Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
When most church members read the New Testament, they read it as if it were dissembled points of theology. Pastors and teachers open a book, reach in and pull out a “point of theology” they wish to build their thought around. Then they shut the book and put it away. Seldom do people read a book of the Bible from start to finish in one sitting in order to get the sense of the author. Few people realize that chapters were put into the Bible around the 13th century. Verses were beginning to show up around the 16th century. The books and letters of the Bible were meant to be read as a complete book or letter in order to get the “gest” of the thought. When Paul wrote a “letter” to a church, they read the whole letter, not just a few lines of it before putting it away. That is the reason people have such distorted concepts of the Bible; they are reading texts out of contexts.
Most simply rely on others to do the “research” and tell them what they should know. This is very dangerous. People, denominations and churches have their own agenda and push that agenda to get a following. What may seem “right” at first, if studied carefully, they would discover a totally different understanding. This is why Paul told Timothy to study for himself. “Do your best to present yourself to God as an approved worker who has nothing to be ashamed of, handling the word of truth with precision. However, avoid pointless discussions. For people will become more and more ungodly, and what they say will spread everywhere like gangrene.” “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good action.” 2 Timothy 2:15-17; 3:16,17. Paul didn’t tell Timothy to go to church. He didn’t even tell Timothy to study what Paul wrote. He told him to study the “Word of Truth” which, to Paul, was Old Testament.
On the flip side of that is the statement from Paul, “avoid pointless discussions. For people will become more and more ungodly, and what they say will spread everywhere like gangrene.” And that is exactly what is happening today in our churches. Why are they becoming more and more ungodly? Because they are getting farther and farther away from the Old Testament. Churches and church members are involved mainly in the New Testament. Church members are simply letting the pastor, church or denomination tell them what to believe.
As an example, the church of Christ’s day was teaching circumcision as important for salvation. The rite became more important than the keeping of the Ten Commandments. Christ brushed it all aside. Today, baptism has become important for salvation. People are not looking into the Bible for truth. Rites, rituals, traditions and services have nothing to do with eternal life.
In our study of Ephesians, we will attempt to bring to light some concepts the churches and denominations have refused to accept and see.
Ephesus was the center for the worship of the Greek goddess Artemis. This cult was extremely popular and beloved. Paul is attempting to bring the Christians at Ephesus to an understanding of the high calling they have in turning away from idol worship to the true God. He wanted them to understand that they could be citizens and members of God’s household. What a privilege! However, that privilege came with obligations to their new Christian family.
Today, we have our own gods and goddesses called churches, pastors and beliefs. They are all popular and very beloved. But they are turning people away from the true God and His truth.
Remember the peril the early Christians at Ephesus were in? Acts tells us how the whole city was stirred up and became furious and began to shout “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians”. They rushed together and dragged some of the Christians to the center of the theater. You can read about this in Acts 19 starting with verse 23. Not much has changed since then. Change “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians” to “My Body, My Choice”, or how about, “My church”, or “My denomination”, or “This is my belief”. You can see the devil is always working in mobs and riots. He doesn’t want people thinking, only reacting, preferably his way. God wants mature thinkers. He tells us, “Come now, let us reason together.” Isaiah 1:18.
Ephesians 1:1 to Ephesians 1:14
From: Paul, an apostle of the Messiah Jesus by God’s will. To: His holy and faithful people in Ephesus who are in union with the Messiah Jesus.
First of all, the people he is writing to are “holy and faithful” and “in union with the Messiah Jesus”. He is not writing to a “church” filled with people who are just “going to church”. These are people who have a desire to be in union with Jesus and His truth, not a “church”. These are people who want to be holy and faithful. Not much of that going around in our churches today. These are concepts I’m struggling with. Our generation has grown up without any living examples of holiness or faithfulness to Jesus. Everything is being faithful to a church, denomination or religion.
May grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus, the Messiah, be yours!
