that deny truth, and of ignorance and misunderstanding of God and His government. Jesus came not only to redeem man but also to expose error and to reveal God's character. His teaching had-the ring of authority and carried its own verification (John 7:46). He declared that the truth would set men free (John 8:32). What descriptive word is often applied to the gospel in the New Testament? 1 Tim. 2:4; Heb. 10:26; 2 Peter 2:2. We are making the highest use of the power of speech when we use it to proclaim God's truth, either in a public way or in private to a friend. "The power of speech is a talent that should be diligently cultivated. Of all the gifts we have received from God, none is capable of being a greater blessing than this. With the voice we convince and persuade, with it we offer prayer and praise to God, and with it we tell others of the Redeemer's love."—Christ's Object Lessons, p. 335. The apostle Peter was a ready speaker, but his speech could at times be impetuous and ill-advised. However, after Peter was converted, his talent of speech enabled him to preach that mighty Spirit-filled sermon on the Day of Pentecost when thousands were led to receive Christ. A ready tongue, con- verted, is an asset, not a handicap. THINK IT THROUGH What can I do to make my voice heard in teaching the truth? "Wherever we are, we should watch for opportunities of speaking to others of the Saviour. If we follow Christ's example in doing good, hearts will open to us as they did to Him. Not abruptly, but with tact born of divine love, we can tell them of Him who is the `Chiefest among ten thousand' and the One 'altogether lovely.' Cant. 5:10, 16. This is the very highest work in which we can employ the talent of speech. It was given to us that we might present Christ as the sin-pardoning Saviour."— Christ's Object Lessons, p. 339. FURTHER STUDY Messages to Young People, pp. 200-202. 39 5. HONCSW saw) oar-J. sac mac Honesty involves more than avoiding criminal activities. HONESTY that which he sells. If there are defects LESSON 5 January 23-29 in the articles sold, he frankly tells his "Recompense to no man evil for brother or his neighbor, although by evil. Provide things honest in the sight so doing he may work against his own of all men" (Rom. 12:17). pecuniary interests. "In all the details of life the strictest Honesty includes those traits of principles of honesty are to be character held by a person who does maintained. These are not the not lie, cheat, or steal. A week's lesson principles which govern our world, for has been devoted to truthfulness. This Satan, deceiver, liar, and oppressor is week we will note honesty, primarily the master, and his subjects follow from the viewpoint of not cheating or him and carry out his purposes. But stealing. However, lying is so close a Christians serve under a different partner to cheating and stealing that it Master, and their actions must be is nearly unavoidable that we shall wrought in God, irrespective of all sometimes refer to it also. selfish gain."—My Life Today, p. 330. When we emphasize love as a basic "We are commanded to love God element in the Christian's life, we see supremely, and our neighbor as that honesty is a vital aspect in the ourselves; but the daily experience of expression of one's love to God and to life shows that this law is disregarded. his neighbor. In the Christian context Uprightness in deal and moral it is impossible to imagine the integrity will secure the favor of God, existence of a love that does not and make a man a blessing to himself respect another'S reputation or and to society; but amid the varied possessions. temptations that assail one whichever The eighth commandment says: way he may turn, it is impossible to "Thou shalt not steal" (Ex. 20:15). The keep a clear conscience and the SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 1. p. 606, approval of heaven without divine aid points out that "Here the right to and a principle to love honesty for the possess property is set forth, a right sake of the right."—Ellen G. White that is to be respected by others. For Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, society to exist at all, this principle vol. 3, p. 1158. must be safeguarded, else there is no security and no protection. All would DAILY HIGHLIGHTS be anarchy." 1. Cultivating an Honest Mind (Phil. Ellen White gives this specific 4:8) instruction: "In every business 2. Deviousness (Prov. 3:28, 29) transaction a Christian will be just 3. Ethics in Business (Prov. 20:10, 14) what hewants his brethren to think he 4. A Workman's Ethics (Ex. 38:23) is. His course of action is guided by 5. Honesty in Doctrine (2 Cor. 4:2) underlying principles. He does not 6. Mercy to the Repentant (Prov. scheme; therefore he has nothing to 28:13) conceal, nothing to gloss over. He may be criticized, he maybe tested, but his -_unbending integrity will shine forth 'like pure gold. He is a blessing to all connected with him, for his word is trustworthy. He is a man who will not take an advantage of his neighbor. He is a friend and benefactor to all, and his fellow men put confidence in his counsel. . . . A truly honest man will never take advantage of weakness or incompetency in order to fill his own purse. He accepts a fair equivalent for Honesty LESSON 5 ❑ Sunday January 23 Part 1 "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever CULTIVATING AN things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever HONEST MIND things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things" (Phil. 4:8). We are to take account of and let all of these Christian virtues play an active part in the life. Here is a course of mental activity that is truly fruitful and constructive. Ethical decisions require the cultivating of ethical thinking. Some may even say that dishonesty is usually premeditated. Then those who strive for good actions should prepare the mind, for to live right one must learn to think right. Here the will comes into play by rejecting dishonorable schemes and covetous ambitions from the thoughts. Paul put the necessity for doing this succintly: "Cast- ing down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ" (2 Cor. 10:5). A good way to accomplish this is to preoccupy the mind with worthy projects and positive, constructive activities. The true end of life is not to acquire money or goods or fame, but to develop character. "You are responsible to God for the indulgence of vain thoughts; for from vain imaginations arises the committal of sins, the actual doing of those things upon which the mind has dwelt. Govern your thoughts, and it will then be much easier to govern your actions."—Testimonies, vol. 3, pp. 82, 83. Where do sinful acts have their roots? Prov. 24:9; Matt. 15:19. THINK IT THROUGH If conscience tells me that I have done something that is not scrupulously honest, what is my duty? "This [applying Philippians 4:8] will require earnest prayer and unceasing watchfulness. We must be aided by the abiding influence of the Holy Spirit, which will attract the mind upward, and habituate it to dwell on pure and holy things. And we must give diligent study to the word of God.... 'Thy word,' says the psalmist, 'have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee.' "—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 460. FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 2, pp. 265-268. 42 Honesty LESSON 5 ❑ Monday January 24 Part 2 "Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to DEVIOUSNESS morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee. Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee" (Prov. 3:28, 29). People become so infatuated by the charm of the things of this world that they go to uncommon lengths to achieve their material objectives. Sometimes the individual not only works hard to reach his goal, but also he may take unfair advantage of others to benefit himself. Deviousness almost always implies laying a plan that will take advantage of another's gullibility, ignorance, or trust. What moral lessons are there in the story of Jacob and Esau? Gen. 25:29-33; 27:1, 15-19, 30-33, 41. The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 1, p. 606 mentions situations where individuals deviate from the straight way: "They steal who conceal goods from a customs inspector or misrepresent them in any way, or who make out false or misleading tax returns, or who cheat tradesmen by incurring debts that they can never repay, or in view of impending bankruptcy, turn over their property to a friend, with the understanding that it is later to be restored, or who have recourse to any so-called tricks of trade." "Devious" literally means "off the road"—and as applied in society means departing from a right, accepted, or common course; therefore not being straightforward. In other words it means "tricky." As we come to the end of each day and we are alone with our thoughts, does a feeling of peace steal over us, or is there remorse for an act that cannot pass the searching eye of our God? There is a way in which peace can be sought and found. THINK IT THROUGH Proverbs 15:8 states that "the prayer of the upright is his [the Lord's] delight." In view of this, how can we delight God with our prayers? "When a man is indeed connected with God, and is keeping His law in truth, his life will reveal the fact.... He will not sell his honor for gain. His principles are built upon the sure founda- tion, and his conduct in worldly matters is a transcript of his principles. Firm integrity shines forth as gold amid the dross and rubbish of the world. Deceit, falsehood, and unfaithfulness may be glossed over and hidden from the eyes of man, but not from the eyes of God."—Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 310. FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 4, pp. 309-311. 43 Honesty LESSON 5 ❑ Tuesday January 25 Part 3 "Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are ETHICS IN alike abomination to the Lord." BUSINESS "It is naught, it is naught, saith the buyer: but when he is gone his way, then he boasteth" (Prov. 20:10, 14). The Word of God portrays men in all their greedy humanness, and the picture is not attractive. Commonly accepted standards of t hee commercial world may place achievement above strict integrity. The Bible penetrates behind the business deal and investigates the mechanism by which it was carried off: "Divers weights," "divers measures," "a false balance (verse 23)," all are hateful to God. Notice other dishonest practices con- demned in the Bible: (1) lying about a lost article (Lev. 6:3); (2) holding back wages (Jer. 22:13; James 5:4); (3) non-payment of debts (Ps. 37:21). "Especially in these days when the keen edge of morality is becoming increasingly dull, it is well to remember that adultera- tion, concealment of defects, the misrepresentation of quality, and the employment of false weights or measures are all the acts of a thief as much as pocket picking or shoplifting. "Employees steal when they . . . appropriate that which has not been expressly agreed upon, or neglect to do whatever work they contracted to do, or perform it in a slovenly manner, or damage the owner's property through carelessness or diminish it by waste."—SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 1, p. 606. God condemns the practice of being too close in dealing in business matters. "Those who profess to be waiting and watch- ing for the appearance of their Lord should not disgrace their profession by bantering in deal and standing for the last penny."—Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 239. THINK IT THROUGH In what respects can I more faithfully apply the golden rule in business transactions? "In all business transactions, we are to let the light shine decidedly. There is to be no sharp practice. Everything is to be done with the strictest integrity. Better consent to lose some- thing financially than to gain a few shillings by sharp practice. We shall lose nothing in the end by fair dealing. We are to live the law of God in our world, and perfect a character after the divine similitude. All business, with those in the faith and those not in the faith, is to be transacted on square, righteous principles."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commen- tary, vol. 3, p. 1158. FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 4, pp. 350, 351; The Desire of Ages, p. 556. 44 Honesty LESSON 5 ❑ Wednesday January 26 Part 4 "And with him was Aholiab, son of Ahisa mach, of the tribe of A WORKMAN'S Dan, an engraver, and a cunning workman, and an embroi- ETHICS derer in blue, and in purple, and in scarlet, and fine linen" (Ex. 38:23). The work of a skilled craftsman is something to be admired. The higher the quality of the work and the more artistic and flawless its finish, the more does it testify to the workman's opinion of the importance of his calling. Shoddiness is ever disappointing, especially when the workman or workwoman is capable of doing better. Work well done always gives satisfac- tion both to the one who does it, as well as to the one for whom it is performed. Turn a garment over and examine the workman- ship; check the fitting as you judge the work of a dressmaker or a tailor. Listen to the purr of an engine in perfect tune after repairs by a master mechanic. Observe the cabinet work in a kitchen, the laying of the floors and the finishing of doors and doorways, as you inspect a newly finished house. Then judge whether you think it is quality work. In today's highly organized society a large share of the popu- lation depends upon tradesmen to keep the houses painted, the radios playing, the electricity and water flowing, the clothes manufactured, the dents removed from a crumpled automobile fender, and even the bread baked. Applying Christian ethics to the workman, every task undertaken would be done faithfully, with the best possible skill, and great satisfaction would result. If the laborer is entitled to his just wages, paid promptly, to what is the employer entitled? The conclusion that Christian principles apply to our daily work is unavoidable. This is certainly what we would speak of as applied ethics. "Those who do nothing for their employers except that which is commanded them, when they know that the prosperity of the work depends on some extra exertion on their part, will fail to be accounted faithful servants."—Messages to Young People, p. 228. THINK IT THROUGH To what extent is an Adventist mechanic or contractor hand- icapped because he ceases his work between sundown Fri- day and sundown Sabbath? Why? "If a workman in the daily vocations of life is unfaithful and slights his work, the world will not judge incorrectly if they estimate his standard in religion according to his standard in business."—Testimonies, vol. 4, pp. 310, 311. FURTHER STUDY Christ's Object Lessons, "Talents" ("Strength"), pp. 348-351 (pp. 351-354 in 1923 ed.). 45 Honesty LESSON 5 ❑ Thursday January 27 Part 5 "We have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways; we HONESTY IN refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but DOCTRINE by the open statement of the truth we would commend our- selves to every man's conscience in the sight of God" (2 Cor. 4:2, RSV). Paul had a passion to see the Scriptures used honestly, not wresting them from their true meaning. He admonished Timothy to be a good workman in the gospel calling, "rightly handling the word of truth" (2 Tim. 2:15, RSV). If there is an innate honesty in our lives in regard to God and His truth, how will this witness for the cause of Christ? 2 Cor. 8:21. Scripture must not be quoted to justify an improper practice in one's life. Nor is it honest to choose just what portions are wanted and to disregard the rest. Every use we make of a passage of Scripture must fit in harmoniously with the whole pattern of its teaching. "Each passage of Scripture must be given its true meaning even as every brick in the wall of a building must be in its proper place, or the whole wall suffers.... Irrelevancies and secondary issues are to be subordinated to the principles that actually prepare men to conquer sin and enable them to live triumphantly in Christ."—SDA Bible Com- mentary, vol. 7, pp. 336, 337. The principle of using the Scriptures honestly applies also to the use and interpretations of the writings of Ellen White. To quote out of context, or to otherwise wrest the meaning of passages is a dishonest practice condemned by Ellen G. White herself. (See Selected Messages, bk. 2, pp. 82, 83; bk. 1, pp. 42-44; Testimonies to Ministers. pp. 42, 43.) THINK IT THROUGH For what reason do people distort or misapply the Scrip- tures? Has this tendency ever entered into my own thinking? "Brethren, cling to your Bible, as it reads, and stop your criticisms in regard to its validity, and obey the Word, and not one of you will be lost... . "Simplicity and plain utterance are comprehended by the illiterate, by the peasant, and the child as well as by the full- grown man or the giant in intellect. . .. In the very same way that they [those who wish to pervert the writings] treat the writings in my published articles and in my books, so do skeptics and infidels treat the Bible. They read it according to their desire to pervert, to misapply, to willfully wrest the utterances from their true meaning."—Selected Mes- sages, bk. 1, pp. 18, 19. FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 520, 521. 46 Honesty LESSON 5 ❑ Friday January 28 Part 6 "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso MERCY TO confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy" (Prov. THE REPENTANT 28:13). One of the duties of the Holy Spirit is to help a sinner be honest with himself. Otherwise, he will never take the steps of repentance and confession. (See John 16:8.) What is the sin against the Holy Ghost, and how does it operate? Matt. 12:31, 32. "Light comes to the soul through God's word, through His servants, or by the direct agency of His Spirit; but when one ray of light is disregarded, there is a partial benumbing of the spiritual perceptions, and the second revealing of light is less clearly discerned. So the darkness increases, until it is night in the soul."—The Desire of Ages, p. 322. At the same time the wrongdoer must take the additional steps of ceasing his dishonest practice and seeking to resist all future temptation in the strength of God. (See Phil. 2:13; 1 Cor. 10:13). Sins to which the dishonest person has been clinging must be removed in God's way—they cannot be carried over into the eternal world. Can it be imagined that there will be dishonesty of any type in heaven? The purpose of confession and repentance is to remove from the life of the sinner the wrong practices and the accompanying guilt feelings that stand between him and God. When we receive Jesus as our Sin Bearer He can put our doubts to rest and heal our wounded souls. THINK IT THROUGH Recall how Jacob, guilty of tricking his father and supplant- ing his brother, wrestled with the angel. Does his experience have a lesson for me? "Many a sin is left unconfessed to confront the sinner in the day of final account; better far to confront your sins now, to confess them and put them away, while the atoning Sacrifice pleads in your behalf. Do not fail to learn the will of God on this subject."—Selected Messages, bk. 1, p. 327. "Christ is the source of every right impulse. He is the only one that can implant in the heart enmity against sin. Every desire for truth and purity, every conviction of our own sinfulness, is an evidence that His Spirit is moving upon our hearts."—Steps to Christ, p. 26. "Confession will not be acceptable to God without sincere repentance and reformation. There must be decided changes in the life; everything offensive to God must be put away."