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© 1999 United Church of God, an International Association

All Rights Reserved Printed in U.S.A.
Scriptures in this booklet are quoted from the New King James Version
(© 1988 Thomas Nelson, Inc., publishers) unless otherwise noted.
Authors: “How Can We Make Life Work?”: David Treybig, Scott Ashley
“Marriage: Foundation of the Family”: David Treybig
“Child Rearing: Building the Right Foundation”: Larry Neff
“Finding the Path to a Happy Family”: Bill Jahns
“The Importance of Right Friendships”: Larry Neff
“Finding Success in Your Job and Career”: Scott Ashley
“Financial Security and Peace of Mind”: Wilbur Berg
“Keys to a Healthy, Long Life”: Noel Hornor
“Does Life Have Greater Meaning and Purpose?” Noel Hornor, Roger Foster

Editorial reviewers: John Bald, Bruce Gore, Paul Kieffer, Graemme Marshall, Burk McNair,
Richard Thompson, Leon Walker, Donald Ward, Lyle Welty, Dean Wilson Design: Shaun Venish

2 The Good News

 How Can We
Make Life Work?

F
rankly, life just isn’t working for some peo- The challenge of living the truth you learn
ple. Maybe you have noticed the incredible
Keep in mind, however, that just because the advice
proliferation of self-help books on store
is there doesn’t mean it’s easy to follow. It takes effort.
and library bookshelves.
Trying to live by the Bible’s instruction is a challenge.
Why are so many self-help books pub- Our natural inclination is to go a different direction
lished? Could it be simply because people from what the Bible teaches (Romans 8:7). We’re
recognize they need help with the many problems, chal- surrounded by a secular world largely oblivious to
lenges and stresses of everyday life? Writers and pub- biblical values, and those who wish to obey God
lishers recognize this, and their books fly off the shelves often find themselves swimming upstream against
by the thousands. popular thinking and ways of doing things. Nor does
You may not realize that most families already own it help when we see that many who profess to be
the best self-help book ever published. Millions of Christian display little or no commitment to living
copies have been published, and it’s been translated into by God’s instructions.
hundreds of languages. Its words have been around for Also, we need to be aware that things don’t always
thousands of years. This book is your Bible. work out the way we expect, even when we do try to
Although it’s a perpetual best-seller, few people take follow God’s instruction. Scripture tells us that “time
the time to read and study the Bible. Most think it’s nice and chance happen to [us] all” (Ecclesiastes 9:11).
to have around and that everybody should have one, but
few seem to accept that it means much to us. After all, You may not realize that most families already own
how could something written thousands of years ago
apply to our fast-paced, technologically advanced
the best self-help book ever published. Millions of
world? Still others think the Bible is a book for theolo- copies have been published, and it’s been translated
gians and cannot be understood by the average person. into hundreds of languages.
Those who take the time to study the Bible, however,
find it is a timeless book. It addresses the ageless issues In other words, in spite of our best efforts, other circum-
and questions: Why are we here? Where are we going? stances and situations beyond our control will affect
What are the solutions to perpetual human problems? us—sometimes for the better, at times for the worse.
How can we learn to live together in peace? How can Although we can control our own actions, we some-
we live rewarding, fulfilling lives? times have little or no control the actions of others that
The Bible is filled with practical, down-to-earth spill over and affect us.
advice from our Creator. It can help us see and avoid God doesn’t tell us this life will be perfect when we
the pitfalls that come with doing things our way put His instruction into practice. In fact, He tells us to
(Proverbs 14:12; 16:25). It records for us vital and expect adversities (2 Timothy 3:12; 1 Peter 2:20). He
profound lessons from real people. assures us, though, that in spite of difficulties and disap-
The Bible clearly shows the principle of cause and pointments, “all things work together for good to those
effect—that our choices and actions, good and bad, pro- who love God” (Romans 8:28).
duce good and bad results. It’s filled with sound counsel
on how to have happy families, marriages and friend- Is living this way worth it?
ships, how to properly rear children, how to manage In the face of such difficulties, some may question
family finances and succeed on the job, how to main- whether it is worth the effort to live a godly life. But
tain your health, and so much more. In short, it tells us the Bible assures us that “godliness is profitable for all
how to make life work. things, having promise of the life that now is and of
In this booklet we have gathered and summarized that which is to come” (1 Timothy 4:8, emphasis
some of the Bible’s advice on these topics. But in many added throughout).
ways we’ve only scratched the surface; the Bible easily Some people recognize that living God’s way
contains a lifetime’s education just waiting for us to holds great promise “of the life . . . which is to come.”
search out its priceless gems and treasures. It’s a source Far fewer understand that living a godly life also has
of spiritual and practical help that you cannot afford to benefits in “the life that now is”—that is, our present
be without. physical lives. They misperceive God’s way as

