late for one of the men who died, m the others the new marrow eventually spread, replacing the old. Before too long, those who had been given no hope were again well and strong. Far worse than this situation is the fact that every man who has ever lived upon this earth has been touched by something far worse than atomic radiation. We have all been exposed to the deadly rays of sin. This comes to us from birth. All are under the con demnation of death for unrighteous ness. We think jealous thoughts and speak hateful words. We are often proud and arrogant, thinking that we have something of ourselves that might commend us to God. While such sin may not leave a visible indelible mark on us outwardly, it has a lasting in ward effect. In fact, the Bible tells us that the wages of sin is death, but it goes on to give us the bright, sure promise that the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. We need far more than mere outward cleansing for we must be made pure from within. Only the Lord Jesus Christ can do this. By His death on Calvary’s cross He paid our redemp tion price. “Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away, behold all things are become new.” * Many men will lay down their lives while foolishly trying to lay up money. * * * GREED Selfishness often can be the cause of personal loss, as is illustrated by the old fable of the dog who proudly carried a meaty bone in his mouth. He passed by a lake. Looking into the water, he saw his reflection, concluding that it was another dog with a bigger bone. Impulsively, the canine dropped his treasure, seeking to get something it believed belonged to another. In such greed the only bone there was was lost in the murky water as the dog fell victim to an illusion. This is what happens to men, too, who sometimes unfortunately only fool themselves by running after things that aren’t even there. So many feel that happiness will finally come with the obtaining of some new desired treasure. Christ has de- 28 * *
does a strange thing. It sucks air into its stomach until it is twice its normal size. Then it floats along the water until the danger has passed. This strange fish readily reminds us of some people. They seem to pattern their lives after the strange puffer. A t the slightest irritation or annoyance, they get all upset and angry. They may stay this way for hours and sometimes even for days on end. Their friends, if they have any left, have to guard every word, walking on “eggshells” so they don’t ruffle the feathers of this person. The Word of God tells us that as Christians our love is not to be puffed up, but rather patient and kind. We are not to be jealous or boastful, and certainly never arrogant or rude. True love doesn’t insist on its own way and is never irritable or resentful. As sin ners, of ourselves we are all weak and our strength alone comes through the indwelling power and presence of God’s Holy Spirit. This is the only assured victory any person has. It should be our first resort. Only the Lord can change an ugly disposition into one which is radiant for Him. The Bible reminds us, “Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation [or behavior], in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” The Psalmist rightly de clared, “Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name togeth er.” * * * That easy street is really just a blind HOPE FOR THE HOPELESS Some years ago in Europe, four sci entists were accidentally exposed to deadly atomic radiation. They were working with a reactor when one of the safety devices failed. In those tense moments the instrument went wild and scientists were bombarded by invisible rays. While they felt nothing and there were no wounds, the radiation went straight to the center of their bone marrow where it started its destructive and fatal work. There was no known cure at that time; the men seemed doomed. Doctors, however, hit upon a “last ditch” plan. They took bone mar row from a healthy volunteer, (a most painful process) and injected it into the doomed scientists. While it was too
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