—Steps to Christ, p. 39. FURTHER STUDY Steps to Christ, "Repentance," pp. 23-36. 47 6. THE CHRISTIAN THE CHRISTIAN AND HIS LIVING services supplied by others, and the LESSON 6 January 30 to February 5 whole economic fabric keeps in "And the Lord God took the man, balance. This is a relationship that few, and put him into the garden of Eden to if any, escape; a large proportion of dress it and to keep it" (Gen. 2:15). the people work for money or wages. Christians live in this world (though In the very beginning of human their spiritual citizenship is in heaven) history it is seen that man is related to and are involved in making a living. As his environment in such a way that he they do this they must never cease to is to be active in developing that be less Christian. What are the environment and in supplying his Christian principles that relate to needs to live. making a living? In this week's lesson Man was given dominion over the we will- note some of these principles. newly created world, was given the Ellen White wrote in Education. seeds and the fruit of the plants and page 215, about the direction that trees for food, and was provided a should be given to training the youth. home—the Garden of Eden—which In one paragraph she summed up the he was to dress and keep. His life then place that work should have in life. was not very complicated, for the plan Note that she viewed it as (1) practical of God for him provided him with a and (2) developmental. dwelling and food. "The youth need to be taught that After the Fall man was driven from life means earnest work, the garden which had been his home. responsibility, care-taking. They need He would now have to till the less a training that will make them responsive soil in the sweat of his face, practical—men and women who can and with the added difficulty that the cope with emergencies. They should earth would bring forth thorns and be taught that the discipline of thistles. The sinful pair first used systematic, well-regulated labor is leaves for garments, and later skins of essential, not only as a safeguard animals. against the vicissitudes of life, but as Today we live in very different an aid to all-round development." circumstances with very complicated relationships. One sector of society DAILY HIGHLIGHTS produces the food and fibers. Another 1. Work—Its Value and Dignity (Prov. processes the food and manufactures 28:19) clothing. A special group builds 2. Acquiring Wealth (Deut. 8:18; dwellings, while another makes Prov. 23:4) furniture. Other large sectors supply 3. Ambition, Industry (1 Thess. 4:11, the services such as water, electricity, 12) heat, sanitation, transportation, and 4. Prudence (Prov. 27:23, 24) communications. To facilitate all these 5. Uses of Money (Prov. 13:7) arrangements we make use of a 6. Laboring to Serve (Eph. 4:28) medium of exchange called money. With this we can purchase goods or ND HIS LI\IING In the arena of a person's work he often shows the true depth of his religion. The Christian and His Living LESSON 6 ❑ Sunday January 30 Part 1 "He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he WORK—ITS VALUE that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough" AND DIGNITY (Prov. 28:19). As we review Bible history, we see many examples of people at work earning their daily bread. Jesus was a worker. Carpentry was His trade; and His example of industry is for our learning. Paul was a tent maker. Dorcas is recorded as a seamstress; David a shepherd; several of the disciples were fishermen. What incidents show that work activity was not looked upon as degrading by the sons of the prophets? 2 Kings 6:1-7. Briefly, what activities are mentioned in the list of charac- teristics of a "virtuous woman" in Proverbs 31:10-31? In the industrial societies today are found the "white-collar" and "blue-collar" workers. In a total organization it is necessary that some be supervisors and some workers. But all share in the dignity of work, and all draw their rewards from its successful accomplishment. No work, no task, is in itself degrading if it is necessary for the health and well-being of the whole group, and if it is performed in a workmanlike manner. Some tasks are much more pleasant than others. Around the home such jobs as cleaning or washing the clothes or the dishes are often looked upon as the least glamorous in the round of duties. On the farm, the workers would much rather gather in the harvest than to clean out the stalls of animals or mend fences and roads. Always, in all processes, there are the tedious, unavoidable jobs that take patience and perseverance. But none of them can be neglected lest all suffer as a conse- quence. THINK IT THROUGH How can one best be happy in his work? Is it wrong to seek advancement in one's work activity or calling? "At the creation, labor was appointed as a blessing. It meant development, power, happiness. The changed condition of the earth through the curse of sin has brought a change in the conditions of labor; yet though now attended with anxiety, weariness, and pain, it is still a source of happiness and de- velopment. And it is a safeguard against temptation. Its disci- pline places a check on self-indulgence, and promotes industry, purity, and firmness. Thus it becomes a part of God's great plan for our recovery from the Fall."—Education, p. 214. FURTHER STUDY Education, pp. 214-222. 50 The Christian and His Living LESSON 6 ❑ Monday January 31 Part 2 "Thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that ACQUIRING WEALTH giveth thee power to get wealth" (Deut. 8:18). "Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom" (Prov. 23:4). Many of our outlooks on life are affected by our attitude toward money or wealth. The Bible has quite a little to say about wealth, both the acquiring and the use of it. Wealth in itself is not condemned; in fact some Bible characters who are mentioned as serving God were blessed with it, such as Abraham (Gen. 13:2), Solomon (1 Kings 10:23), and Job (1:3). Riches as such do not have a moral quality, but the one who uses them does. Character is to be valued above riches. "A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked" (Ps. 37:16). One makes a mistake if he trusts to riches (Prov. 11:28). Espe- cially are we warned about the method used in gathering riches (Prov. 21 :6; 28:8). Because of the dangers that lurk in riches, the Bible writer chose the middle road. "Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the Lord? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain" (Prov. 30:8, 9). Is the ability to acquire wealth readily, as seen in some individuals, a gift bestowed by God? If so, what is the respon- sibility of its possessor? (See Deut. 8:17, 18.) The admonition of Proverbs 23:4, "Labour not to be rich," is a warning against making selfish gain the goal of life. It is an admonition against permitting money to be the chief motivating force in the life. The rapid accumulation of riches to the point where one is able to retire while young and give the rest of his life to idleness and pleasure seeking is not a blessing. Work has its benefits through all the life, from the earliest to the latest years. THINK IT THROUGH What are the main purposes in my work? to make a living ?to do a job well? to get rich? to leave money for my family? to have something for the church and those in need? What changes should I make? "It is God who gives men power to get wealth, and He has bestowed this ability, not as a means of gratifying self, but as a means of returning to God His own. With this object it is not a sin to acquire means.... The Bible condemns no man for being rich if he has acquired his riches honestly. It is the selfish love of money wrongfully employed that is the root of all evil."— Testimonies, vol. 6, pp. 452, 453. FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 258-263. 51 4-ASSL 1-77 The Christian and His Living LESSON 6 ❑ Tuesday February 1 Part 3 What three aspirations did Paul recommend to the Thes- AMBITION salonian believers, and why? INDUSTRY "To aspire to live quietly, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we charged you; so that you may command the respect of outsiders, and be dependent on no- body" (1 Thess. 4:11, 12, RSV). The apostle Paul had little sympathy for idlers and gave a good personal example to the believers, for he said, "We were not idle when we were with you, we did not eat any one's bread without paying, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not burden any of you" (2 Thess. 3:7, 8, RSV). And a little farther in the text he said, "If any one will not work, let him not eat" (verse 10). Regarding the situation among the Thessalonians it is said that some were teaching that in view of the second advent it was too late to work at ordinary pursuits. As a result, some had stopped working for a livelihood and were depending for sup- port upon the generosity of their brethren. In the book of Proverbs diligence is extolled (Prov. 10:5; 6:6-11; 24:30-34). In the Psalms is given a pleasant picture of the contented family life of a workingman who fears God: "Thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee. Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine at the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table" (Ps. 128:2, 3). Surely God wants us to be busy and contented. The reward of the righteous in the new earth is that they will labor and produce and enjoy the fruitage of their labors. (See Isa. 65:21-23.) THINK IT THROUGH In view of the nearness of the end, should I continue to work as usual, work harder, or take life more easily? Give reason for your answer. "Life is too solemn to be absorbed in temporal and earthly matters, in a treadmill of care and anxiety for the things that are but an atom in comparison with the things of eternal interest. Yet God has called us to serve Him in the temporal affairs of life. Diligence in this work is as much a part of true religion as is devotion. The Bible gives no indorsement to idleness. It is the greatest curse that afflicts our world. Every man and woman who is truly converted will be a diligent worker."—Christ's Ob- ject Lessons, p. 343. FURTHER STUDY Christ's Object Lessons, "Talents" ("Time"), pp. 344-346 (pp. 347-349 in 1923 ed.). 52 The Christian and His Living LESSON 6 ❑ Wednesday February 2 Part 4 "Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look PRUDENCE well to thy herds. For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?" (Prov. 27:23, 24). A Christian should develop a wholesome philosophy or out- look toward his daily work, money, and property. As a Christian philosophy it must take the principles of God's Word into ac- cou nt. The Bible urges prudence in planning, the use of foresight with respect to the business of life. The one who raises cattle, sheep, or fowl is careful to keep disease away from his animals; the tiller of the soil treats the land carefully lest it be depleted or eroded and its value diminished. The book of Proverbs counsels financial prudence. What are some of the guidelines advocated? (See Prov. 3:9, 10; 10:4; 11:15; 29:24.) The modern man gets insurance on his home and other pos- sessions, but he also applies this principle of prudence to his own life and family. He guards his health, retaining his vigor as long as possible through the best of health habits. He sends his children to school so that they will be prepared to cope with life in this modern world. Prudently he chooses a Christian school for them, for he is thinking of their eternal future. In all this he is not acting from selfish motives, but as a good steward of all that God has placed in his care. THINK IT THROUGH What moral principles are involved when we let ourselves and our affairs be ruled by inclination or thoughtlessness or the poor example of others? "God does not condemn prudence and foresight in the use of the things of this life, but the feverish care, the undue anxiety, with respect to worldly things is not in accordance with His will."—Counsels on Stewardship, p. 159. Ellen White, in 1869, wrote to a couple who looked to others for financial help. In part she said: "I was shown that you, my brother and sister, have much to learn. You have not lived within your means. You have not learned to economize. If you earn high wages, you do not know how to make it go as far as possible. You consult taste or appetite instead of prudence. At times you expend money for a quality of food in which your brethren cannot afford to indulge. Dollars slip from your pocket very easily."—Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 431, 432. FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 2, pp. 431, 432. 53 The Christian and His Living LESSON 6 ❑ Thursday February 3 Part 5 "So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich USES OF MONEY toward God" (Luke 12:21). The moral consideration is not the amount of money we have, be it great or small, but the use we make of it. Review the parable of the selfish rich man who thought only of himself and his well-fortified future, and suddenly reached the end and found all he had accumulated to be useless (Luke 12:16-21). Also, think of Cornelius, that Gentile centurion who was not only devout but also charitable, and was marked by God as one to whom the Christian gospel must be opened (Acts 10:1-6). We might also keep in mind the case of Achan whose cupidity brought disaster to the whole nation of Israel (Joshua 7:1). Among these examples of people and their possessions we could remember the lad with five barley loaves and two small fishes whose offering Jesus took and blessed and had it distrib- uted among five thousand (John 6:9-11). We all like the story of Zacchaeus, the short man who wanted to see Jesus, and when that moment came he opened his heart to the Master, telling how he exercised stewardship over his possessions (Luke 19:8). The subject of investments is a broad one and should have our spiritually sensitized attention. Ellen White, speaking of investments in her time, commented on investments in busi- ness interests in cities, in patents, in secret organizations, in the publishing work, in earthly speculations, in God's cause, and a number of other types. She speaks of Satan's pleasure in having God's people make investments in worldly enterprises. THINK IT THROUGH What principles should guide the people of God in making investments today? If my life story were to be recorded between the covers of a modern Bible, what would be the record regarding the use of my money? "Our money has not been given us that we might honor and glorify ourselves. As faithful stewards we are to use it for the honor and glory of God. Some think that only a portion of their means is the Lord's. When they have set apart a portion for religious and charitable purposes, they regard the remainder as their own, to be used as they see fit. But in this they mistake. All we possess is the Lord's, and we are accountable to Him for the use we make of it."—Christ's Object Lessons, p. 351. FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 6, pp. 450-453. 54 The Christian and His Living LESSON 6 ❑ Friday February 4 Part 6 "The thief must give up stealing, and instead work hard and LABORING honestly with his own hands, so that he may have something TO SERVE to share with the needy" (Eph. 4:28, NEB). What a remarkable transition is described by Paul in this verse, in which one who has been a thief stops his thieving, finds a useful, remunerative job, and gets the spirit of helping others who are worse off than he is. "It is a Christian privilege to give to those in need, those who would perish without such aid. The making of money for its own sake is not a Christian activity. . .. The believer works in order that he may be able to help others after having discharged his obligation to society by supporting himself. Thus he lives in marked contrast with the thief."—SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 6, p. 1028. Money represents labor, our own if we earned it, someone else's if it was acquired without our labor. Notice how Paul recounts the training he had given the church members in his last charge to the elders of the Ephesian church (Acts 20:35). He here quotes words of Jesus found nowhere else. The receiver of charity is relieved and made happy, but a greater blessing comes to the one who gives, who shares the fruit of his labor. And also, he has God's approval. (See Matt. 25:34-36.) What feeling should brethren show for each other? 1 Peter 3:8. THINK IT THROUGH Make a list of several ways in which Christians may "labor to serve," and think whether you have been using any of these ways. "Money has great value, because it can do great good. In the hands of God's children it is food for the hungry, drink for the thirsty, and clothing for the naked. It is a defense for the op- pressed, and a means of help to the sick. But money is of no more value than sand, only as it is put to use in providing for the necessities of life, in blessing others, and advancing the cause of Christ."—Christ's Object Lessons, p. 351. FURTHER STUDY Christ's Object Lessons, "Talents" ("The One Talent"), pp. 359, 360 (pp. 361-363 in 1923 ed.). 55 THC CHRISTIAN THE CHRISTIAN AND HUMAN those in need (Matt. 5:42). NEED Sharing of one's goods is taught LESSON 7 February 6-12 (Luke 3:11). "If any one has the world's goods The poor should share one's and sees his brother in need, yet hospitality (Luke 14:12-14). closes his heart against him, how does Christians are to be especially God's love abide in him? Little attentive to the needs of the brethrer children, let us not love in word or in the church (Gal. 6:10). speech but in deed and in truth" This lesson will examine some of the (1 John 3:17, 18, RSV). moral principles that apply to the Christian and his relation to those in There is danger in this modern need. world that people live lives that are so shut off from others around them that DAILY HIGHLIGHTS they fail to realize how much their 1. Material Resources (1 Sam. 2:7) personal and financial help is needed. 