Cover: Digital Stock September/October 1999 3

 restrictive and detrimental to a happy, fulfilled life. Even though living by God’s instruction can bring
God’s way of life, however, is not a burden; it is most trials and suffering (John 16:33; Acts 14:22), Jesus
assuredly a blessing. promised tangible blessings in the here and now for fol-
After all, God’s purpose for sending Jesus Christ lowing God’s way of life and then, in the age to come,
to earth was to give us the opportunity for eternal life. eternal life (Mark 10:29-30). We can experience defi-
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only nite blessings in this life for following the instructions
begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not found in God’s Word.
perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Since following God’s way is worth the effort, what
God is concerned about our eternal well-being. But must we do to please Him? This booklet addresses
Jesus revealed another reason for His coming when He some of the common issues we face—marriage, child
said, “I have come that they may have life, and that they rearing, health, employment, finances—and explains
may have it more abundantly” (John l0:l0). Jesus came how we can structure our lives according to many
so we can have eternal life, but He came also to help us principles brought out in the Bible. Continue reading
understand how we can enjoy fulfilled, productive lives to begin learning how you can live by the rules that
right now. make life work.

Marriage: Foundation
of the Family

G
od’s Word declares that “he who finds a good marriage, but few are willing to follow God’s
a wife finds what is good and receives instructions that, if followed, would produce loving,
favour from the LORD” (Proverbs 18:22, committed relationships.
New International Version). The same God designed marriage and wants us to be happily
is true for women who find loving and married (Genesis 2:24). For success in this area of life,
responsible husbands. Marriages are we need to learn from the Creator of marriage the princi-
the building blocks of communities, societies and, ulti- ples that lead to happy, successful unions. In short, we
mately, civilizations. A society is only as strong as its need to understand and apply concepts that work rather
marriages and families. than following modern paths that so often lead to failure.
From the beginning God taught that “a man shall
leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and Dating: preparation for marriage
they shall become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24). This special According to God’s Word, the foundation for a good
arrangement, this bond between a man and woman, was marriage is laid long before the wedding ceremony. It is
intended to last, as traditional marriage ceremonies put it, established when two people begin dating.
“until death do us part.” It was designed to be a life-long As children grow older, “When can I begin dating?” is
relationship (Romans 7:2-3) that would produce godly a question they commonly ask their parents. Though the
children (Malachi 2:15) and help both mates better Bible gives no specific age when dating is appropriate,
understand the deep, loving relationship between Jesus wise parents will teach their maturing children sound
Christ and the members of “the household of God,” His biblical principles that will help them follow God’s stan-
Church (Ephesians 5:25-32; 2:19-22). dards of behavior. Parents should determine when their
A happy marriage is one of the greatest blessings we children are ready to date based on their maturity and
can enjoy. God intended for couples to live happily ever readiness to accept responsibility for their actions. Before
after once they exchanged their marriage vows. To this parents allow dating, they should teach and encourage
end Ecclesiastes 9:9 instructs husbands to “Enjoy life with their children to follow biblical standards rather than
the woman whom you love all the days of your fleeting turning them loose to do whatever comes naturally.
life which He has given to you under the sun; for this is Teaching children God’s standards before allowing
your reward in life, and in your toil in which you have them to date may sound terribly old-fashioned and
labored under the sun” (New American Standard Bible). restrictive to some with supposedly enlightened ways of
Likewise, wives should enjoy life with their husbands. thinking. But most governments do not allow people to
Yet, judging by the divorce rates in many countries, drive automobiles until they demonstrate the knowledge
mankind has not learned how to do this. Everyone wants and ability to do so in a safe manner. No responsible

