May 1924
T H E
K I N G ’ S B U S I N E S S
284
This has always been true. Commercial and business con cerns of so-called Christian nations have greedily exploited, cruelly oppressed and robbed, unadvanced peoples. Com merce has transmitted some of the worst sins of national life and most corrupt methods of business to the mission fields. The social and business practices of supposedly Christian men discount to a large extent the work of the faithful missionary. Missionaries from the interior of Africa recently -wrote that since the coming of the train and motor car, their problems have increased a thousand-fold. On the other hand better and speedier means of trans portation and communication, easier access to the outside- world for food and other supplies have helped the work of missions. We must remember that the missionaries have never waited for business and commerce, but have blazed the trail into unknown lands and among savage peoples. Com merce and business have followed after the missionaries had mapped the land, built roads, reduced the language to writing, taught the people to wear clothing, built houses, ’ etc. ' Some years ago a band of missionaries went to one of the South Pacific Islands and today the trade from the New England states alone to that one island brings enough pro fit to pay the entire cost of missionary endeavor there. Our Lord came into this world for the express purpose of dying, for the purpose of redeeming sinful men at the fearful cost of Himself. He came to bear the guilt and assume the responsibility for the sins of men, and thus » logically endure the terrible judgment for sin. From this purpose He never wavered. The Cross was always before Him, and toward it He set His face, steadfastly. Jno. 3:14; Jno. 14:19; Rom. 4:25; Rom. 5:9, 10; Heb. 9:22; Isa. 53:4-6;. 1 Pet. 2:24. He faced duty, with determination—-Luke 9:51-62; Matt. 16:23; Isa. 50:7; with devotion— Jno. 5:30; Jno. 8:29; Jno. 6:38; Heb. 10: 7; Luke 2:49; with joy—Heb. 12:1-2; Jno. 4:32-34; with delight— Psa. 40:8; with obedience— Phil. 2:6-8; Isa. 53:7; Jno. 17:4; with zeal— Jno. 2:17; with trust— Jno. 14:31; Heb. 5:7 ( “ feared” means “ trus ted” ;) with prayer-—-Luke 22:42. We have the same source of strength in the path of duty as He had— prayer. See Matt. 16:21-23; Mark 8:31-33; Luke 19:10. JUNE 1, 1924 In His Steps. How Jesus Paced, Duty Matt. 3:15; John 9:4; Luke 22:42. (Consecration Meeting)
MAY 11, 1924 Being a Christian in the Home Eph. 6:1-4; Luke 2:19, 52.
The Christian’s business is to magnify and glorify his Lord, in every possible way and in every possible place—- one of the most important places in which he is privileged to witness for the Lord is the home. It has been well said, “ As goes, the home, so goes the nation.’’ Every Endeavorer should, trusting the Lord Jesus Christ for strength, make his home a Christian home. Sometimes the home is the hardest place of-all in which to live the Christian life. Many Christians have been stunted in their growth, by the hindrances of home. But many have been strengthened by the help of home. Thoughtfulness, kindness, patience and love are neces sary virtues in the Christian home. (See Gal. 5:22, 23). At home, precept counts more than profession; practice than preaching; example than exhortation. If there are unsaved members in the home, the Christ ian’s business is to live out the life of Christ, and pray. Then, when the Lord opens the way, endeavor to lead them to the Saviour. 2 Tim. 1:5; 2 Tim. 3:14, 15; Luke 2:51; Prov. 1:8; 6:20; 1 Sam. 2:26. MAY 18, 1924 God’s Holy Day—What it is for, and Why Ex. 20:8-11; Mark 2:27, 28. The Lord’s Day was made for man, therefore subservient to the ndeds and best welfare of man. Science has dis covered and experience has proven that man’s mental and physical being requires one day’s rest in seven for the high est efficiency, while one day oftener than seven is not neces-. sary. Animals, the land and even machinery require this rest. Since the true use of the Lord’s' Day is for man’s welfare, any work to relieve suffering or distress or of necessity is permissible. Our Lord performed seven miracles on the Sabbath, plucked and ate corn, went into the synagogue and taught. The best opportunity for the average Christian to do real definite work for the Lord is on the Sabbath; Sun day School, Christian Endeavor, Church, Hospital, Jail, Street, Mission, and personal work anywhere. It was given to afford us opportunity for rest, communion with God and loving, helpful service to others. Let us use this gracious provision of God for man’s good and God’s glory, and not abuse it. Matt. 2:24-28; Matt. 12:1-8; Luke 6:2-5; Deut. 23:25; Luke 4:16; Matt. 12:9-11; Mark 6:1-3; Luke 13:10-17; Exod. 23:4, 5) Deut. 22:4; Jno. 5:18; Jno. 9:16; Matt. 28:1; Acts 2:1.; Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:23-26; 1 Cor. 16:2; Col. 2:16, 17. MAY 25, 1924 Have Business and Commerce Helped or Hindered Mission ary Work? Acts 19:23-2 8. In the Scripture lesson, we have an example of a people who opposed the Gospel because it hurt their business.
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