That word “grace” is going to be paramount in this letter to the Ephesians. Why? Because they were living in the midst of pagans who were very devoted to their cult. The Christians needed God’s grace to remain faithful and in union with Jesus
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus, the Messiah! He has blessed us in the Messiah with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realm, . . .
This is the theme of every writer in the Bible. That Jesus Christ, in both Old and New Testaments, wants to bless us with every spiritual blessing. This is the theme of the Bible. The devil wants to hurt and destroy us, why? Because we were created by Jesus and loved by Him. Therefore, Lucifer is throwing at us everything possible to take our attention off of the blessings God wants to give us. He wants to hurt Jesus through us, His creation.
. . . just as he chose us in the Messiah before the creation of the universe to be holy and blameless in his presence.
There it is. He starts out with the theme of God’s heart: He wants us to be holy and blameless in His presence. Why? Because if we are not blameless and holy, we cannot stand in His presence and will die eternally. God wants us to live. This is what He predestinated us to be. Sin hurts. Sin destroys. God predestinated us to live eternally in His presence as holy and blameless individuals.
But that brings up a problem. We live in a world of sin. We have sinned. How is God going to bring about that predestination plan He has for us?
In love he predestined us for adoption to himself through Jesus the Messiah, according to the pleasure of his will, . . .
Paul is explaining how we can meet that predestination plan Jesus had for us. Jesus wants to take us sinful beings and adopt us into His family. That is His pleasure and His will. He loves us so much He is hungry to adopt us into His family and bring us back into the predestined plan He had for us before the creation of the universe.
. . . so that we would praise his glorious grace that he gave us in the Beloved One.
OK, what does He want from us? “Praise to His glorious grace”. Why do we need grace? He will tell us. The churches, pastors, denominations and religions of the world today have accepted the devil’s understanding of grace to mean, “Saved by Grace” eternally. But that is not what grace is. So, why praise His glorious grace?
In union with him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our offenses, according to the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us, along with all wisdom and understanding, . . .
Because sin separates us from God, we are literally dead in our sins. How can God forgive us so we don’t die. Remember, the wages of sin is death. Therefore, why are you still reading this? Why are you alive right now? Because of God’s grace that He has lavished on us. Grace doesn’t save us eternally, it saves us physically from death, right now, when you sin, in order for you to be forgiven of your offenses and receive redemption through His blood. If you sinned, and died for your sin, you would have no opportunity for forgiveness and redemption. However, to receive the “redemption through His blood”, you must be “in union with Him”. To be in union with Him you must desire to live as He lived: perfect, sinless and Commandment keeping. Praise God for His grace that keeps us alive in order for us to find His redemption and forgiveness. That is something to praise God for.
Remember and keep in mind that “grace” means “unmerited favor”. That means you cannot do anything to receive grace. It is “unmerited”. It is given to everyone. Otherwise it would be “merited” and worked for. Therefore, that is why grace cannot save us eternally since all have grace. But it does “save” us from immediate death when we sin.
. . . when he made known to us the secret of his will. This was according to his plan that he set forth in the Messiah to usher in the fullness of the times and to bring together in the Messiah all things in heaven and on earth.
Sin separated us from God. His plan was that if sin should enter the world, He would provide us with grace. That is the “secret of His will”. Before sin there was no need for grace. Since He doesn’t want us to die eternally He has provided grace to every sinful living human in order for us to find the love of Jesus, repent and turn from our sins and live His perfect, sinless and Commandment keeping life. That is His predestined plan.
In the Messiah we were also chosen when we were predestined according to the purpose of the one who does everything that he wills to do, so that we who had already fixed our hope on the Messiah might live for his praise and glory.
Keep in mind, God predestined everyone according to His purpose to be saved and live eternally with Him. But predestined doesn’t mean controlling. He can’t control you to live eternally with Him. All He can do is give you grace, give you parole, in order to give you time to accept His predestined plan for you. But you can choose to reject His predestined plan for you.