4 The Good News

 parent would put his or her adolescent child in an auto- common assumption is that they are then free to have
mobile in the middle of a busy highway without having sexual relations with their new partners.
given that child instruction on how to drive. This practice of serial monogamy—being sexually
Dating in our modern world is not without its dangers. active with only one unmarried person at a time—is
Without proper instruction, too many youths become widely considered to a suitable way to date and find
promiscuous, contract sexually transmissible diseases, a future mate.
experience unwanted pregnancies and choose wrong In the United States about two thirds of married
paths that seem enjoyable and right at the time but lead women in their 20s cohabited with their future mates
to untold anguish (Proverbs 14:12; 16:25). They need before marriage (Robert Moeller, “America’s Morality
instruction early and interactive discussions on why and Report Card,” Christian Reader, November-December
how biblical values can protect them from such suffering. 1995, pp. 97-100). This dubious practice is followed by
Without this proper instruction, many people will all too many young adults in the Western world.
never experience a happy marriage. Loving parents Another honorable principle, according to current
would never wish misery on their children! But leaving standards, is that partners should disclose any sexually
them ignorant is a sure path to heartache. A thorough transmissible diseases before intercourse so appropriate
understanding of God’s standards for dating and mar- protection can be employed. In addition, practicing
riage is one of the greatest blessings children can receive “safe sex” (using contraceptives to avoid disease and
from their parents. unwanted pregnancies) is touted as the right thing to do.
Some people, however, are far past that point, having These practices are so widely accepted that increasing
numbers of school systems provide free contraceptives
to students, no questions asked.
Although these approaches may appear to be logical,
they do not measure up to God’s standards. What many
do not understand is that such faulty logic is precisely
the cause of so many unhappy relationships and failed
marriages. Let’s consider what God says.
God’s standards for dating
Historical records, like those of the ancient city of
Corinth, reveal that in the heart of the Roman Empire,
the most technologically advanced civilization of its day,
the sexual values of the first century were similar to the
modern concepts of dating today. Standards were so
skewed that sexual relations with temple prostitutes
were not looked upon as scandalous but considered
an appropriate form of worship.
Through the apostle Paul, God taught the Corinthians
already reached adulthood and possibly already married a better way.
and divorced. Teaching young people proper behavior for “Flee sexual immorality,” he wrote. “Every sin that
dating is obviously ideal. But what about adults? Do the a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sex-
principles change? Because adults are older, does that ual immorality sins against his own body. Or do you not
give them license for more liberties than adolescents may know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit . . .
take? Are all things appropriate for consenting adults? and you are not your own? For you were bought at a
As we shall see, God’s standards for dating apply to price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your
people of all ages. He does not have two sets of guidelines, spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:18-20).
one for adults and one for youths. Following the biblical How could Paul dare to address others’ private behav-
laws is equally beneficial no matter one’s age. Breaking ior? He could be so bold because he understood God
God’s laws is equally disastrous for people of all ages. sanctions sexual relations only within the marriage rela-
tionship (Genesis 2:24; Hebrews 13:4). Sexual relations
Modern standards of dating in any other situation were and are immoral.
To understand the difference between God’s way and Later Paul addressed relationships between members
the world’s, consider the dating practices common in the of the opposite sex even more directly. Urging the
Western world. brethren to live their lives in a way pleasing to God
Many assume that when people are dating, sexual (1 Thessalonians 4:1), he wrote:
intercourse is appropriate to determine if they are com- “This is the will of God, that you should be holy: you
© 1999 PhotoDisc, Inc.

patible. They believe sex is simply a natural expression must abstain from fornication; each one of you must
of love between two people and thereby the natural learn to gain mastery over his body, to hallow and hon-
thing to do for individuals living together or “going our it, not giving way to lust like the pagans who know
together” in an exclusive dating relationship. If such a nothing of God; no one must do his fellow-Christian
couple then breaks up and the two start dating others, the wrong in this matter, or infringe his rights.