2. Identification of One's Neighbor The Christian is in danger of having the (Luke 10:36) wellsprings of his compassion run dry. 3. Praise of Liberality (Prov. 11:25, 26) Not only are people under 4. Rebuke for Greed. (Prov. 3:27; obligation to help the poor, the sick, 15:27) the needy, and the handicapped; but 5. Recognizing Need (Prov. 21:13; when they take the name of Christ, 28:27) they are in very character motivated to 6. Macedonian Churches (2 Cor. do so. This is one of the clearest 8:2, 3) biblical teachings both in Old and New Testament times. The practice of charging interest on the poor is condemned (Ex. 22:25, RSV). The poor were to have gleaning privileges in the fields (Lev. 19:9, 10). The poor were to have a home among the more prosperous (Lev. 25:35). The poor were to be able to borrow (Deut. 15:7, 8). There would always be poor in the land (Deut. 15:11). Special blessings were promised to those who remembered the poor (Ps. 41:1-3). The poor are entitled to righteous judgment (Prov. 31:9). Christians are to give and lend to Sharing with those in need is an ethical issue. The Christian and Human Need LESSON 7 ❑ Sunday February 6 Part 1 "The Lord maketh poor, and maketh rich; he bringeth low, MATERIAL and lifteth up" (1 Sam. 2:7). RESOURCES How much do we owe to God? First, He gave us our world and fashioned it so that the human race could live on it with all its needs supplied. God gives all men life and strength (Isa. 42:5; Ps. 29:11). Above every other ability God has given men intelli- gence (Dan. 2:21; James 1:5). All that men and women can accomplish in scientific, techni- cal, and industrial progress comes from the Creator. We may manufacture an automobile, but the raw materials come from the earth, and the intelligence to do it, from God. When Europeans and Asians became aware of the existence of the Western Hemisphere, hitherto unrealized, a great reser- voir of riches was opened for the wide use of the human race. It had rich soil, great stands of virgin timber, clean, fresh sources of water and water power, and minerals in abundance. These included gold, silver, copper, iron, nickel, and many other valu- able metals; and the valuable fossil fuels—coal, oil, and gas. And the whole continent was teeming with animal life. All of these tremendous resources contributed to the wealth of the New World, and on no basis could those who came to use and possess them assert that they themselves made this wealth. It is the same story in any part of the world, Australia, Africa, or the islands of the sea. In recounting Israel's experience enroute to Canaan, some of it a real testing experience, what was the psalmist's acknowledgment about their new home? Ps. 66:10-12. The Christian recognizes the source of all he possesses and labors for. He knows in his heart that he is indebted for all to God and His blessing (1 Tim. 6:17). In other words, he is simply God's continuous agent or manager. THINK IT THROUGH Is it a test of character for one to possess riches? For whom is the love of money a test? "God may entrust men with money and possessions, but because of this they are not to lift themselves up. All they have they hold in trust; it is lent them by God that they may develop a character like His. They are on trial. God wants to see whether they will prove themselves worthy of the eternal riches. If they use their Lord's goods to set themselves above their fellowmen, they prove unworthy of a place in the kingdom of God."— Testimonies to Ministers, p. 286. FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 3, pp. 477-479. 58 The Christian and Human Need LESSON 7 ❑ Monday February 7 Part 2 "Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour IDENTIFICATION OF unto him that fell among the thieves" (Luke 10:36)? ONE'S NEIGHBOR What a wonderful world we would enjoy if every one felt the spirit of true neighborliness toward every other person! The spirit of a neighbor is one of helpful interest in the happiness and well-being of others. This parable of the Good Samaritan shows that the spirit of true compassion has no social or ethnic or class boundaries. The spirit of charity leads one always to work "no ill to his neighbour" (Rom 13:10). What are some manifestations of the neighborly spirit? Ex. 23:1; Lev. 6:2-4. But again, who is that neighbor? It is not just the prosperous friend with whom we enjoy happy association. It is also the one who suffers, who lacks, who is neglected and overlooked. We need not wait to acknowledge him as neighbor until we know his religion, or nation, or family, or caste. When he comes to our attention and a need is apparent, he qualifies as our neighbor. A homeless flood victim or an earthquake victim halfway around the world is our neighbor. Though in distant lands a leprosy or "savage fire" patient, or an orphaned child all qualify as our neighbors. One who lives just down the street and attends church without a coat, or a widow, a shut-in, who cannot get to church is a neighbor. The neighbor may worship in a different church or not in any church, but the Bible puts him in the class of neighbor to his Christian brethren. Why should the Christian love his neighbor as himself? Because he serves that kind of God (Lev. 19:18; Matt. 5:44, 45). THINK IT THROUGH Are there any new neighbors in your area with whom you have not become acquainted? Perhaps they are waiting for a call. "Thus the question, 'Who is my neighbor?' is forever answered. Christ has shown that our neighbor does not mean merely one of the church or faith to which we belong. It has no reference to race, color, or class distinction. Our neighbor is every person who needs our help. Our neighbor is every soul who is wounded and bruised by the adversary. Our neighbor is everyone who is the property of God."—The Desire of Ages, p. 503. FURTHER STUDY Christ's Object Lessons, "Who Is My Neighbor?" pp. 383, 386, 387 (pp. 388, 389, 392, 393 in 1923 ed.). 59 The Christian and Human Need LESSON 7 ❑ Tuesday February 8 Part 3 "The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth PRAISE OF shall be watered also himself. He that withholdeth corn, the LIBERALITY people shall curse him; but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it" (Prov. 11:25, 26). What a blessing when the ownership of property and means, and the possession of a God-given spirit of compassion, come together in the same person! Here the Christian sense of stew- ardship is at its bounteous best as possessions are shared generously and intelligently to help sustain causes and persons that will suffer unless charity does its good work. The practice of liberality will be marked in God's record particularly when the gift is given privately and without ostentation and with no thought of reward or recognition. For example, a Christian young lady working as a secretary has quietly been contributing a good portion of her income to a fund for students in need, feeling that this is the area where God has shown her she can best serve His cause. The opposite picture, revealed in the text, is that of one who takes advantage of his economically advantaged position and uses his power to create a condition that will further enrich himself. It is the old practice of getting a "corner on the market," so as to raise the price artificially, so that the manipulator can make an excessive profit. In time of drought or other sources of crop failure, the one who happens to have a good crop might have many people at his mercy and demand especially high prices for his hoard of grain, for food or for seed. Notice what the prophet Amos (ch. 8:4-7) had to say about selfish merchan- dising. What is the difference between stinginess and economy? It is not the amount involved, but the spirit behind it that counts. (See 1 Cor. 13:3.) Rich, poor, and moderately poor are on the same spiritual basis in the sight of God. THINK IT THROUGH Do you think God might entrust us with more money if He felt we would make better use of it? "Christ sanctions no lavish or careless use of means. His lesson in economy, 'Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost,' is for all His followers (John 6:12). He who realizes that his money is a talent from God will use it economi- cally, and will feel it a duty to save that he may give. "The more means we expend in display and self-indulgence, the less we can have to feed the hungry and clothe the naked."—Christ's Object Lessons, p. 352. FURTHER STUDY The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 337-339. 60 The Christian and Human Need LESSON 7 ❑ Wednesday February 9 Part 4 "Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in REBUKE FOR the power of thine hand to do it" (Prov. 3:27). GREED "He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live" (Prov. 15:27). Greed has a close relative in covetousness; and these two corroding characteristics can coexist quite comfortably in the same mind. What is the Lord's attitude toward the covetous? Ps. 10:3. These traits of character grow like noxious weeds in the soil of the unredeemed human heart. They can be choked out with the love that flows from a heart made new. Greediness and glorying in one's possessions is in a special sense a denial of God. (See Job 31:24, 25, 28.) Possessions have then become a god. The prophet Isaiah spoke of some people as "greedy dogs" (Isa. 56:11), a term that is certainly not complimentary. Jesus warned against the spirit of greed and covetousness: "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth" (Matt. 6:19). "You cannot serve God and Money" (Matt. 6:24, NEB). "He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitful- ness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful" (Matt. 13:22). God plans that Christians shall bear fruit to His glory and the benefit of His cause on earth. THINK IT THROUGH In what way does our attitude toward money and "things" reveal the depth of our Christian experience? "The love of money was the ruling passion in the Jewish age. Worldliness usurped the place of God and religion in the soul. So it is now. Avaricious greed for wealth exerts such a fascinat- ing, bewitching influence over the life that it results in pervert- ing the nobility and corrupting the humanity of men until they are drowned in perdition."—Thoughts From the Mount of Bless- ing, pp. 88, 89. "Hoarded wealth is not merely useless, it is a curse. In this life it is a snare to the soul, drawing the affections away from the heavenly treasure. In the great day of God its witness to unused talents and neglected opportunities will condemn its possessor."—Christ's Object' Lessons, p. 352. FURTHER STUDY The Desire of Ages, p. 295. 61 The Christian and Human Need LESSON 7 ❑ Thursday February 10 Part 5 "Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also RECOGNIZING shall cry himself, but shall not be heard" (Prov. 21:13). NEED "He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse" (Prov. 28:27). In many countries today there are government agencies that help the poor and unfortunate of society. Nevertheless there is still a need for church agencies and various private organiza- tions to operate assistance programs. It is proper for Christians to favor and assist in all these worthy enterprises. However, all of these avenues of practical service do not excuse a Christian from giving personal attention to the needs of individual cases that he encounters. To close his eyes against them or to harden his feelings and to turn the other way is unworthy of the name of Christian that he bears. The purpose of charity is not display or to earn the favor of Heaven; but "sincer- ity of purpose, real kindness of heart, is the motive that Heaven values."—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 81. What perversion of charity did the Pharisees practice in the time of Jesus? Matt. 6:1. Although the self-centered reason for charity noted here is condemned, there is a benefit for the unselfish giver. "The work of beneficence is twice blessed. While he that gives to the needy blesses others, he himself is blessed in a still greater degree."—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 82. A faith- ful Christian is one alert to the cry for help arising in the world around him. THINK IT THROUGH Does your church have a fund to help the poor, and do you contribute to it? Is that all you need to do for the poor and needy? "All His [the Lord's] gifts are to be used in blessing humanity, in relieving the suffering and the needy. We are to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, to care for the widow and the fatherless, to minister to the distressed and downtrodden. God never meant that the widespread misery in the world should exist. He never meant that one man should have an abundance of the luxuries of life, while the children of others should cry for bread. The means over and above the actual necessities of life are entrusted to man to do good, to bless humanity."—Christ's Object Lessons, p. 370. FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 1, pp. 168-170. 62 The Christian and Human Need LESSON 7 ❑ Friday February 11 Part 6 "In a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and MACEDONIAN their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of liberality CHURCHES on their part. For they gave according to their means, of their own free will" (2 Cor. 8:2, 3, RSV). The example of the Macedonian believers stands out as a brilliant example of planned benevolence. They had suffered severely from persecution (Acts 17:5-9; 2 Thess. 1:4-6). They were so poor that they seemed to be utterly destitute. "The abysmal poverty of Macedonia at this time was due to several factors. Three wars had desolated the area. . . . So desperate was the condition of the Macedonians that they had petitioned the emperor Tiberius for a reduction of taxes. Fur- thermore, most of the early Christians came from the poorer classes of society."—SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 6, p. 888. The example of the Macedonian churches teaches that pov- erty is never absolute, it is only relative. Even the poorest needs the spiritual exercise that comes from sharing. In the case of the poor there is danger that they indulge in bitterness and self-pity and do not sense that the privilege of stewardship is for them also. It is possible for the poor to be stingy as well as the rich, and Christian liberality applies as well to one as to the other. What was the fruit John the Baptist told the multitude they must bear? Luke 3:9-11. THINK IT THROUGH What place has benevolence in character development? Would your answer be true for both rich and poor? "Nearly all the Macedonian believers were poor in this world's goods, but their hearts were overflowing with love for God and His truth, and they gladly gave for the support of the gospel.... "The willingness to sacrifice on the part of the Macedonian believers came as a result of wholehearted consecration."— The Acts of the Apostles, p. 343. "In the balances of the sanctuary the gifts of the poor, made from love to Christ, are not estimated according to the amount given, but according to the love which prompts the sacrifice. The promises of Jesus will as surely be realized by the liberal poor man, who has but little to offer, but who gives that little freely, as by the wealthy man who gives of his abundance."— Testimonies, vol. 3, pp. 398, 399. FURTHER STUDY The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 343-345. 63 a HONOR BETW Relationships between the sexes must be based on mutual respect and equity. EN The SOO HONOR BETWEEN THE SEXES history Satan will work with all his LESSON 8. February 13-19 powers in the same manner and with "So God created man in his own the same temptations wherewith he image, in the image of God created he tempted ancient Israel just before him; male and female created he their entering the Land of Promise. He them"- (Gen. 1:27). will lay snares for those who claim to keep the commandments of God, and The existence of two kinds of human who are almost on the borders of the beings, men and women, is the heavenly Canaan. He will use his provision of a wise Creator. Sex has a powers to their utmost in order to meaningful place in God's plan, for it entrap souls and to take God's laid the basis for the family and the professed people upon their weakest growth of the race. And, like all of points. Those who have not brought God's gifts, when not abused it the lower passions into subjection to ministers to the deepest needs of the higher powers of their being, humankind and provides a basis for those who have allowed their minds to social and spiritual growth of family flow in a channel of carnal indulgence members. When the divine intent for of the baser passions, Satan is man and woman is not recognized and determined to destroy with his the boundaries set for the regulation temptations—to pollute their souls of their relationship are disregarded, with licentiousness."—The Adventist tragic consequences can come into Home, p. 327. the lives of individuals, into homes, "Don't be under any illusion: you and upon society in general. cannot make a fool of God! A man's The standards of life established by harvest in life will depend entirely on God to assure our happiness and what he sows. If he sows for his own well-being may be perverted or lower nature his harvest will be the rejected by those around us. The decay and death of his own nature. But world has turned its back on those if he sows for the Spirit he will reap the ;deals which throughout the centuries harvest of everlasting life from that have characterized Christian conduct; Spirit" (Gal. 6:7, 8, Phillips, Revised). but God's standards have not "The attributes which God prizes changed. He expects those who bear most are charity and purity. These the name of Christ not to yield to the attributes should be cherished by prevailing iniquitous practices that are every Christian."—Testimonies, vol. condoned even in sophisticated 5, p. 85. circles. The believer is to respect the DAILY HIGHLIGHTS bodies of other people, honor his own 1. The Creator's Plan (Gen. 2:24) body, and honor God's name in 2. Marriage (Mark 10:9) thought, word, and deed. This subject 3. Promiscuity (1 Thess. 4:3-5) of relations between the sexes is of 4. Marriage With Unbelievers (2 Cor. special importance in these last days. 6:14) Ellen White wrote: 5. Divorce, Remarriage (Matt. 19:9) "Near the close of this earth's 6. Love in Honor (Gen. 24:67) Honor Between the Sexes LESSON 8 ❑ Sunday February 13 Part 1 "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and THE CREATOR'S shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh" (Gen. PLAN 2:24). God created Adam and Eve, the original pair that began the biological process by which the earth was to be peopled. God established the institution of marriage and it carries the divine endorsement. It did not arrive after ages and ages in a long and tedious process of development; nor did it happen by accident. It is a part of God's design, basic to the needs and happiness of man. In His earthly mission, what was Jesus' intention with re- gard to the marriage institution? Matt. 19:5, 6. "He [Jesus] came not to destroy the sacred relationship of marriage, but to exalt it and restore it to its original sanctity."— The Adventist Home, p. 121. Marriage is one of the most sensitive areas of Christian deci- sion making. There is a rightness and wrongness, based on God's Word, relating to one's treatment of the opposite sex and to marriage. The times and customs may change and become evil like the days of Noah and of Sodom, but God's plan for the relationships between men and women stands vindicated in the lives of His followers. The question of the relation of men and women is not basi- cally asocial question or a legal one, but is at heart a theological one having to do with an individual's relation to God, and involv- ing his spiritual nature. Jesus, at the beginning of His earthly ministry, was invited to a wedding in Cana and gave the event His approval, not only by attending, but also by performing His first miracle there. (See John 2:1-11.) The relation of husband and wife in marriage is used in the Bible to illustrate the relation between Christ and the church, one of honor and sacrifice of self in behalf of the other in love. (See Eph. 5:23-27; Hosea 2:19, 20.) THINK IT THROUGH Is there any significance in the fact that marriage is prac- ticed all over the world? "God Himself gave Adam a companion. He provided 'an help meet for him'—a helper corresponding to him—one who was fitted to be his companion, and who could be one with him in love and sympathy.... A part of man, bone of his bone, and flesh of his flesh, she was his second self, showing the close union and the affectionate attachment that should exist in this relation."—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 46. FURTHER STUDY Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 46. 66 Honor Between the Sexes LESSON 8 ❑ Monday February 14 Part 2 "What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put MARRIAGE asunder" (Mark 10:9). "In the youthful mind marriage is clothed with romance, and it is difficult to divest it of this feature, with which imagination covers it, and to impress the mind with a sense of the weighty responsibilities involved in the marriage vow. This vow links the destinies of the two individuals with bonds which naught but the hand of death should sever. "Every marriage engagement should be carefully considered, for marriage is a step taken for life. Both the man and the woman should carefully consider whether they can cleave to each other through the vicissitudes of life as long as they both shall live."