You, too, have heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed in the Messiah, you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until God redeems his own possession for his praise and glory.
Many claim that once you are sealed you are saved eternally and can’t lose your salvation. When we hear the “word of truth”, the gospel, to live the perfect, sinless and Commandment keeping life, believing it by living it in our lives, the Holy Spirit lives in us. He is the guarantee of our inheritance because we are living as He commands us. But if we step away and refuse to live in obedience to the Ten Commandments, then we lose the Spirit of God and lose our inheritance: the predestined plan of God. This is where Hebrews 10:26 comes into play, “For if we choose to go on sinning after we have learned the full truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins.” No there is not. God’s predestined plan for us is forfeited. We must continue in the sealing in order to be redeemed. We must continue to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. (Philippians 2:12).
Therefore, because I have heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I never stop giving thanks for you as I mention you in my prayers.
So, what does faith in Jesus produce? “Love for all the saints.” Without love you have no faith in Jesus. It all works together as a whole. Remove any part of the whole and it all collapses. Let us never stop giving thanks for our love for each other. What a horrible world this is becoming since most have left the love of God for love of self.
And again, Love is the keeping of the Ten Commandments. They are love. They are righteous. They are our life. Do away with the Ten Commandments and you do away with love, righteousness and life.
I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus, the Messiah, the most glorious Father, would give you a wise spirit, along with revelation that comes through knowing the Messiah fully.
God wants to give us revelations. All we have to do is get to know Jesus fully. Not just doctrine. Not just a set of beliefs. No rituals, rites or services; no church or denomination. No, we must know Jesus as a personal Friend in our lives. We must talk and walk with Him daily. We must lay our plans before Him and listen to Him as He gives us our course of action for the day. Step by step we are to follow Him.
Then, with the eyes of your hearts enlightened, you will know the confidence that is produced by God having called you, the rich glory that is his inheritance among the saints, . . .
Most have never experienced the “confidence that is produced by God having called you”. I wish all of you could experience what I have gone through in being called by God. Each of you can, in your own way. It is a “rich glory” that many haven’t found yet. For most it is just an intellectual concept. They still haven’t found Jesus as a Person in their lives. I pray you do.
. . . and the unlimited greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his mighty strength, . . .
There is such power in His name for us who actually believe. Over and over again in my own life I have experienced His power. It humbles me and confuses me and empowers me and frightens me and gives me hope. It is all the “working of His mighty strength” in my life. So amazing!
. . . which he brought about in the Messiah when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realm.
Again, I go back to earlier discussions about the raising of Jesus from the dead. I couldn’t understand the significance since many have been raised from the dead. But when I realized that Jesus is the only recorded person who has been raised from the grave without seeing corruption, then I began to understand. He is the only person in recorded history to have met the criteria of the prophecy perfectly. Our faith in Jesus rests in knowing prophecy. In everything Jesus did He kept pointing people back to the Old Testament and the prophesies that pointed to Him. If we study the prophesies our faith will have a deeper foundation that will never be shaken.
He is far above every ruler, authority, power, dominion, and every name that can be named, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.
Remember, Ephesus was where the worship of Artemis was. She was believed to have fallen from sky to earth. “A god who came down to live with us.” Get the point. So Paul is contrasting a statue with the living God. A myth with the reality. Nothing is equal to Him. Nothing! In their thinking, Artemis came down from the sky and sat in a temple. Paul was telling them of Jesus who came down from the sky and walked among men displaying the character of God.
God has put everything under the Messiah’s feet and has made him the head of everything for the good of the church, which is his body, the fullness of the one who fills everything in every way.
