Too often, in the church, we be come used to the ordinary, taking things for granted, not really get ting in on that which is vital and lasting. Dr. Harry A. Ironside, who was a widower during the latter part of his life, received a letter from one of his admiring lady friends. She wanted to tell him of her sincere love and affection. She said, “This is not Christian love, but real love." We know what she meant, how ever, the way she said it is perhaps more true than she realized. Too much Christian love would have to pass for mere “forbearance" rather than the real thing. There must be a warmth of mutual affection, as in a family when every member feels important. The family shares the burdens and the joys of each other. The business of the Lord in His church is not be "slothful" (vs. 11, 12). Our zeal is to be fervent as examples to those who know not our Lord. How often a new convert will come into the church full of enthusiasm which is quickly damp ened by those who have been there for sometime, holding back, cold and indifferent. When diffi culties come we should rejoice in hope. This calls for an optimistic spirit. Through our severist diffi culties we must continue “ instant in prayer." What our relationship is to oth ers is shown in verse 13, “distrib uting to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality." The life of "Do as I please" is entirely foreign to Scripture. Encourage those about you in the fellowship of believers. There is no place for snobbery (vs. 16). Paul writes this to the Philip- pians, too (2:1-4). It has been well said that there are two things most of us cannot stand. The first is our
own failures and the second is someone else's successes. This is that to which Paul alludes (vrs. 14- 16). You see, the Lord wants us to put into operation all of these prin ciples wherein we dedicate our selves to live for one another through the power of the Holy Spirit. There is no room for a desire to “get even" (vs. 17). Before all men we should keep our words soft and sweet. The day may come when we have to eat them. There is no neeed for us to seek ven geance. Cod will take care of judg ing the unbeliever. How can others see the reality of Christianity un less the truth is demonstrated in your life? I want to underscore again the fact that we are not going to ac complish any of this through fleshly efforts. We are not to be “over come of evil" but to “overcome evil with good." As the life of Jesus Christ is lived through us we can demonstrate to the world that we are true to Him. Just how real is your love for other believers? How much of an impact are you making upon the world? God has left you here for a purpose. Are you a vital instrument in His hands for service, sanctified by His Holy Spirit? God grant that it may be so! HUMAN GOVERNMENT While the Bible is not a book on politics it does have some very di rect words to say about how we are to react to human government. Consider the people in Rome who were under tremendous pressure because of their stand for Christ. It was certainly much harder for them than it is for us. The 13th chapter of Romans answers many of these questions. According to Genesis 11 the na- Page 39
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