—The Adventist Home, p. 340. Polygamy occurred in the Old Testament times in Israel, but by New Testament times monogamy had become the estab- lished form of marriage among the Jews. Marriage was alwayg' intended by God to be for life between two committed partners. (See Matt. 19:8, 9.) "Like every other one of God's good gifts entrusted to the keeping of humanity, marriage has been perverted by sin; but it is the purpose of the gospel to restore its purity and beauty.... "The grace of Christ, and this alone, can make this institution what God designed it should be—an agent for the blessing and uplifting of humanity. And thus the families of earth, in their unity and peace and love, may represent the family of heaven. "The condition of society presents a sad comment upon Heaven's ideal of this sacred relation. Yet even for those who have found bitterness and disappointment where they had hoped for companionship and joy, the gospel of Christ offers a solace."—The Adventist Home, p. 100. "Let those who are contemplating marriage weigh every sen- timent and watch every development of character in the one with whom they think to unite their life destiny. Let every step toward a marriage alliance be characterized by modesty, simplicity, sincerity, and an earnest purpose to please and honor God. Marriage affects the afterlife both in this world and in the world to come. A sincere Christian will make no plans that God cannot approve."—The Ministry of Healing, p. 359. FURTHER STUDY Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 175, 176. 67 Honor Between the Sexes LESSON 8 ❑ Tuesday February 15 Part 3 "This is the will of God, that you should be holy: you must PROMISCUITY abstain from fornication; each one of you must learn to gain mastery over his body, to hallow and honour it, not giving way to lust like the pagans who are ignorant of God" (1 Thess. 4:3-5, NEB). The word "abstain" in this passage has a negative sound, and in the thinking of many moderns the negatives are not to rule. However we must recall that all of God's Ten Commandments except one and part of another one, are stated negatively, the better to act as a deterrent against sin. "Abstain from fornication" (1 Thess. 4:3). "Thou shalt not commit adultery" (Ex. 20:14). These are laws of Christian living and are for our guidance and protection. Man is more than an animal, although in many respects his body functions similarly to that of certain animals. Man has more than a brain; he has a mind. He has more than a nervous system that responds to instinct, or to learned stimuli; he can be guided by reason, will, and conscience. He was given dominion over the earth. He was created a being to be held responsible for the consequences of his acts. He was meant to love God and to put God's will above his own self-pleasing desires. Can you think of some important reasons why social, family, and religious inhibitions on sexual conduct should be safeguarded and not abandoned? THINK IT THROUGH What is the meaning of the question heard in some wedding services: Wilt thou keep thyself wholly unto him (her) so long as you both shall live? "Now the works of the flesh are plain: immorality, impurity, licentiousness" (Gal. 5:19, RSV). "Make no mistake: no fornicator or idolator, none who are guilty either of adultery or of homosexual perversion . . . will possess the kingdom of God" (1 Cor. 6:9, 10, NEB). "In this degenerate age many will be found who are so blinded to the sinfulness of sin that they choose a licentious life because it suits the natural and perverse inclination of the heart. Instead of facing the mirror, the law of God, and bringing their hearts and characters up to God's standard, they allow Satan's agents to erect his standard in their hearts."—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 141. FURTHER STUDY Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, "The Spirituality of the Law" (Matt. 5:28), pp. 59, 60. 68 Honor Between the Sexes LESSON 8 ❑ Wednesday February 16 Part 4 "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for MARRIAGE WITH what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? UNBELIEVERS and what communion hath light with darkness?" (2 Cor. 6:14). This admonition not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers applies to various aspects of life, including business and recrea- tion. Marriage is one of the possible ways of unequal yoking together. In Paul's day marriage with an unbeliever usually meant mar- riage to a pagan. The ways and views of a pagan were so utterly different from the Christian faith that to marry one was like trying to join light with darkness. Among the Old Testament people of God marriage with a Canaanite was forbidden. (See Ezra 9:2, 12; Mal. 2:11.) In one of the sad experiences that came to Israel, consorting of the men with heathen women led to the worship of false gods and the death of 24,000 Israelites. (See Num. 25:1-5, 9). Writing to a sister who was considering marriage with one not united with her in religious faith, Ellen White said: "My sister, unless you would have a home where the shadows are never lifted, do not unite yourself with one who is an enemy of God."—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 363. In that same letter Ellen White asked: "Will it [this new rela- tionship] be a help to you in the Christian life? Will it be pleasing to God? .. . "What has been his past record? Is his life pure? Is the love which he expresses of a noble, elevated character, or is it a mere emotional fondness? ... Can she [the wife] honor the Saviour's claims as supreme?"—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 362. The Seventh-day Adventist Church puts its influence squarely against the marriage of its members with unbelievers and the Manual for Ministers states: "Ministers should not perform the marriage ceremony of be- lievers with unbelievers, because this is expressly contrary to the teaching of the church."—Page 97. THINK IT THROUGH What are the problems associated with the marriage of a believer to an unbeliever? "The family tie is the closest, the most tender and sacred, of any on earth. It was designed to be a blessing to mankind. And it is a blessing wherever the marriage covenant is entered into intelligently, in the fear of God, and with due consideration for its responsibilities."—The Ministry of Healing, pp. 356, 357. FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 361-368. 69 Honor Between the Sexes LESSON 8 ❑ Thursday February 17 Part 5 What is the only legitimate exception for divorce and remar- DIVORCE, riage? REMARRIAGE "And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, commit- teth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery" (Matt. 19:9). Many are the reasons marriage partners give for wanting to be divorced, such as cruelty, desertion, lack of support, or incom- patibility. Jesus commented pointedly on divorce and the be- liever must not ignore His judgment. Divorce of a spouse by a church member because the spouse was not a believer was opposed by the apostles. (See 1 Peter 3:1, 2; 1 Cor. 7:12-14.) The effect of New Testament teaching is not to make divorce and remarriage easy, but rather the oppo- site. The Seventh-day Adventist Church has studied the question of divorce and remarriage diligently and has formulated an eleven-point statement based on the Bible and the spirit of prophecy writings. It is found in the Church Manual, in chapter 15, and is the controlling policy to be followed in every Adventist church in dealing with cases that arise among its members. We quote here a meaningful paragraph which precedes the state- ment of the eleven-point position: "Those who speak for the Advent Movement are not commis- sioned of God to frame resolutions that fit the desires of the human heart, but only those that fit the heavenly standards. The question of divorce and remarriage is one that has troubled the church through all the centuries, and no easy solutions are possible for the fearful problems that men and women often create for themselves and the church by their departure from God's ideal. But spiritual problems that grow out of violated standards are never solved by lowering those standards."— Church Manual, p. 252. (1971 ed.) THINK IT THROUGH Is it better to seek divorce from a guilty marriage partner or to try to forgive and heal the injured union? "Among the Jews a man was permitted to put away his wife for the most trivial offenses, and the woman was then at liberty to marry again. This practice led to great wretchedness and sin. In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus declared plainly that there could be no dissolution of the marriage tie except for unfaith- fulness to the marriage vow."—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 63. FURTHER STUDY Selected Messages, bk. 2, pp. 339-342; Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, "The Spirituality of the Law" (Matt. 19:3), pp. 63-65. 70 Honor Between the Sexes LESSON 8 ❑ Friday February 18 Part 6 "Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah's tent, and took LOVE IN HONOR Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her: and Isaac was comforted after his mother's death" (Gen. 24:67). The Bible contains a number of love stories such as Isaac and Rebekah, Jacob and Rachel (Gen. 29:29, 30), Boaz and Ruth (Ruth 4:11-13). In all of these there is a picture of love with honor. In the area of sex relationship there is a path of dishonor. It is sinful for a person to beguile one of the other sex into a relation- ship condemned by God and the church's standards. It is no excuse to claim that the relationship is based on love. For love to be valid it must harmonize with principle, and a principle of right can never be thrust aside in an effort to justify some tawdry emotion even in the high name of love. How did Jesus demonstrate a redemptive and corrective attitude to those who had sinned and been guilty of dishonor- able conduct? John 8:3-11. There is also the path of honor between the sexes. Sex is among the things God created in the beginning, and He pro- nounced all of His creation good. (See Gen. 1:31.) If, as God said, it is good, then it is also sacred and not to be abused in any sense. The love that joins men and women in marriage under God is honorable and responsible. It is made up not only of an emo- tional response between man and woman, but also has an intellectual quality based on the approval of will and con- science. Marriage is honorable in all (Heb. 13:4). The Bible condemns those who forbid to marry (1 Tim. 4:1-3), though the way is open to those who wish to do so to refrain from marriage to serve God more fully (1 Cor. 7:32). "In both the Old and the New Testament, the marriage rela- tion is employed to represent the tender and sacred union that exists between Christ and His people. To the mind of Jesus the gladness of the wedding festivities pointed forward to the re- joicing of that day when He shall bring home His bride to the Father's house, and the redeemed with the Redeemer shall sit down to the marriage supper of the Lamb."—The Desire of Ages, p. 151. FURTHER STUDY The Adventist Home, pp. 105-113. 71 9 THE CHRISTIAN Responsibilities in the area of citizenship carry moral implications. `ID THE STAlE THE CHRISTIAN AND THE STATE condemning authorities and LESSON 9 February 20-26 governments wholly in His own "Render therefore to all their dues: keeping. In meekness and love let us tribute to whom tribute is due; custom as faithful sentinels defend the to whom custom; fear to whom fear; principles of truth as it is in honour to whom honour" (Rom. Jesus."—Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 397. It 13:7). is the Christian's part to relate to unjust situations helpfully and to The Christian waits in this world for endeavor to use the processes of Jesus to return. At that time He will set reason and education to correct an up His perfect government based on imbalance or misunderstanding on love and loyalty. Until then the the part of a civil officer. Christian has to live in his community By His life and teaching Jesus set us a of the world as a citizen of a state perfect example in relation to earthly under the secular laws of his governments. The effect of this government. teaching in the individual life was Not only is he expected to live under revolutionary, but He led no this rule of secular law as does any movement against the governments of other citizen, but he is also to remain His time. obedient to God's requirements. He "The government under which has given his life and will to the Jesus lived was corrupt and lordship of Jesus Christ. Sometimes in oppressive; on every hand were this situation he has to make ethical crying abuses,—extortion, decisions that clash with the laws that intolerance, and grinding cruelty. Yet regulate his citizenship in his the Saviour attempted no civil community. The question is, To what reforms. He attacked no national extent is he justified in making and abuses, nor condemned the national holding to such decisions? enemies. He did not interfere with the The Christian must not think of his authority or administration of those in earthly citizenship as mostly negative. power. He who was our example kept Rather, there is a positive, obedient aloof from earthly governments." attitude which he must cultivate with —The Desire of Ages, p. 509. respect to the officials in his city, state, DAILY HIGHLIGHTS or country. 1. Citizenship of Christians (Phil. 3:20) We must remember that even the 2. Love in the Christian best of secular codes under which Commonwealth (2 Cor. 5:14) men live together are administered by 3. The State Ordained of God (Rom. people who are human and faulty. 13:1, 2) Thus at times emotionalism, or 4. The State Requires Obedience favoritism, or self-interest, or (Rom. 13:3-5) narrowness of understanding may 5. Duality of Christian Obligations make the administration of the laws (Matt. 22:21) less than just. 6. Loyalty to God Paramount (Acts "Let God have the matter of 4:19; 5:29) The Christian and the State LESSON 9 ❑ Sunday February 20 Part 1 "But our commonwealth is in heaven, and from it we await a CITIZENSHIP OF Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ" (Phil. 3:20, RSV). CHRISTIANS In the writings of the apostle Paul the words in KJV translated "conversation" in Philippians 3:20; and "commonwealth" in Ephesians 2:12, and "fellowcitizens" in Ephesians 2:19 are all related linguistically to one Greek root that has to do with citizenship. Paul is saying simply that the Christian is a citizen of a heavenly kingdom, the one that Jesus announced at the be- ginning of His ministry when He said "Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matt. 4:17). In the symbolic description of Jesus in Revelation 19:11-16, what position of Jesus is emphasized? When we speak of a kingdom, we imply the existence of a ruler, of laws, and of subjects. All these are present in the kingdom of heaven established by Jesus. Christ is the King (John 18:36), His followers are the citizens (Eph. 2:19). At pres- ent it is a spiritual kingdom (Luke 17:21), but it is no less real. Those who accept Jesus as Redeemer and Lord are delivered from the power of darkness and are translated "into the king- dom of his dear Son" (Col. 1:13). Those who are Christ's are heirs of the kingdom (James 2:5) which is an everlasting king- dom (2 Peter 1:11). This kingdom of heaven is nothing less than God's government which ruled from eternity, was repudiated by our first parents at the Fall, and to which we return when we become His subjects. THINK IT THROUGH Christians are sometimes accused of paying too little atten- tion to the problems of this present world. Do you think it is a fair accusation? Why? Or why not? "God placed man under law, as an indispensable condition of his very existence. He was a subject of the divine government, and there can be no government without law."—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 49. "The kingdom of grace was instituted immediately after the fall of man, when a plan was devised for the redemption of the guilty race. It then existed in the purpose and by the promise of God; and through faith, men could become its subjects. Yet it was not actually established until the death of Christ."—The Great Controversy, pp. 347, 348. "The Saviour's mission on earth was fast drawing to a close. Only a few months remained for Him to complete what He had come to do, in establishing the kingdom of His grace."— Christ's Object Lessons, pp. 253, 254. FURTHER STUDY Christ's Object Lessons, "Like a Grain of Mustard Seed," pp. 76-79 (pp. 75-79 in 1923 ed.). 74 The Christian and the State LESSON 9 ❑ Monday February 21 "For the love of Christ constraineth us" (2 Cor. 5:14). Part 2 It is love, not force, that motivates subjects of Christ's king- LOVE IN THE dom. "Earthly kingdoms rule by the ascendancy of physical CHRISTIAN power; but from Christ's kingdom every carnal weapon, every COMMONWEALTH instrument of coercion, is banished."—The Acts of the Apos- tles, p. 12. No one is forced or required to become a subject of the kingdom of Christ. And inside the kingdom there is freedom to follow Christ. "In Christ's kingdom there is no lordly oppres- sion, no compulsion of manner."—The Desire of Ages, pp. 550, 551. "In His [Christ's] plan of government there is no employment of brute force to compel the conscience."—Christ's Object Les- sons, p. 77. In earthly society a person's birth makes him a subject of the realm. In Christ's kingdom entrance is also by birth, a rebirth (John 3:5). One is not forced to accept this heavenly citizenship; it comes through faith in Christ, by the action of the will, by repentance and confession, all motivated by love—Christ's love for the sinner, and the sinner's loving response to that tender, winning appeal. Once in the kingdom of Christ, the subject adopts the ways of the kingdom, its principles and its requirements. He is always alert to these and wants to fulfill his obligation to live as a subject of that kingdom. He must be faithful to it and never deny its claims upon him. To do so is to deny Christ, his Lord (Matt. 10:33). THINK IT THROUGH What is the best identification of our membership in the heavenly commonwealth? "Not by the decisions of courts or councils or legislative assemblies, not by the patronage of worldly great men, is the kingdom of Christ established, but by the implanting of Christ's nature in humanity through the work of the Holy Spirit."—The Desire of Ages, p. 509. "H is court is one where holy love presides, and whose offices and appointments are graced by the exercise of charity. He charges His servants to bring pity and lovingkindness, His own attributes, into all their office work, and to find their happiness and satisfaction in reflecting the love and tender compassion of the divine nature on all with whom they associate."—Ellen G. White Comments, SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 5, p. 1111. FURTHER STUDY The Desire of Ages, pp. 547-551. 