The pagans had their temples. The Jews had their temple. But the Christian didn’t need any building. We have a “living” God and can be united with His living Body “who fills everything in every way”. Each of us is the “temple” for the indwelling of God. No need arguing over which denomination or religion is of God. No need arguing over what kind of building to build. We are the church. Every time we kneel in worship, we are kneeling with millions of our members around the world in His body. We don’t need to congregate in any specific place. We can be on the phone, via video conferencing, through letters (as Paul did) or in person in the forest, at the lake, on a mountain top or in the desert where this ministry is. “Church” is where we meet with Jesus in His fullness, not the fullness of any denomination or religion or church or rites, rituals, services or traditions. May the fullness of Jesus fill each of you.
INMATE LETTERS
Dear JCPM,
May I please receive your free book, “Change Your Life Biblically”? Thank you so much and God bless you and your ministry.
Misty, TX
JCPM,
I have come in contact with another inmate that has a copy of the workbook you provide. I am very interested in reading it and learning more about the history of our Lord. I am a baby in Christ and the learnings of the Bible. But I believe and I am in constant search of knowledge and wisdom as well as understanding.
Khasim, NJ
JCPM,
I am writing to you because I am a firm believer of our Lord. I’m interested in your book, “Change Your Life Biblically”. I’m pursuing and wanting to have a stronger relationship with our Lord.
Sergio, CA
Hello,
I’m writing to acknowledge your letter that you sent me. Yes, I’m interested in your ministry and whatever services you offer. I have 30 years in prison. Thank you for being helpful to the world and people who really need to get closer to the Lord. It is a blessing to hear from people that really care for the ones who are locked away from their family and friends.
Kenndric, AR
Dear Brother Ronald,
Thank you so much. My cellie on my last unit gave me this address and he was in love with the workbook you sent him. At first I was not sure if I wanted to do it. I’ve been running from Christ all my life and never took God serious. Last week changed it all for me. I am currently in Max custody. I’m tired of running. I want change. I want Jesus. I want out of my old life. I’m tired of hurting my mother, myself and turning my back on God.
Jonathan, TX
Mr. Ron,
I would like for you to send me the “Change Your Life Biblically” workbook. I had the chance to read your letter to Ricardo who is the one who gave me this flyer. I really loved the quote you enclosed in your letter. Give Duke and Butch a rub and blessing on my behalf.
John, TX
JCPM,
I’m interested in receiving a copy of the “Change Your Life Biblically” workbook. My old cellmate Tonny showed me the book. I’m very interested in getting my own. I used to read his, but I never finished because he was removed from my cell. I would like to get closer to the truth. Please, I would like a copy of “Change Your Life Biblically” as soon as possible.
Donque, LA
Dear Brother Ron,
I received your introductory pamphlet in the mail the other day. To be completely honest, I never remember writing your ministry. But I have wrote many other ministries, so I probably did. No matter. I just finished your story and it inspired me to write this letter. I would be very interested in taking the “Change Your Life Biblically” Bible study. I’m sure that I stand to gain useful knowledge from it.
Adam, AR
Ronald,
I would like a copy of the book, “Change Your Life Biblically”. I’m 41 years old and my first time in prison which I’m learning a lot of new things concerning the Law. Any helpful hints that you can share is greatly appreciated. I had a court appointed lawyer on my case which I feel mislead me which resulted in my signing an open plea-bargain that resulted in a 60-year sentence. I read your telling of the grace of God in your life at least twice. I’m very interested in receiving the “Change Your Life Biblically” book.
Louis, NC
To Whom It May Concern,
Thank you for your time. I’m trying to grow in my walk with the Lord. I feel like I’m not getting enough. I need more. I want to have it right. I want to be an example to others. A light to others. Can you please help me with Bible studies? I need help and I want to get out and show others the way. I need more knowledge and more material.
Jonathan, TX
Brother Ron,
I have a couple of brothers that would like to get your “Change Your Life Biblically” book. If you can send it to them, it would be of a great blessing.
Reyes, CA
JCPM,
I’m interested in the book, “Change Your Life Biblically”. This will be a long and lonely road, full of darkness, especially with the COVID-19. I’ve lost the ones I love.
Jeff, VA
JCPM,
Can I please get the book called, “Change Your Life Biblically”? I had it in the county jail but lost it during my transfer to prison. This book helped me so much. Thank you for what you do. Look forward to picking up where I left off.
Sam, TN
Hello,
God bless you. I heard from one of the inmates here with me, telling me about the Bible study. I would like to do the Bible study. I hope I hear back from you as soon as possible.
Searcy, IL
Dear JCPM,
I am 50 years old and looking at 4 more years. I came upon this flyer and believe me, I am very interested in the Bible studies. Thank you.
Oscar, CA
TESTIMONY FOR GOD’S CHILDREN
My Dear Family in Christ,
I think we all too often forget we are soldiers in God’s army. We think that God is all powerful and all-knowing and therefore, if He wants us He will grab and push us into His army. But God doesn’t work that way. If we claim to be Christians, then it is our highest privilege to actually work in His army. It is our duty. Working for Jesus isn’t waiting. We are to put forth every effort to maximize our situation to present the truth to those around us.
Let us say you were at a party in a large house. You realize there is a fire which will burn everyone if they do not get out now. But you decide that you are not the one to tell them. After all, you attempted to quietly tell a few, but they just laughed at you and continued dancing the night away. The music was great, the people friendly, so hey, why not wait until the people can feel the heat before telling them the house is on fire?
God wants us to go to Him and in humbleness ask Him, “What can I do for You?” He knows, but unless you ask Him He isn’t going to disturb your wonderful party. When we lay our plans before the Lord He will answer. We do all in our power but we watch and see which direction the Lord is leading. He will lead and guide if we trust Him.
Co-Workers with Christ
It was an important time for —– during and after the tent meeting in 1874. Had there been a pleasant and commodious house of worship there, more than double the number that were really gained would have taken their stand for the truth. God works with our efforts. We may close the way for sinners by our negligence and selfishness. There should have been great diligence in seeking to save those who were still in error, yet interested in the truth. Just as wise generalship is needed in the service of Christ as is needed over the battalions of an army that protects the life and liberty of the people. It is not everyone who can labor judiciously for the salvation of souls. There is much close thinking to be done. We must not enter into the Lord’s work haphazard and expect success. The Lord needs men of mind, men of thought. Jesus calls for co-workers, not blunderers. God wants right-thinking and intelligent men to do the great work necessary to the salvation of souls.
Mechanics, lawyers, merchants, men of all trades and professions, educate themselves that they may become masters of their business. Should the followers of Christ be less intelligent, and while professedly engaged in His service be ignorant of the ways and means to be employed? The enterprise of gaining everlasting life is above every earthly consideration. In order to lead souls to Jesus there must be a knowledge of human nature and a study of the human mind. Much careful thought and fervent prayer are required to know how to approach men and women upon the great subject of truth.
Some rash, impulsive, yet honest souls, after a pointed discourse has been given, will accost those who are not with us in a very abrupt manner, and make the truth, which we desire them to receive, repulsive to them. “The children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.” Business men and politicians study courtesy. It is their policy to make themselves as attractive as possible. They study to render their address and manners such that they may have the greatest influence over the minds of those about them. They use their knowledge and abilities as skillfully as possible in order to gain this object.
There is a vast amount of rubbish brought forward by professed believers in Christ, which blocks up the way to the cross. Notwithstanding all this, there are some who are so deeply convicted that they will come through every discouragement and will surmount every obstacle in order to gain the truth. But had the believers in the truth purified their minds by obeying it, had they felt the importance of knowledge and of refinement of manners in Christ’s work, where one soul has been saved there might have been twenty.
Again, after individuals have been converted to the truth, they need to be looked after. The zeal of many ministers seems to fail as soon as a measure of success attends their efforts. They do not realize that these newly converted ones need nursing—watchful attention, help, and encouragement. These should not be left alone, a prey to Satan’s most powerful temptations; they need to be educated in regard to their duties, to be kindly dealt with, to be led along, and to be visited and prayed with. These souls need the meat apportioned to every man in due season.