75 The Christian and the State LESSON 9 ❑ Tuesday February 22 Part 3 "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there THE STATE is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of ORDAINED OF GOD God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God" (Rom. 13:1, 2). "The powers that be are ordained of God." Considering the evil nature of some secular powers that have existed through the course of history, this seems to be a most difficult statement to accept. The lesson in it for Christians is that they recognize the authority of rulers as God-given, and that their own concern is to be good citizens. "The Christian ... will not presume to take it into his own hands to resist or to depose 'the powers that be.' "—SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 6, p. 626. Paul was writing to the Roman Christians at a most turbulent time in the Jewish history. Incidents of rebellion against the Roman power were frequent among the Jews. Christians were not to be involved in such rebellions, evil and despotic though the controlling government might be. Christians were to live in cooperation with their appointed rulers, showing an example of loyalty and order in things relat- ing to this life. Notice the ways in which Christians could sup- port their rulers: 1. They would be obedient to magistrates (Titus 3:1). 2. They would pray for authorities (1 Tim. 2:1, 2). 3. They would submit to laws (1 Peter 2:13, 14). 4. They would honor the king (1 Peter 2:17). 5. They would pay their taxes (Rom. 13:7). All in all, the Christian folldwing these admonitions would be an ideal citizen. We can hardly think of one joining in undermin- ing the authority of government officers. Who is the ultimate Ruler over all? Dan. 4:25 THINK IT THROUGH Can you think of one or more instances in sacred history where a secular ruler or government carried out God's pur- pose? "We should not work in a manner that will mark us out as seeming to advocate treason. We should weed out from our writings and utterances every expression that, taken by itself, could be so misrepresented as to make it appear antagonistic to law and order. Everything should be carefully considered, lest we place ourselves on record as encouraging disloyalty to our country and its laws. We are not required to defy authorities. There will come a time when, because of our advocacy of Bible truth, we shall be treated as traitors; but let not this time be hastened by unadvised movements that stir up animosity and strife."—Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 394. FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 6, pp. 394-397. 76 The Christian and the State LESSON 9 ❑ Wednesday February 23 Part 4 "For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. THE STATE Would you have no fear of him who is in authority? Then do REQUIRES what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's OBEDIENCE servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain; he is the servant of God to execute his wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be subject, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience" (Rom. 13:3-5, RSV). One's view of government is necessarily affected by his view of history and the development of governmental patterns. The Christian expresses the proposition that God is, and throughout history has been, in ultimate control of affairs in this world. There are those who, on the other hand, view world history as having come through its various stages as the pro- duct of man's struggles, his growth in wisdom, and his response to his environment. In their thinking there is no God who has a guiding role in the affairs of men. They do not feel any need to give any thought to an obligation to God as they strive by their own efforts to make changes or to improve their condition. The Christian never embarks on any course of action without sensing his duty to act within the knowledge and plans of God. This leads him to examine all the issues that concern him and the state to see how they relate to his relationship to God. He must look also at how his own position may affect or influence his fellowmen. What is Peter's counsel on the Christian's relation to gov- erning authorities? 1 Peter 2:13, 14. Christians therefore accept the existence of rules as in God's plan and offer their cooperative obedience as good citizens. THINK IT THROUGH How can we express opposition to an ordinance of the state that is contrary to our duty to God without undermining re- spect for all law? When a law is unjust, is it right for Christians to go about trying to change it? "Some, I saw, have a prejudice against our rulers and laws; but if it were not for law, this world would be in an awful condition. God restrains our rulers; for the hearts of all are in His hands. Bounds are set, beyond which they cannot go. Many of the rulers are those whom Satan controls; but I saw that God has His agents, even among the rulers. And some of them will yet be converted to the truth. They are now acting the part that God would have them."—Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 203. FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 6, pp. 402, 403. 77 The Christian and the State LESSON 9 ❑ Thursday February 24 Part 5 "Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the DUALITY OF things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are CHRISTIAN God's" (Matt. 22:21). OBLIGATIONS Everyone in this world lives within some sort of political order, whether it be under a constitution, tribal law, a monarchy, or military rule. Nations and communities have government, and no individual can long insulate himself from that actuality. While some governments have a Christian philosophy, even to the point where the Christian faith is established in the govern- ment, some are based on other religious traditions, or are frankly atheistic. The Christian lives within his own political order; and, though this is a world of sin and often of injustice, he looks upon the political order as within the mind of God, even as a present part of His plan for this world. In his relationship with the state there is no absolute personal liberty; for the state, in order to continue as the state, claims a degree of power over its subjects. This situation in one's country does not cancel the fact that the Christian is also a citizen of Christ's kingdom. The Christian citizen therefore carries dual citizenship. It is certainly not ethi- cal for him to deny the claims of either one; rather, he must recognize the existence of both and endeavor to discharge the obligations of both under God. In some issues both the state and the heavenly kingdom claim legitimate authority over the Christian, for example, the laws that regulate our relationships to our fellow citizens as stealing, lying, and doing bodily harm to another. The laws of God go farther in regulating not only an ouward act but even the thoughts and motives. (See Matt. 5:21, 22, 27, 28; 2 Cor. 10:5.) Thus the Christian strives to maintain a correctness of life that makes for good citizenship on earth and loyalty to the heavenly Father. THINK IT THROUGH What are some situations where obedience to government raises problems for a Christian? How can these be resolved? "In His Gift to the world the Lord has revealed how solicitous He is that we bear in our lives the marks of our heavenly citizen- ship by letting every ray of light we have received shine forth in good works to our fellow-men."—Sons and Daughters of God, p. 42. FURTHER STUDY The Desire of Ages, p. 602. 78 The Christian and the State LESSON 9 ❑ Friday February 25 Part 6 "Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you LOYALTY TO GOD more than unto God, judge ye" (Acts 4:19). PARAMOUNT "Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29). We have noted that in some governments there is an official recognition of Christianity and even its establishment as the religion of the state. In other governments a religion other than Christianity may be the established religion. In still other gov- ernmentsthere is constitutional separation of church and state. In some situations the church as an organization seeks to use political authority or to wield social power so as to achieve its own ends. Whatever the circumstances, the individual Christian sus- tains a basic relation to God and Christ in which no earthly power can intervene to tell him what he must do. In the Biblical view the state does not possess absolute sovereignty, but the claims of the state are always limited by the claims of God. It has never been the purpose of God, who made man a free moral being, that he should live under an order based on coercion alone; and God has reserved in the mind and will of man the right to make God first in all things. Obedience to God first may result in paying a high price under an oppressive earthly rule, and many are the millions of Chris- tians who have paid that price. True Christians have always feared God above men. What was the challenging question hurled by Pharaoh at Moses and Aaron at their first encounter? Ex. 5:2. Review briefly the prophecy of Revelation 13 and its lessons and warnings regarding loyalty to God. THINK IT THROUGH Politics has been described as the art of compromise. What kind of compromise is acceptable, and which is not accepta- ble? "We are to receive this word [the Bible] as supreme authority. We are to recognize human government as an ordinance of divine appointment, and teach obedience to it as a sacred duty, within its legitimate sphere. But when its claims conflict with the claims of God, we must obey God rather than men. God's word must be recognized as above all human legislation. A 'Thus saith the Lord' is not to be set aside fora 'Thus saith the church' or a 'Thus saith the state.' The crown of Christ is to be lifted above the diadems of earthly potentates."—The Acts of the Apostles, p. 69. FURTHER STUDY The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 68, 69; The Great Controversy, p. 204. 79 10. THC PeOPE THE PEOPLE AROUND US 'regions beyond.' Christ tears away LESSON 10 February 27 to March 5 the wall of partition, the dividing "If ye fulfil the royal law according to rejudice of nationality, and teaches the scripture, Thou shalt love thy love for all the human family. He lif neighbour as thyself, ye do well" men from the narrow circle which (lames 2:8). their selfishness prescribes; He abolishes all territorial lines and The world has shrunk so that people artificial distinctions of society. He who used to live in isolated makes no difference between communities now—through the neighbors and strangers, friends ar radio, television, and print enemies. He teaches us to look upc media—find themselves looking at every needy soul as our brother, ai and evaluating diverse peoples all over the world as our field."—The Desire the world. Ages, p. 823. They are inclined to judge people by the houses they live in, their clothes, DAILY HIGHLIGHTS their diet, the color of their skin, their 1. The Christian and His Neighbor height, their hair, or the shape of the (Rom. 13:10) nose. Some are judged to be 2. Human Brotherhood (Acts 17:26 advanced, others categorized as 3. Christians and Race (Acts 10:34, primitive; some are thought of as 4. Roots of Prejudice (John 4:9) being Christian, others as heathen. 5. When God Re-creates (Col. 3:1( The migration of peoples has moved 11) masses from one continent to 6. Heaven Is Inclusive (Rev. 7:9) another, and some countries have developed populations that are mixtures of diverse strains and cultures. Travel is of great importance in making people aware of the characteristics, the values, and the problems of those who live on distant continents. The world is getting to be an open book as man becomes better and better informed about his fellowmen. And he often needs to know better the peoples that inhabit his own city or village. These, then, are "The People Around Us." And what does the Christian think and do about them? "The command, 'Go ye into all the world,' is not to be lost sight of. We are called upon to lift our eyes to the OUND us In Christ all men are brothers, yet sameness is not required. The People Around Us LESSON 10 ❑ Sunday February 27 Part 1 From what truth does Paul conclude that love fulfills the THE CHRISTIAN AND law? HIS NEIGHBOR "Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law" (Rom. 13:10). The term "neighbor" is a concept used frequently in the Bible. In the KJV it occurs in some form at least 136 times in the Old Testament and 21 times in the New Testament. The Old Testament admonitions about relationship to one's neighbor reached out to almost every situation in life. Offenses against a neighbor called for stiff penalties (Exodus 22). Taking up a reproach against a neighbor is condemned (Ps. 15:3) as is privily slandering a neighbor (Ps. 101:5). Despising a neighbor shows lack of wisdom (Prov. 11:12); and is a sin (Prov. 14:21). Sometimes mere chance makes us neighbors in the narrow sense of living nearby, in a community where our paths cross from time to time, our children play together, and even house- wives come over occasionally to borrow a cup of flour or sugar. God has cast our lot with people so as to make them our neighbors, to give them a helping hand in a crisis, to lift their morale, to share with them the truth of which we are custodians. Could we bestow a better favor upon a neighbor than to share our faith with him? Certainly God will expect us to give an account of our stewardship with respect to our influence upon and our treatment of our neighbors. In the uneven journey of life we need them and they need us. A Roman sage said that when your neighbor's house is afire your own house is endangered; and the reverse is true too. Jesus, our Example and our Lord, revealed the true meaning of "neighbor" in the parable of the Jewish priest, the Levite, and the Samaritan traveler. The neighbor principle fails in the pres- ence of personal pride or churchly indifference; it reaches across lines of racial prejudice and stuffy tradition when love and compassion fill the heart. THINK IT THROUGH Give some thought to the ninth and tenth commandments (Ex. 20:16, 17) and show how they would apply in your twen- tieth century life. "By no selfish practices can the cause of Christ be served. His cause is the cause of the oppressed and the poor. In the hearts of His professed followers there is need of the tender sympathy of Christ—a deeper love for those whom He has so valued as to give His own life for their salvation. These souls are precious, infinitely more precious than any other offering we can bring to God."—Christ's Object Lessons, pp. 383, 384. FURTHER STUDY The Desire of Ages, pp. 504, 505. 82 The People Around Us LESSON 10 ❑ Monday February 28 . Part 2 "And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell HUMAN on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times BROTHERHOOD before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation" (Acts 17:26). People are frequently driven by greed, lust, and feelings of superiority. As a result some sorry chapters have been written into history in man's dealings with his fellowmen. In some areas exploitation has been carried out in the form of colonialism, particularly by the white races over darker peoples. A particu- larly grievous relationship through the centuries has been that of master and slave. Although the days of slavery are past, there remains a sort of economic slavery where one class abuses another for profits. In the Old Testament times God recognized the evil of these unfair or unfortunate social arrangements and sought to al- leviate and to set bounds on them. Such was the purpose of the year of jubilee (Lev. 25:10, 13). In New Testament times the leaven of Christian teaching spread through the pagan nations and struck hard at slavery, polygamy, the gladiatorial contests, and similar practices. Today principles of Christian love must be applied anew to intercommunity, international, and interracial relations. Where have all of the races on earth come from? Gen. 3:20; 10:32. The "one blood" principle strikes a death blow at the claims of any group that seeks to elevate itself above another for its own selfish pride or gain. THINK IT THROUGH How does Christ's death on the cross supply us with a measure of God's regard for every portion of the human race? Are any left outside the boundary of God's concern? "During His earthly ministry Christ began to break down the partition wall between Jew and Gentile, and to preach salvation to all mankind. Though He was a Jew, He mingled freely with the Samaritans, setting at nought the Pharisaic customs of the Jews with regard to this despised people. He slept under their roofs, ate at their tables, and taught in their streets."—The Acts of the Apostles, p. 19. FURTHER STUDY The Acts of the Apostles, p. 49. 83 The People Around Us LESSON 10 ❑ Tuesday March 1 Part 3 What lesson did Peter learn from the vision of the sheet? CHRISTIANS AND RACE "Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I per- ceive that God is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him" (Acts 10:34, 35). The teachings of the Bible lead to these conclusions about race: 1. All men are a part of God's creation. 2. The burden of sin rests equally upon all, so that there is no elite race free from sin. 3. God sent Jesus to die for everyone. He died for the poor degraded cannibal of the jungle as well as for the enlightened and sophisticated people of every continent. 4. The saving, restorative, and healing work of the gospel can be received equally by any people. 5. The gospel commission places every Christian under obli- gation to teach the gospel in all parts of the world. 6. The entrance of gospel truth brings humility into relations among all the races, and as fellow Christians they are ready to bend down and wash one another's feet as fellowsaints of the same heavenly household. 7. There are no second-class saints in God's family judged on minority status, economic disadvantage, or lack of education. 8. Christ showed the way in dealing with race problems by extending the blessings of His redemptive grace to Samaritans. Phoenicians, Romans, Greeks, and Jews. 9. Racial intolerance is a judgment based on external criteria and is unsound and unchristian. THINK IT THROUGH Recall the people of various races and nationalities that live in your community and point out some of their qualities that contribute to the total culture. "In the gift of His Son for our redemption, God has shown how high a value He places upon every human soul, and He gives to no man liberty to speak contemptuously of another. We shall see faults and weaknesses in those about us, but God claims every soul as His property—His by creation, and doubly His as purchased by the precious blood of Christ. All were created in His image, and even the most degraded are to be treated with respect and tenderness. God will hold us accountable for even a word spoken in contempt of one soul for whom Christ laid down His life."—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, pp. 56, 57. FURTHER STUDY The Desire of Ages, pp. 402, 403. 84 The People Around Us LESSON 10 ❑ Wednesday March 2 Part 4 "Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that ROOTS OF thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of PREJUDICE Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans" (John 4:9). Embedded in the customs of many peoples are indications that they look down upon those of another race. It also comes out in the language as in prejudicial terms that cast a slur upon the members of another race or citizens of another country. The use of such expressions marks the user as uncouth, inconsiderate, or prejudiced. The Christian rejects these words and roots them out of his working vocabulary. There may be prejudice that is based on fear, such as fear of competition, and this should give way to a recognition that every man is entitled to an opportunity to achieve his best. An eye-opening experience is to be a visitor or a resident in a foreign land. What did God say to the children of Israel about the treatment of foreigners who might live among them? Deut. 10:19. We need to know all people better, to win their confidence, and draw them to Jesus. THINK IT THROUGH Examine your own life or culture to single out habits or ways that might be objectionable to people of another race or coun- try. "When the Holy Spirit is poured out, there will be a triumph of humanity over prejudice in seeking the salvation of the souls of human beings. God will control minds. Human hearts will love as Christ loved. And the color line will be regarded by many very differently from the way in which it is now regarded. To love as Christ loves, lifts the mind into a pure, heavenly, unselfish atmosphere."—Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 209. "No distinction on account of nationality, race, or caste, is recognized by God. He is the Maker of all mankind. All men are of one family by creation, and all are one through redemption. Christ came to demolish every wall of partition, to throw open every compartment of the temple, that every soul may have free access to God. His love is so broad, so deep, so full, that it penetrates everywhere. It lifts out of Satan's circle the poor souls who have been deluded by his deceptions. It places them within reach of the throne of God, the throne encircled by the rainbow of promise."—Christ's Object Lessons, p. 386. FURTHER STUDY Prophets and Kings, pp. 369, 370. 85 The People Around Us LESSON 10 ❑ Thursday March 3 Part 5 "And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowl- WHEN GOD edge after the image of him that created him: where there is RE-CREATES neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Bar- barian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all" (Col. 3:10, 11). There is the utmost hopefulness in the gospel of Christ toward man in whatever plight or circumstance he may be found. When Paul was writing to Titus about conditions among the people in the island of Crete, he had some very unpleasant things to say about the inhabitants. He pointed out: "One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, 'Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.' This testimony is true" (Titus 1:12, 13, RSV). Yet Paul expressed great hope for those people. Ellen White wrote of Jesus: "He sees on every hand souls in darkness, bowed down with sin and sorrow and pain. But He sees also their possibilities. He sees the height to which they may attain. Although human beings have abused their mercies, wasted their talents, and lost the dignity of godlike manhood, the Creator is to be glorified in their redemption."—Gospel Workers, p. 38. What outlook or attitude toward the race question would be absolutely necessary in the life of a successful missionary? 1 Cor. 9:22. "Never does the gospel put on an aspect of greater loveliness than when it is brought to the most needy and destitute regions. . Those who have been loathed and abandoned are through faith and pardon raised to the dignity of sons and daughters of God. Lifted above the world, they sit in heavenly places in Christ. They may have no earthly treasure, but they have found the pearl of great price."—Testimonies, vol. 7, p. 226. THINK IT THROUGH Have you ever invited persons of another race or culture to share the hospitality of your home? "We have no right to keep our minds stayed on ourselves, our preferences, and our fancies.... We have a character to main- tain, but it is the character of Christ. Having the character of Christ, we can carry on the work of God together. The Christ in us will meet the Christ in our brethren, and the Holy Spirit will give that union of heart and action which testifies to the world that we are children of God."—Testimonies, vol. 9, pp. 187, 188. FURTHER STUDY The Ministry of Healing, pp. 25, 26. 86 The People Around Us LESSON 10 ❑ Friday March 4 Part 6 "After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man HEAVEN IS could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and INCLUSIVE tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands" (Rev. 7:9). Long forgotten will be the suspicions of this sinful life on earth. Language barriers will not stand between; distances that now separate will be bridged; misconceptions that now feed human prejudices will be cleared away. No one will be jealous that those of a different race or color are there; these envies or resentments have long since, even while on earth, been cleansed away in the breadth of vision that comes with Christ's salvation and the redeemed heart. No one is degraded or humiliated; all have but one ambition, to serve one another in the spirit of their Lord. Heaven is the ultimate equalizer, both in concept and in condition. We are traveling together toward that heavenly home. We have been called from the ways and thought patterns of the world, to look on God's great humanity as He does. He is making up the jewels of His kingdom, and they display a rich variety of people. In every one Christ sees the travail of His soul and is satisfied. What did Jesus teach about where the saved will come from? Matt. 8:11; John 10:16. THINK IT THROUGH How best could a member of a minority group witness as a Christian in his community? "Christ will perform wonderful miracles if men will but do their God-given part. In human hearts today as great a transfor- mation may be wrought as has ever been wrought in genera- tions past. John Bunyan was redeemed from profanity and reveling, John Newton from slave dealing, to proclaim an up- lifted Saviour. A Bunyan and a Newton may be redeemed from among men today. Through human agents who co-operate with the divine, many a poor outcast will be reclaimed, and in his turn will seek to restore the image of God in man. There are those who have had very meager opportunities, who have walked in ways of error because they knew no better way, to whom beams of light will come."—Christ's Object Lessons, p. 236. FURTHER STUDY Selected Messages, bk. 1, pp. 257-261. 87 11. THC MORAL U9 For the Christian, ethical use of power always implies the loving, sacrificial attitude of Jesus. DI POWER THE MORAL USE OF POWER clear moral and ethical perception and LESSON 11 March 6.12 a sympathetic realization of the "Therefore all things whatsoever ye consequence of one's actions upon would that men should do to you, do those with whom one deals. ye even so to them; for this is the law "Satan is busily at work in our and the prophets" (Matt. 7:12). crowded cities. His work is to be seen in the confusion, the strife and discord Situations are present in life where between labor and capital, and the one individual has power or a position hypocrisy that has come into the of advantage over another. Such churches. That men may not take time situations occur in the relationship of to meditate, Satan leads them into a the employer or supervisor and round of gayety and pleasure-seeking, worker, parent and child, the stronger of eating and drinking. He fills them and the weaker, and the rich and the with ambition to make an exhibition poor, the official and the citizen, the that will exalt self. Step by step, the lender and the borrower, the owner world is reaching the conditions that and the renter, or the seller and the existed in the days of Noah. Every buyer. The list is almost endless. One conceivable crime is committed. The could add to the list the advantage of lust of the flesh, the pride of the eyes, the motorist over the pedestrian, of the display of selfishness, the misuse the driver of one vehicle over another, of power, the cruelty, and the force such as a car driver over a cyclist. It used to cause men to unite with could also include the relation of the confederacies and unions—binding physician and the patient, as well as themselves up in bundles for the ,the teacher and the pupil, the burning of the great fires of the last well-trained individual and the days—all these are the working of untrained or novice. Satanic agencies."—Evangelism, p. 26. Christians are accountable to God 'ot' use of the power and authority DAILY HIGHLIGHTS ich come into their possession. The 1. God's Character (Ex. 34:6, 7) en rule set forth by Christ is to be 2. The Spirit of Domination in the eal that motivates and controls World (Matt. 20:25, 26) actions. 3. Paying Back for Evil (Matt. 5:44) The exploitation of the weak by 4. Christ s Use of Power (Matt. 26:53) `those who are strong is soundly 5. Restraints (Prov. 24:17) condemned in both the Old and New 6. Christian Influence at Work (Col. Testaments. Rather, the strong are 3:13) exhorted to help bear the burdens of the weak (Acts 20:35). The Christian must reject the temptation to use power to personal advantage whether it be fOr gain, prestige, or show of authority. The standards of Christian conduct call for The Moral Use of Power LESSON 11 ❑ Sunday March 6 Part 1 What traits of His character did God reveal to Moses on GOD'S CHARACTER Mount Sinai? "And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty" (Ex. 34:6, 7). God has supreme power in the universe, in our world, and in the affairs that have to do with our salvation. He alone is worthy to exercise this great power, for it rests in a Being whose very nature is wisdom and love. It was in order to demonstrate that love and mercy that the Son of God came to save the inhabitants of our guilty, rebellious world. How different it would have been with us had God chosen to deal with us according to what we justly deserve. The condition of our world, filled as it is with deceit, immoral- ity, hatred, bloodshed, and injustice, cries out for retribution. Why does God delay in setting things right? The answer is clearly seen in the character of God as revealed in the Bible in dealing with individuals and nations in instances such as: (1) the sin of Israel (Ex. 32:9-11, 14; Num. 14:17-20); (2) the sin of David (2 Sam. 12:13,14); (3) the sparing of Nineveh (Jonah 3:10). We have another example of divine forbearance and patience in the way Jesus dealt with Peter, who denied Him during His trial (Luke 22:60-62). The character of God should be seen increasingly in the lives of Christians. THINK IT THROUGH What lessons to guide us in our relationship with those over whom we have some measure of control can we find in God's dealings with our world and His people? What evidences exist that God's sovereign power is under the control of His mercy and justice? "When we study the divine character in the light of the cross •we see mercy, tenderness, and forgiveness blended with equity and justice. We see in the midst of the throne One bearing in hands and feet and side the marks of the suffering endured to reconcile man to God. We see a Father, infinite, dwelling in light unapproachable, yet receiving us to Himself through the merits of His Son. The cloud of vengeance that threatened only misery and despair, in the light reflected from the cross reveals the writing of God: Live, sinner, live! ye penitent, believing souls, live! I have paid a ransom."—The Acts of the Apostles, p. 333. FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 737-746. 90 The Moral Use of Power LESSON 11 ❑ Monday March 7 Part 2 "Jesus called them to him and said, 'You know that in the THE SPIRIT OF world, rulers lord it over their subjects, and their great men DOMINATION IN make them feel the weight of authority; but it shall not be so THE WORLD with you" (Matt. 20:25, 26, NEB). We must all agree that there should be a proper exercise of authority by those who control in society, in the home, and even in the church. This is a part of God's order and should have our consent and cooperation. However, in the world we often witness the exercise of naked power, resulting in oppression, discrimination, extortion, per- secution, and similar injustice. This is in tune with the spirit of the world but not with the kingdom of Christ. It is in harmony with the character of the prince of this world who has always lusted for power. What are some of the characteristics ascribed to Lucifer by the prophet Isaiah? Isa. 14:12-14. "When Adam sinned, man broke away frOm the heaven- ordained center. A demon became the central power in the world. Where God's throne should have been, Satan placed his throne. The world laid its homage, as a willing sacrifice, at the feet of the enemy."—Counsels to Teachers, p. 33. The philosophy of worldly power is to have no place among the subjects of Christ's kingdom. "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world" (1 John 2:16). Notice how the spirit of domination is exercised in the last days to control the lives of people through oppression and discrimination. (See Rev. 13:16, 17.) THINK IT THROUGH In what organizations is a spirit of dominance evident? "Lucifer desired God's power, but not His character. He sought for himself the highest place, and every being who is actuated by his spirit will do the same. Thus alienation, discord, and strife will be inevitable. Domination becomes the prize of the strongest. The kingdom of Satan is a kingdom of force; every individual regards every other as an obstacle in the way of his own advancement, or a steppingstone on which he himself may climb to a higher place."—The Desire of Ages, pp. 435, 436. FURTHER STUDY Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, "The Spirituality of the Law (Matt. 5:22), pp. 55-58. 91 The Moral Use of Power LESSON 11 ❑ Tuesday March 8 Part 3 "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that PAYING BACK curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them FOR EVIL which despitefully use you, and persecute you" (Matt. 5:44). The words of Christ in the Sermon on the Mount sound so unreal and other-worldly. Some would even say they are not very workable in this thoughtless, competitive, unjust world. We are not to "resist evil" (Matt. 5:39), or to fight back when smitten (verse 39); but to yield to unjust lawsuits (verse 40), and to love our enemies (verse 44). Thus we will be children of our Father which is in heaven (verse 45). What penetrating, difficult instruction this is for us in our human frame of thinking! It is difficult for us humanly to imagine how it is possible for the meek to inherit the earth (verse 5). How can they ever hold out? What principle is especially enjoined upon the brethren in their relations one with another? 1 Peter 3:8, 9. It is only as we have the mind of God, as we begin to become sharers of His nature, that we come to understand how such a renewal of human attitudes can take place, and how valid are the principles Jesus proclaimed. Our minds need to be cleansed from the prides and worldly standards of this life, and spiritually sensitized repeatedly by the flooding of the Spirit into our hearts. The Christian can only agree with Paul's statement about God's evaluation that "the wisdom of this world is foolishness" (1 Cor. 3:19). How can we refrain from paying back evil with evil? By recog- nizing that our case is in God's hands, as Joseph did with his brothers who had wronged him so terribly in his youth. THINK IT THROUGH Does making others suffer really heal our own wounds? How far should we go in claiming our dues in the face of open dishonesty on the part of others? "Strength of character consists of two things—power of will and power of self-control. Many youth mistake strong, uncon- trolled passion for strength of character; but the truth is that he who is mastered by his passions is a weak man. The real great- ness and nobility of the man is measured by the power of the feelings that he subdues, not by the power of the feelings that subdue him. The strongest man is he, who, while sensitive to abuse, will yet restrain passion and forgive his enemies. Such men are true heroes."—Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 656. FURTHER STUDY Christ's Object Lessons, "Shall Not God Avenge His Own?" pp. 171-173 (pp. 175, 176 in 1923 ed.). 92 The Moral Use of Power LESSON 11 ❑ Wednesday March 9 Part 4 "Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he CHRIST'S USE shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?" OF POWER (Matt. 26:53). The attitude of Christ toward the use of power is in striking contrast to the attitudes of the world and even of those of His followers nearest to Him. To Pilate He declared: "My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight" (John 18:36). When Peter d rew the sword and cut off the ear of the high priest's servant, Jesus rebuked him and accepted the indignity that lay ahead (verses 10, 11). James and John wanted Jesus to call fire down from heaven upon a village of the Samaritans who would not show hospitality to Him and His party. He rebuked them and said, "Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of" (Luke 9:55). He declined to say who should sit at His right and left in His kingdom, leaving that with His Father to decide (Matt. 20:23). On the other hand, Jesus drove out the merchants and money changers from the temple, saying they had made it a den of thieves (Matt. 21:12, 13). He was zealous to enhance God's honor, not to exercise His own authority. Christ had power to forgive sins and did not hesitate to exercise it (Matt. 9:6; John 8:11). He bestowed upon His twelve disciples power to cast out unclean spirits and to heal diseases (Matt. 10:1). Jesus Himself spoke with an authority that generated confidence in the minds of His listeners (Luke 4:32, 36). Christ used His power to instruct, heal, combat the forces of evil, and overcome their results. He never used His power for display, selfish reasons, or to prove Himself to His critics. Herein we discern the holiness of His character: knowing He pos- sessed the power, He used it with such discrimination. He saw that genuine changes in men's thought and action come about only by reason and persuasion. What does Peter point out as one way in which Jesus uses His great power? 2 Peter 1:3. "Christ has given us His life as a pattern, and we dishonor Him when we become jealous of every slight, and are ready to resent every injury, supposed or real. It is not an evidence of a noble mind to be prepared to defend self, to preserve our own dignity. We would better suffer wrongfully a hundred times than wound the soul by a spirit of retaliation, or by giving vent to wrath. There is strength to be obtained of God. He can help. He can give grace and heavenly wisdom."—Testimonies, vol. 2, pp. 426, 427. FURTHER STUDY Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, "The Beatitudes" (Matt. 5:5), pp. 13-18. 93 The Moral Use of Power LESSON 11 ❑ Thursday March 10 Part 5 "Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine RESTRAINTS heart be glad when he stumbleth" (Prov. 24:17). Saul, out of jealousy and moved by a perverse, evil spirit, endeavored to take David's life. On two occasions during this time Saul fell under David's power. At one time David cut off the skirt of Saul's robe, but later repented that he had acted so boldly and disrespectfully toward the king (1 Sam. 24:4-6). On another occasion David and Abishai penetrated Saul's camp at night and took away his spear and cruse of water. David refused to take the life of the king when it was within his power to do so (1 Sam. 26:8-12). Abraham refused to exericse his seniority and authority over his nephew, Lot. He gave Lot his choice of territory to avoid clashes between their herdsmen (Gen. 13:7-9). "The cultivation of a uniform courtesy, a willingness to do to others as we would wish them to do to us, would annihilate half the ills of life. The spirit of selfaggrandizement is the spirit of Satan; but the heart in which the love of Christ is cherished, will possess that charity which seeketh not her own."