No wonder that some become discouraged, linger by the way, and are left for wolves to devour. Satan is upon the track of all. He sends his agents forth to gather back to his ranks the souls he has lost. There should be more fathers and mothers to take these babes in the truth to their hearts, and to encourage them and pray for them, that their faith be not confused.
Preaching is a small part of the work to be done for the salvation of souls. God’s Spirit convicts sinners of the truth, and He places them in the arms of the church. The ministers may do their part, but they can never perform the work that the church should do. God requires His church to nurse those who are young in faith and experience, to go to them, not for the purpose of gossiping with them, but to pray, to speak unto them words that are “like apples of gold in pictures of silver.”
We all need to study character and manner that we may know how to deal judiciously with different minds, that we may use our best endeavors to help them to a correct understanding of the word of God and to a true Christian life. We should read the Bible with them, and draw their minds away from temporal things to their eternal interests. It is the duty of God’s children to be missionaries for Him, to become acquainted with those who need help. If one is staggering under temptation, his case should be taken up carefully and managed wisely; for his eternal interest is at stake, and the words and acts of those laboring for him may be a savor of life unto life, or of death unto death.
Sometimes a case presents itself that should be made a prayerful study. The person must be shown his true character, understand his own peculiarities of disposition and temperament, and see his infirmities. He should be judiciously handled. If he can be reached, if his heart can be touched by this wise and patient labor, he can be bound with strong cords to Christ and led to trust in God. Oh, when a work like this is done, all the heavenly courts look and rejoice; for a precious soul has been rescued from Satan’s snare and saved from death! Oh, will it not pay to work intelligently for the salvation of souls? Christ paid the price of His own life for them, and shall His followers ask: “Am I my brother’s keeper?” Shall we not work in unison with the Master? Shall we not appreciate the worth of souls for whom our Saviour died?
Some efforts have been made to interest children in the cause, but not enough. Our Sabbath schools should be made more interesting. The public schools have of late years greatly improved their methods of teaching. Object lessons, pictures, and blackboards are used to make difficult lessons clear to the youthful mind. Just so may present truth be simplified and made intensely interesting to the active minds of the children.
Parents who can be approached in no other way are frequently reached through their children. Sabbath school teachers can instruct the children in the truth, and they will, in turn, take it into the home circle. But few teachers seem to understand the importance of this branch of the work. The modes of teaching which have been adopted with such success in the public schools could be employed with similar results in the Sabbath schools and be the means of bringing children to Jesus and educating them in Bible truth. This will do far more good than religious excitement of an emotional character, that passes off as rapidly as it comes.
The love of Christ should be cherished. More faith is needed in the work which we believe is to be done before the coming of Christ. There should be more self-denying, self-sacrificing labor in the right direction. There should be thoughtful, prayerful study how to work to the best advantage. Careful plans should be matured. There are minds among us that can invent and carry out if they are only put to use. Great results would follow well-directed and intelligent efforts.
The prayer meetings should be the most interesting gatherings that are held, but these are frequently poorly managed. Many attend preaching, but neglect the prayer meeting. Here, again, thought is required. Wisdom should be sought of God, and plans should be laid to conduct the meetings so that they will be interesting and attractive. The people hunger for the bread of life. If they find it at the prayer meeting they will go there to receive it.
Long, prosy talks and prayers are out of place anywhere, and especially in the social meeting. Those who are forward and ever ready to speak are allowed to crowd out the testimony of the timid and retiring. Those who are most superficial generally have the most to say. Their prayers are long and mechanical. They weary the angels and the people who listen to them. Our prayers should be short and right to the point. Let the long, tiresome petitions be left for the closet, if any have such to offer. Let the Spirit of God into your hearts, and it will sweep away all dry formality.
Music can be a great power for good, yet we do not make the most of this branch of worship. The singing is generally done from impulse or to meet special cases, and at other times those who sing are left to blunder along, and the music loses its proper effect upon the minds of those present. Music should have beauty, pathos, and power. Let the voices be lifted in songs of praise and devotion. Call to your aid, if practicable, instrumental music, and let the glorious harmony ascend to God, an acceptable offering.
But it is sometimes more difficult to discipline the singers and keep them in working order than to improve the habits of praying and exhorting. Many want to do things after their own style; they object to consultation, and are impatient under leadership. Well-matured plans are needed in the service of God. Common sense is an excellent thing in the worship of the Lord. The thinking powers should be consecrated to Christ, and ways and means should be devised to serve Him best. The church of God who are trying to do good by living out the truth and seeking to save souls, can be a power in the world if they will be disciplined by the Spirit of the Lord. They must not feel that they can work carelessly for eternity.
As a people, we lose much by lack of sympathy and sociability with one another. He who talks of independence and shuts himself up to himself is not filling the position that God designed he should. We are children of God, mutually dependent upon one another for happiness. The claims of God and of humanity are upon us. We must all act our part in this life. It is the proper cultivation of the social elements of our nature that brings us into sympathy with our brethren and affords us happiness in our efforts to bless others. The happiness of heaven will consist in the pure communion of holy beings, the harmonious social life with the blessed angels and with the redeemed who have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. We cannot be happy while we are wrapped up in our interest for ourselves. We should live in this world to win souls to the Saviour. If we injure others, we injure ourselves also. If we bless others, we also bless ourselves; for the influence of every good deed is reflected upon our own hearts.
We are in duty bound to help one another. It is not always that we are brought in contact with social Christians, those who are amiable and mild. Many have not received a proper education; their characters are warped, they are hard and gnarled, and seem to be crooked in every way. While we help these to see and correct their defects, we must be careful not to become impatient and irritable over our neighbor’s faults. There are disagreeable ones who profess Christ; but the beauty of Christian grace will transform them if they will set diligently about the work of obtaining the meekness and gentleness of Him whom they follow, remembering that “none of us liveth to himself.” Co-workers with Christ! What an exalted position! Where are to be found the self-sacrificing missionaries in these large cities? The Lord needs workers in His vineyard. We should fear to rob Him of the time He claims from us; we should fear to spend it in idleness or in the adornment of the body, appropriating to foolish purposes the precious hours God has given us to be devoted to prayer, to becoming conversant with our Bibles, and to laboring for the good of our fellow beings, thus fitting ourselves and them for the great work devolving upon us.
Mothers spend unnecessary labor upon garments with which to beautify the persons of themselves and their children. It is our duty to dress ourselves plainly and to clothe our children neatly, without useless ornamentation, embroidery, or display, taking care not to foster in them a love of dress that will prove their ruin, but seeking rather to cultivate the Christian graces. None of us can be excused from our responsibilities, and in no case can we stand clear before the throne of God unless we do the work that the Master has left for us to do.
Missionaries for God are wanted, faithful men and women who will not shirk responsibility. Judicious labor will accomplish good results. There is real work to be done. The truth should be brought before people in a careful manner by those who unite meekness with wisdom. We should not hold ourselves aloof from our fellow men, but come close to them; for their souls are as precious as our own. We can carry the light into their homes, with a softened and subdued spirit plead with them to come up to the exalted privilege offered them, pray with them when it seems proper, and show them that there are higher attainments that they may reach, and then guardedly speak to them of the sacred truths for these last days.
There are more gatherings for singing than for prayer among our people; but even these gatherings can be conducted in so reverential yet cheerful a manner that they may exert a good influence. There is, however, too much jesting, idle conversation, and gossiping to make these seasons beneficial, to elevate the thoughts and refine the manners. 4T 67–73.