—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 133. When asked about the tares growing among the wheat, the householder instructed the servants to let the tares remain until the harvest time (Matt. 13:27-30). Unhappily, now as well as in Bible times, many show lack of restraint in the use of power. For an extreme example, see the story of how Herod had John the Baptist beheaded (Mark 6: 25-28). THINK IT THROUGH How does the exercise of restraint apply at home? at school? at work? in traveling on the highway? "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another" (Rom. 12:10). "Every true Christian will develop in his life the characteris- tics of this divine love; he will reveal a spirit of forbearance, of beneficence, and a freedom from envy and jealousy. This character developed in word and act will not repulse, and will not be unapproachable, cold, and indifferent to the interests of others. The person who cultivates the precious plant of love will be self-denying in spirit, and will not yield self-control even under provocation. He will not impute wrong motives and evil intentions to others, but will feel deeply over sin when discov- ered in any of the disciples of Christ."—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 123. FURTHER STUDY The Ministry of Healing, pp. 485-487; The Desire of Ages, p. 466. 94 The Moral Use of Power LESSON 11 ❑ Friday March 11 Part 6 "Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any CHRISTIAN INFLU- man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, ENCE AT WORK so also do ye" (Col. 3:13). The Old Testament sets forth principles of ethical conduct. Lending money at an exorbitant rate of interest was especially pointed out as unjust (Ex. 22:25). Even a poor person's raiment, taken as a pledge, was to be returned before the coldness of the night set in (verses 26, 27). Amos called for justice and righ- teousness to be exercised in the nation (Amos 5:24). What is the instruction in the New Testament about the behavior of believers toward others? Guard against the source of wars and fightings among you (James 4:1); put off anger, wrath, malice (Col. 3:8); lay aside malice, guile, envies (1 Peter 2:1); show the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-24). THINK IT THROUGH In what ways should I improve in exercising care and re- straint toward others and in seeing that my attitudes and actions are just? "God has given to men talents of influence which belong to Him alone, and no greater dishonor can be done to God than for one finite agent to bring other men's talents under his absolute control, even though the benefits of the same be used to the advantage of the cause. In such arrangements one man's mind is ruled by another man's mind, and the human agency is sepa- rated from God and exposed to temptation. Satan's methods tend to one end—to make men the slaves of men. And when this is done, confusion and distrust, jealousies and evil surmisings, are the result. Such a course destroys faith in God and in the principles which are to control, to purge from guile and every species of selfishness and hypocrisy. "The high-handed power that has been developed, as though position has made men gods, makes me afraid, and ought to cause fear. It is a curse wherever and by whomsoever it is exercised. This lording it over God's heritage will create such a disgust of man's jurisdiction that a state of insubordination will result. The people are learning that men in high positions of responsibility cannot be trusted to mold and fashion other men's minds and characters. The result will be a loss of confi- dence even in the management of faithful men."—Testimonies to Ministers, pp. 360, 361. FURTHER STUDY Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, "The Beatitudes" (Matt. 5:7), pp. 21-24. 95 12.11-1C MORAL M In this dark world the Christian should be a source of light and strength. THE MORAL MAN responsible to let it shine forth. LESSON 12 March 13-19 Someone may light his taper from "That you may be blameless and yours, and his light may be the means nnocent, children of God without of leading others out from the ilernish in the midst of a crooked and darkness."—Testimonies, vol. 9, lerverse generation, among whom p. 171. rou shine as lights in the world" (Phil. l:15, RSV). DAILY HIGHLIGHTS 1. Hypocrisy (Luke 18:9) The truly moral man or woman 2. Source of True Righteousness stands out as a member of God's (Rom. 3:21, 22) mobility. His heart is moved by love to 3. No Salvation by Works (Rom. 3:20) sod, he longs to know God better, 4. Love of Righteousness (Heb. 1:9) Ind to perform His will more fully. He 5. Salt of the Earth (Matt. 5:13) nay be surrounded by crookedness 6. Making Righteousness Believable and deceit, pride and hypocrisy, but (Matt. 5:16) le rejects the low standard of the .thics of his time and aims to meet the standard of God's law and His dngdom. That means that not only will lis conduct be outwardly correct but iis inward life will truly give consent to sod's way. This true inward morality's he result of the renewing power of he Holy Spirit. The truly moral man las had a change of heart; his heart is io longer made of stone but of flesh Eze. 36:26) and. God's law is inscribed here by the Holy Spirit (2 Cor. 3:3). The moral man or woman is ;enuine, sincere, faithful, believable. -le is God's answer to this apostate veneration; he is God's word in the ace of doubt and cynicism, giving :redence to the whole plan of alvation. "We must let our light shine amid he moral darkness. Many who are mow in darkness, as they see a eflection of the Light of the world, wilt eatize that they have a hope of alvation. Your light may be small, but emember that it is what God has Oven you, and that He holds you The Moral Man LESSON 12 ❑ Sunday March 13 Part 1 "And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in HYPOCRISY themselves that they were righteous, and despised others" (Luke 18:9). The parable that follows the above text is about the two men who went up to the temple to pray. What was the status and attitude of the first worshiper? Verses 11, 12. Compare him with the other worshiper and his attiude. Verse 13. The Pharisee was in reality paying homage to himself, to his lack of evil deeds in contrast to the lives of the sinners around him. How greatly he gloried in his status, his correctness in living by the letter of the law! There appeared to be much to approve in the way he lived. His fault lay in making himself the center of his life and worship. The humble publican was aware of his inner unfitness to reach God's standard of holiness. His genuine humility drew the approval of Jesus. There is also a false humility that could almost be called a "proud humility." It is a kind of good works by which a person may seek to please God. The perfect pattern in humility is that shown by Jesus as described by Paul in Philip- pians 2:5-8. What is hypocrisy? And in what connection did Christ speak of it? (See Matt. 6:2; 23:13-15, 25.) THINK IT THROUGH Why should we not allow the fear of being called hypocrites to deter us from trying to lead an upright, moral life? "There is cheap religion in abundance, but there is no such thing as cheap Christianity. Self may figure largely in a false religion, but it cannot appear in Christian experience."— Testimonies to Ministers, p. 339. "Among the followers of our Lord today, as of old, how wide- spread is this subtle, deceptive sin [of hypocrisy]! How often our service to Christ, our communion with one another, is marred by the secret desire to exalt self! How ready the thought of self-gratulation, and the longing for human approval! It is the love of self, the desire for an easier way than God has appointed that leads to the substitution of human theories and traditions for the divine precepts. To His own disciples the warning words of Christ are spoken, 'Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees.' "—The Desire of Ages, p. 409. FURTHER STUDY Selected Messages, bk. 1, pp. 386, 387; Christ's Object Les- sons ("Lost and Is Found") next to last page, p. 210. 98 The Moral Man LESSON 12 ❑ Monday March 14 Part 2 "But now the righteousness of God without the law Is man- SOURCE OF TRUE ifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; even RIGHTEOUSNESS the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe" (Rom. 3:21, 22). Since "all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Rom. 3:23), it follows that righteousness cannot be found within man. The principles of rightdoing are implanted in the regenerated life by the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:1, 4; 1 Cor. 3:16). The life pattern of the believer does not come up fully to the standard of God's righteousness. The righteousness of Christ is imputed to him so that before God he is seen as altogether righteous (Rom. 3:22). "Through the work of the Holy Spirit, the sanctification of the truth, the believer becomes fitted for the courts of heaven; for Christ works within us, and His righteousness is upon us."— Selected Messages, bk. 1, p. 395. The Christian knows the source of his righteousness and takes no credit for what he has achieved in keeping God's law. He lives with assurance that God has pardoned his sins and moment by moment gives him strength to prevail. Would this not be a good moment to pause and repeat with faith and full assurance the promise of Jesus in the fourth Beatitude? Matt. 5:6. THINK IT THROUGH Apply the following statements from the pen of Ellen White thoughtfully to your own experience: "We should take the greatest care to live a blameless life and abstain from all aopearance of evil, and then it is our duty to move boldly forward, and pay no regard to the reproachful falsehoods of the wicked."—Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 353. "The righteousness manifested in the character of Christ was forever to be the anchor, the saving hope, of the world. Every soul who chooses Christ can say with faith, 'The Lord my righ- teousness.' "—Selected Messages, bk. 1, p. 348. "Those whom heaven recognizes as holy ones are the last to parade their own goodness. The apostle Peter became a faithful minister of Christ, and he was greatly honored with divine light and power; he had an active part in the upbuilding of Christ's church; but Peter never forgot the fearful experience of his humiliation; his sin was forgiven; yet well he knew that for the weakness of character which had caused his fall only the grace of Christ could avail. He found in himself nothing in which to glory."—Christ's Object Lessons, p. 160. FURTHER STUDY Selected Messages, bk. 1, pp. 397, 398. 99 The Moral Man LESSON 12 ❑ Tuesday March 15 Part 3 "Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be NO SALVATION justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin" BY WORKS (Rom. 3:20). When we say that there is no salvation by our works, we do not take the position that there is salvation without good works. Good works in the life of one who has chosen to accept God's way will follow his faith as surely as sun and rain bring the harvest. The danger lies in placing one's confidence for salvation in the merits of one's own record of good deeds. Many religious people, because they wanted to perform some worthy deed, have built churches or shrines, and that is good; but the chari- table act does not ensure their acceptance with God. What was the basis of Paul's hope of acceptance in God's sight? Phil. 3:9; Titus 3:5. (Compare with Gal. 2:16.) Paul had much over which he might feel personal satisfac- tion: his race and tribe, his religious sect, his zeal, his observ- ance of the law, and his high moral character, all of which might be looked upon as gain (Phil. 3:5, 6). Luther, ascending the sacred stairs in Rome on his knees, came suddenly to the realization that this ceremony was really powerless to save him. He could not win God's approval by performing meritorious works. The same is true of pilgrimages, fastings, even prayers when done by rote to gain merit. The only life that counts is the one based on faith, which is followed by obedience. What is the meaning of Ezekiel 14:14? THINK IT THROUGH Have I been trusting to my good works, and if I have, how should I change my relationship to God? "None but God can subdue the pride of man's heart. We cannot save curselves. We cannot regenerate ourselves. In the heavenly courts there will be no song sung, To me that loved myself, and washed myself, redeemed myself, unto me be glory and honor, blessing and praise. But this is the keynote of the song that is sung by many here in this world. They do not know what it means to be meek and lowly in heart; and they do not mean to know this, if they can avoid it. The whole gospel is comprised in learning of Christ, His meekness and lowliness."—Testimonies to Ministers, p. 456. FURTHER STUDY Selected Messages, bk. 1, pp. 389-391. 100 The Moral Man LESSON 12 ❑ Wednesday March 16 Part 4 "Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; there- LOVE OF fore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of RIGHTEOUSNESS gladness above thy fellows" (Heb. 1:9). When Jesus comes into the life and the Holy Spirit is active, a love is generated for the things that are good, true, and holy. This is God's way to break the hold of sin in the human life. The end of this experience is that one comes to love righteousness as Jesus did. And this cultivating of the love of the right is one of our most pressing needs. The strong grip of the world upon our lives may be broken. An acceptance of the lovely character of Christ alone can do this. Then we will not love the sordid, prideful standards by which this Satan-controlled world lives. Our ideals will reach up to the lofty standards set before us in God's Word. Our lives are molded by that upon which our faith is fixed. Do we love Jesus and the traits of His character—honesty, truthful- ness, generosity, morality, and courage? If so, then these will be exalted and emulated in the acts of our daily lives. "God has had moral heroes, and He has them now,—those who are not ashamed of being His peculiar people. Their wills and plans are all subordinate to the law of God."—Testimonies, vol. 5. p. 527. What admonition of Amos to lsreal is applicable in our mod- ern times also? Amos 5:15. THINK IT THROUGH Are there instances in which I do not love rightdoing? If there are, what shall I do about it? "Each one must hunger and thirst after righteousness for himself. Leaning upon men, and trusting in their wisdom, is dangerous to the spiritual life of any Christian. Those in whom confidence is placed may be honest and true, serving the Lord with all diligence. But if, individually, we are endeavoring to walk in the footsteps of Christ, we can follow Him as well as those whom we admire for their consistent, humble lives."— Testimonies to Ministers, p. 385. FURTHER STUDY Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, "The Beatitudes" (Matt. 5:6), pp. 18-21. 101 The Moral Man LESSON 12 Thursday March 17 Part 5 What is the meaning of salt in relation to the Christian life? SALT OF THE EARTH "You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trodden under foot by men" (Matt. 5:13, RSV). True Christianity in Christi followers gives a certain flavor to life that is an influence in the world. Christians living in this world remain in contact with society, and their genuine good- ness and morality have a saving, restraining effect upon their neighbors as they witness to God's holiness. "It would be as unthinkable for a Christian to lose his essen- tial characteristics and still be a Christian as it would be for salt to lose its saltiness and still be considered and used as salt. If Christians are such in name only, their nominal citizenship in the kingdom of heaven becomes a farce. They are not Christians unless they reflect the character of Christ, regardless of what their profession may be."—SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 5, p. 330. The Jewish moralists, branded by Christ as hypocrites, had lost their saltiness. Yet God had intended them to be the bearers of His salvation to the world. He intended that they should be moral and redemptive seasoning in the world. THINK IT THROUGH A person from whose life the saltiness, the grace and the power of God, is lost is "good for nothing." What am I good for in this world? 'Ye are the salt of the earth,' Jesus said. Do not withdraw yourselves from the world in order to escape persecution. You are to abide among men, that the savor of the divine love may be as.salt to preserve the world from corruption. "Hearts that respond to the influence of the Holy Spirit are the channels through which God's blessing flows. Were those who serve God removed from the earth, and His Spirit withdrawn from among men, this world would be left to desolation and destruction, the fruit of Satan's dominion. Though the wicked know it not, they owe even the blessings of this life to the presence, in the world, of God's people whom they despise and oppress. But if Christians are such in name only, they are like the salt that has lost its savor. They have not influence for good in the world. Through their misrepresentation of God they are worse than unbelievers."—The Desire of Ages, p. 306. FURTHER STUDY Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, "The Beatitudes," (Matt. 5:13), pp. 35-38. 102 The Moral Man LESSON 12 ❑ Friday March 18 Part 6 What is the purpose of letting one's light shine? MAKING RIGHTEOUS- NESS BELIEVABLE "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matt. 5:16). It would be ideal if all Christians were attractive people so that their character and life would draw unbelievers to Christ and give them confidence in the Christian way. Unfortunately some so-called Christians may show traits that have just the opposite effect so that others tend to be repelled or disappointed rather than drawn to the Christian faith. Our mission in life is to represent the way of uprightness so that those around us will have confidence in our morality and then in Christ from whom it comes. Some of the qualities that will help to build this confidence are these: 1. Humility. Do not make a parade of goodness. No one is likelyto admire our way if we seem to show pride in our morality. (See 1 Cor. 13:4; Matt. 6:1.) 2. Consistency. Our actions must conform reasonably to our profession; otherwise we fall into the trap of hypocrisy. To frankly admit our errors and confess our sins will add credibility to our example. Keep in mind David's example. (See 2 Sam. 24:10.) 3. Tact. We should avoid thrusting our ideas upon those we wish to win. They may not be ready to take the advanced stand that we have chosen. People must be allowed opportunity to weigh issues and reach their own decisions. The Holy Spirit must be given time to do its quiet work upon the heart. THINK IT THROUGH In what ways do I fail to be a believable Christian in my home and community? "When those who profess the faith show their lives to be consistent with their faith, then we shall see a power attending the presentation of the truth, a power that will convict the sinner and draw souls nigh to Christ. "A consistent faith is rare among rich men. Genuine faith, sustained by works, is seldom found. But all who possess this faith will be men who will not lack influence. They will copy after Christ; they will possess that disinterested benevolence, that interest in the work of saving souls, that He had."—Testimonies, vol. 2, pp. 663, 664. FURTHER STUDY The Sanctified Life, pp. 12, 13. 103 13. STENG114 FC STRENGTH FOR MORAL ACTION had been represented as without faul. LESSON 13 March 20-26 we, with our sinful nature, might "In the day when I cried thou despair at our own mistakes and answeredst me, and strengthenedst failures. But seeing where others me with strength in my soul" (Ps. struggled through discouragements 138:3). like our own, where they fell under temptation as we have done, and ye We need strength in the soul as we took heart again and conquered strive to reach the moral 'standards of through the grace of God, we are our heavenly citizenship while still encouraged in our striving after living in this sinful world. righteousness. As they, though As we read of the apostle Paul's sometimes beaten back, recovered struggle to do righteousness, we feel a their ground, and were blessed of kinship with him. We know all too well God, so we too may be overcomers ii the reality of this inner personal the strength of Jesus."—Patriarchs an . struggle. Prophets, p. 238. "I delight in the law of God, in my inmost self, but I see in my members DAILY HIGHLIGHTS another law at war with the law of my 1. The Dedicated Will (Phil. 3:13, 14 mind and making me captive to the law 2. The Conscience (1 Tim. 1:19) of sin which dwells in my members. 3. The Holy Spirit's Part (Eph. 3:16) Wretched man that I am! Who will 4. Power of God's Word (Heb. 4:12 deliver me from this body of death? 5. Dependence Upon Divine Help Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ (Ps. 16:8) our Lord!" (Rom. 7:22-25, RSV). 6. Victorious in Christ (John 16:33)4 The Bible has left us a record of the lives of the great heroes of God who prevailed with His help—men and women like Abraham, Noah, Joseph, David, Ruth, Jacob, Esther, Daniel, Peter, Mark, and Nathanael. They all drew strength from God and became conquerors over weaknesses and grievous faults of character. "Men whom God favored, and to whom He entrusted great responsibilities, were sometimes overcome by temptation and committed sin, even as we at the present day strive, waver, and frequently fall into error. Their lives, with all their faults and follies, are open before us, both for our encouragement and warning. If they ACION Moral strength comes from above, through daily communion with God. Strength for Moral Action LESSON 13 ❑ Sunday March 20 Part 1 "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this THE DEDI- one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and CATED WILL reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 3:13, 14). God has given to us the capacity to choose between right and wrong. He has revealed to us a knowledge of the issues that pertain to right and wrong. There is thus placed upon us the responsibility for the path we shall choose. The matter of free choice is a clear teaching of God's Word. (See Deut. 30:19; Rev. 22:17). What commendation did Jesus give Mary for the role she had assumed at the time of His visit in her home? Luke 10:42. Our choice decides our destiny. No individual will be saved against his will. God respects our choices, and when we choose salvation He comes to help and support us. We must place our will on His side in response to His invitation. As we dedicate our will to making the right moral choices—obeying His law, follow- ing His will—we also seek His sustaining and supporting grace. God wants us to rise above the fickleness and instability of a life of moral indecision. Notice the comments of the apostle James: "He that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed" (James 1:6). "A double minded man is unstable in all his ways" (verse 8). "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you" (James 4:7, 8). THINK IT THROUGH I bow to God and give my will to Him. I see my need and seek His help. He has promised to come to me with His help, and in faith I claim that promise. "What you need to understand is the true force of the will. This is the governing power in the nature of man, the power of decision, or of choice. Everything depends on the right action of the will. The power of choice God has given to men; it is theirs to exercise. You cannot change your heart. you cannot of yourself give to God its affections; but you can choose to serve Him. You can give Him your will; He will then work in you to will and to do according to His good pleasure."—Steps to Christ, p. 47. FURTHER STUDY Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 513-516. 106 Strength for Moral Action LESSON 13 ❑ Monday March 21 Part 2 What did Paul counsel Timothy to hold along with faith? THE CONSCIENCE "Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck" (1 Tim. 1:19). Let us notice a definition of the conscience: "The sense or consciousness of the moral goodness or blameworthiness of one's own conduct, intentions, or character together with a feeling of obligation to do right or be good."—Webster's Seventh New Collegiate Dictionary. "Conscience is the voice of God, heard amid the conflict of human passions; when it is resisted, the Spirit of God is grieved."—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 120. George Washington said, "Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire called Conscience." From a study of the Bible on the subject of conscience several principles stand out: 1. There is a conscience that is enlightened and responsive (Acts 24:16; Rom. 9:1; 2 Cor. 1:12; Heb. 13:18). • 2. A conscience can be abused so as to become seared and unresponsive (1 Tim. 1:19; 4:2). 3. An abused conscience can be renewed in faith to exercise its rightful place in the life (Heb. 9:14). THINK IT THROUGH A conscience is personal, designed to guide myself, not another. "God does not send messengers to flatter the sinner. He delivers no message of peace to lull the unsanctified into fatal security. He lays heavy burdens upon the conscience of the wrongdoer, and pierces the soul with arrows of conviction."— The Desire of Ages, p. 104. "This daily review of our acts, to see whether conscience approves or condemns, is necessary for all who wish to arrive at the perfection of Christian character."—Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 512. "Let it be written upon the conscience as with a pen of iron upon the rock, that real success, whether for this life or for the life to come, can be secured only by faithful adherence to the eternal principles of right."—Testimonies, vol. 7, p. 164. FURTHER STUDY Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 195-197; Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 69, 70. 107 Strength for Moral Action LESSON 13 ❑ Tuesday March 22 Part 3 "That he would grant you, according to the riches of his THE HOLY glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner SPIRIT'S PART man" (Eph. 3:16). The Holy Spirit, sent from heaven as the Comforter, is also a reprover of sin (John 16:7, 8). He works in behalf of righteous- ness and judgment to help fit the soul to stand before God. He guides the responsive person into truth (verse 13) and makes the presence of Christ real in the inner life (verse 14). Every true Christian has felt the influence of the Holy Spirit in his life, drawing him, warning him, and reassuring him of the things of Christ. As we invite Christ to take control of our lives, the Holy Spirit makes the personal experience real. "The impar- tation of the Spirit is the impartation of the life of Christ."—The Desire of Ages, p. 805. Furthermore the Holy Spirit causes the Christian graces, called the "fruit" of the Spirit, to develop in the life. This fruit is seen in the positive Christian virtues. The Holy Spirit stands ready to help us. "Christ always sepa- rates the contrite soul from sin. He came to destroy the works of the devil, and He has made provision that the Holy Spirit shall be imparted to every repentant soul, to keep him from sin ni ng."— The Desire of Ages, p. 311. The Holy Spirit was likened by Jesus to the wind whose pres- ence is not seen but whose activity is real, being evidenced by the results it produces. Though invisible to human eyes the Holy Spirit's activities in the life are truly seen and felt, witnessing to the divine presence. "When the Spirit of God takes possession of the heart, it transforms the life. Sinful thoughts are put away, evil deeds are renounced; love, humility, and peace take the place of anger, envy, and strife. Joy takes the place of sadness, and the counte- nance reflects the light of heaven."—The Desire of Ages, p. 173. THINK IT THROUGH The Holy Spirit comes in as an invited guest; have I made ready for Him, and am I really prepared to welcome Him? "All who long to bear the likeness of the character of God shall be satisfied. The Holy Spirit never leaves unassisted the soul who is looking unto Jesus. He takes of the things of Christ and shows them unto him. If the eye is kept fixed on Christ, the work of the Spirit ceases not until the soul is conformed to His image."—The Desire of Ages, p. 302. FURTHER STUDY The Desire of Ages, pp. 669-672. 108 Strength for Moral Action LESSON 13 ❑ Wednesday March 23 Part 4 "The word of God is living and active, sharper than any POWER OF two-edged sword, piercing to the division of the soul and GOD'S WORD spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart" (Heb. 4:12, RSV). Paul was fully convinced of the power and authority of God's Holy Word, and he believed in its effectiveness to do its work in the Christian life. God's Word defines truth, supports our faith, exposes un- truth, and measures our conduct. Without it we are in hopeless confusion as to the rightness and wrongness of our plans. The philosophy of our time helps but little and is more likely to lead us astray. The Bible is the Christian's source book for ethical judgments. Jesus used the Old Testament Scriptures to give the authority for His rejection of Satan's subtle temptations (Matt. 4:4, 7, 10), and as the foundation for His doctrine. Ellen White teaches the importance of Scripture. "One sen- tence of Scripture is of more value than ten thousand of man's ideas or arguments."—Testimonies, vol. 7, p. 71. The Bible, studied sincerely, will educate and correct the conscience. "If we would live a true Christian life, the con- science must be quickened by constant contact with the word of God."—Testimonies, vol. 7, p. 195. The Bible lifts us from earth into a heavenly atmosphere. "As you take the Bible in your hands, remember that you are on holy ground."—Fundamentals of Christian Education, p. 195. The Bible is God's message to us. "It [the Scriptures] is the medium of communication between God and man."—The Great Controversy, p. 69. THINK IT THROUGH How can I increase my growth daily, weekly, in knowledge of the Bible? "When the Bible is made the study book, with earnest suppli- cation for the Spirit's guidance, and with a full surrender of the heart to be sanctified through the truth, all that Christ has promised will be accomplished. The result of such Bible study will be well-balanced minds. The understanding will be quick- ened, the sensibilities aroused. The conscience will become sensitive; the sympathies and sentiments will be purified; a better moral atmosphere will be created; and new power to resist temptation will be imparted."—Counsels to Teachers, p. 357. FURTHER STUDY Education, pp. 123-127. 109 Strength for Moral Action LESSON 13 ❑ Thursday March 24 Part 5 "I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my DEPENDENCE UPON right hand, I shall not be moved" (Ps. 16:8). DIVINE HELP When divine forces are invited to join us in the spiritual battles of life, we have a majority on our side. This gives us confidence and places the weight of the battle upon One who is able to bear it. We wrestle against powerful forces, dark and evil (Eph. 6:12), and so are admonished to put on the whole armor of God. In the world's great religions we find many noble sentiments and lofty ethical principles. These are effectual only as they become operative in the lives of people. In Christianity, centered in the life of God's Son, we have the promise of divine help to live by the ethical principles taught. This is the distinction between the way to God through Christ, the door, as compared to the false ways that promise en- lightenment but lack the power to make needed changes. Here again the Bible points the way: (1) "Christ liveth in me" (Gal. 2:20); (2) "It is God which worketh in you" (Phil. 2:13); (3) "He is able to succor them that are tempted" (Heb. 2:18); (4) "Grace to help in time of need" (Heb. 4:16). THINK IT THROUGH It would be well for all of us to memorize the consecration prayer from "Christ's Object Lessons," page 159" "Lord, take my heart; for I cannot give it. It is thy property. Keep it pure, for I cannot keep it for Thee. Save me in spite of myself, my weak, un-Christlike self. Mold me, fashion me, raise me into a pure and holy atmosphere, where the rich current of Thy love can flow through my soul." The results of this consecration are summarized in the follow- ing paragraph: "All who consecrate soul, body, and spirit to God will be constantly receiving a new endowment of physical and mental power. The inexhaustible supplies of heaven are at their com- mand. Christ gives them the breath of His own spirit, the life of His own life. The Holy Spirit puts forth its highest energies to work in heart and mind. The grace of God enlarges and multi- plies their faculties, and every perfection of the divine nature comes to their assistance in the work of saving souls. Through co-operation with Christ they are complete in Him, and in their human weakness they are enabled to do the deeds of Omnipotence."—The Desire of Ages, p. 827. FURTHER STUDY Messages to Young People, pp. 105-110. 110 Strength for Moral Action LESSON 13 ❑ Friday March 25 Part 6 "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; VICTORIOUS I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). IN CHRIST We must never for a moment lose sight of the fact that adequate heavenly agencies are with us to make our lives spiritually successful and victorious. The victory in life is found in Christ and when we take Him we have the victory. It cannot elude our grasp as long as we hold firm to Him. (1) He is the Vine, we are the branches (John 15: 1, 5); (2) He is the Shepherd: we are His sheep (John 10:4, 11); (3) He is the Bread of life (John 6:35); (4) He is the "Prince of life" (Acts 3:15). The ethical and moral standards for the Christian have been set forth in God's law and His Word. We can reach them only through faith in Christ. He is our final and only hope. Thank God that He has overcome the world! To be clothed in the robe of Christ's righteousness is not simply an intellectual assent to orthodox doctrine. It is an ex- perience that brings repentance, a new heart, and personal trust and abiding in the all-sufficient Christ in whom is all the fullness of the Godhead (Col. 2:9). We look forward to the final moments of our existence on this world, scarred in life's battles but victorious in Christ. Heaven will be open to those who have not compromised their faith, have not lowered their banners in the dust, but have pressed on to reach the goal. "Here is the patience [endurance, RSV] of the saints" (Rev. 14:12). Ellen White gives this heartening assurance: "All who ever enter heaven's gates will enter as conquerors. When the redeemed throng surround the throne of God, with palm branches in their hands and crowns on their heads, it will be known what victories have been won. It will be seen how Satan's power has been exercised over minds, how he has linked with himself souls who flattered themselves that they were doing God's will. It will then be seen that his power and subtlety could not have been successfully resisted had not divine power been combined with human effort. Man must also be victor over himself; his temper, inclinations, and spirit must be brought into subjection to the will of God. But the righteous- ness and strength of Christ avail for all who will claim His merits."—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 384. FURTHER STUDY The Great Controversy, pp. 674-678. 111 Lessons for 2nd Quarter/1977 Sabbath School members who have not received a copy of the Adult Lessons for the second quarter of 1977 will be helped by the following outline in studying the first two lessons. The title of the series is "Jesus, the Model Man." First Lesson GOD WITH US. Memory text, Matt. 1:23. 1. Jesus, God in Every Respect (John 1:1, 14) 2. Jesus, the Word of God (John 1:14, 18) 3. Jesus, the Creator (John 1:3) 4. Jesus, Life and Light (John 1:4) 5. Jesus, the Sustainer of Life (Col. 1:16, 17) 6. Jesus, the Glory of God (John 1:14, last part) Second Lesson GOD WITH US. Memory text, Matt. 1:23. 1. The Word Became Flesh (John 1:14) 2. Partook of the Same Nature (Heb. 2:14, 16, 17) 3. Tempted as We Are (Heb. 4:15) 4. Example of Obedience (Heb. 5:7-9) 5. Complete Dependency on Heavenly Father (John 5:19, 30) 6. The Controversy Settled (Heb. 6:19, 20) Lessons in 3raille. The regular Adult Sabbath School Lessons are available free each month in Braille and 162/3 rpm records to blind and physically handicapped persons who cannot read normal inkprint. This includes individuals who because of arthritis, multiple sclerosis, paralysis, accidents, old age, and so forth, cannot hold or focus on normal inkprint publications. Contact the Christian Record Braille Foundation, Box 6097, Lincoln, Nebraska 68506. 112 After VBS is over for the year, send a 3-month complimentary subscription for OUR LITTLE FRIEND or PRIMARY TREASURE. 1113 Brought to you by Pacific Press "But I don't'. own a farm d Years ago, many Advent- partnership with God in ists were fanners. Some an investment project, still are. But the majority of don't blame it on the fac us today are involved in that you "don't own a fields far-removed from farm." God can bless a tilling the soil. project even if you live it The idea of a Sabbath an apartment School Investment pro- Be creative. Think of ject may still bring to special project this quar mind an acre of wheat ter to raise funds for in- specifically set aside for vestment Children will God's unique blessing. especially enjoy a family Maybe that's why many project, be it gathering ti of us are not yet involved cans, washing cars or in an investment project whatever better idea you If you've been missing conceive. Investing with out on the unique, faith- God is an investment fo: building adventure of a eternity. Invest with God Unlimited partnership opportunities still available. The SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST ENCYCLO- PEDIA has just been completely revised, with more than 400 pages of new material, covering events and changes since the first edition ten years ago. The one book •iiout Adventists that should be in every library This volume is the most complete book of information on the Adventist Church. In addition to current information about church institutions and programs through- out the world, it provides historical per- spective. Read articles about beliefs of the church and their development, explanations of the organization and how it runs, and biographies of more than 600 workers. The SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST ENCYCLO- PEDIA should be in every library—public, college and university, school, church, and home. All will benefit from this book. Commentary Reference Set owners will want to bring their sets up to date with this revised volume 10. Regular price $16.75, special price $12.75—offer expires March 31, 1977. LIBRARY EMPHASIS SPECIAL SAVE $4 Please send new Seventh-day Adventist Encyclopedias at $12.75 each $ Mailing, add 75 cents for each book ordered State sales tax Total Name Address City State Zip Send your order directly to your Adventist Book Center or ABC Mailing Service, P.O. Box 31776, Omaha, Nebraska 68131. £0 sac rfttial tom,, .geria US, ekirdoilA @OCCItO Church S.S. gra 7,a, Unions Population Churches Members Members No di British U.C. 61,343,361 149 12,631 13,925 Finland U.C. 4,700,000 51 5,678 5,955 f`iaonio g Netherlands U.C. 13,500,000 46 3,647 2,823 Nigerian U.M. 58,344,582 214 34,676 83,218 Polish U.C. 33,000,000 120 4,095 4,572 Swedish U.C. 8,433,000 57 3,748 4,842 West African U.M. 28,350,000 156 30,607 61,983 West Nordic U.C. 8,726,336 128 9,398 8,406 Iceland C. 213,070 7 500 476 Division Totals 216,610,349 928 104,980 186,200 (Figures as of 3rd quarter 1975) ce; '0) otA ,t,s\ Grao