September/October 1999 5
 “As we impressed on you before, the Lord punishes Ideally children should have two parents who believe,
all such offences. For God called us to holiness, not to practice and teach the same religious principles. When
impurity. Anyone therefore who flouts these rules is children have parents with different values, they are con-
flouting not man but the God who bestows on you his fused. Even if children are not involved, clashes between
Holy Spirit” (verses 3-8, Revised English Bible). two competing value systems can be painful. Through
The custom and practice of dating—which leads to bitter experience, many wish that when they were dating
marriage—should be conducted with honor. It should they had followed the apostle Paul’s advice against
not be devalued into an excuse for sexual gratification. being “unequally yoked together” with someone of
God expects us to enter marriage as virgins. This different religious beliefs (2 Corinthians 6:14).
approach shows respect for God, our bodies, our future As two people consider getting engaged to be married,
mates and the divine institution of marriage. if they are wise they will seek premarital counseling. Such
God’s way is the best for making marriage work. counsel can help couples consider their strengths and
Sociologists have found that God’s standard for dating
is the one that produces marriages that last. “After ana-
lyzing cohabitation and marriage patterns among some
13,000 adults, two University of Wisconsin-Madison
sociologists have concluded that couples who live
together before marriage experience higher levels of
marital conflict and do not communicate as well. Such
couples were less committed to marriage and saw
divorce as more likely than those who had not cohabited
prior to marriage” (Journal of Marriage and the Family,
Vol. 54, 1992).
Dating: Teach the right way
How can concerned parents counteract pressure on
their children to engage in immoral dating practices?
The first step, as noted earlier, is to teach them godly
principles of dating and friendship. When their teens are
ready, many families have found group dating to be a
good way for youths to enter their next stage of life. weaknesses before marriage. In addition to an objective
Since teenagers are generally not ready for marriage review, they can discuss their relationship skills.
—because of immaturity and the need for educational Although the decision to marry is a personal one,
and occupational training—some of the pressures and this kind of information can help couples make wiser
temptations of one-on-one dating can be avoided choices about whom they marry. For those who
through group dates. Social development and learning to choose to proceed with marriage, insights gained
have fun in the company of the opposite sex are healthy through premarital counseling can lay a foundation
experiences for teens in a safe environment. for a relationship that will last.
Dating for marriage A foundation for marriage
When two mature people begin dating each other Within marriage God gives husbands and wives spe-
with an eye toward marriage, they must consider many cific instructions that will produce peace and happiness.
things. What values does the other person hold? Does Whether or not one has followed God’s instructions
he believe in God? Does she obey God? What is this regarding dating, these principles can help any marriage.
person’s background and personal standards and values? Although the best course of action is always to fol-
What are his preferences, dislikes, character and person- low all of God’s instructions, God also allows and
ality? Will this person be a complementary match? Can encourages everyone to turn from past sins and begin
I love and respect her? obeying Him (Ezekiel 18:21; Acts 2:38; 26:18). (If you
Often in modern dating little thought is given to a would like to know more about the purpose of human
potential partner for life—other than whether the two life and how to commit your life to God, request our
enjoy their sexual activity. Yet, when two people free booklets What is Your Destiny? and The Road
refrain from the emotionally charged arena of sexual to Eternal Life.)
relations as God instructs, they can much more ratio- Although solid relationships are built more quickly
nally consider the values and traits of a potential mate. when both husband and wife accept and practice God’s
Finding a mate with similar religious values is an espe- laws, God expects each of us to respond to Him regard-
© 1999 PhotoDisc, Inc.

cially important consideration. The ancient nation of Israel less of the circumstances of our marriage (James 4:17).
repeatedly lost its spiritual moorings when its citizens Even when only one mate commits his life to God and
intermarried with people with different religious convic- His standards, He can bless both partners (1 Corinthians
tions and practices (Numbers 25:1-3; Nehemiah 13:23- 7:13-14). A positive, loving example of obedience to
26). Marrying within one’s faith is still just as important. God by a husband or wife may influence the other to

6 The Good News

 want to please God (1 Peter 3:1-4). One person can over their feelings. Concluding that love just magically
make a difference. appears or disappears, too many have suffered and
Let us consider some biblical principles that when even dissolved relationships over difficulties that could
followed make marriages work. have been resolved.
In a beautiful explanation of the love God expects of
A lifelong commitment us, the apostle Paul describes the nature and qualities of
Early in the book of Genesis God tells us that it love: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it
is appropriate for a man to “leave his father and his does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-
mother” and “cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of
flesh” (Genesis 2:24, King James Version). The Hebrew wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with
word translated “cleave” is dabaq, meaning “to cling, the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes,
cleave, keep close.” always perseveres. Love never fails” (1 Corinthians
“Used in modern Hebrew in the sense of ‘to stick to, 13:4-8, NIV).
adhere to,’ dabaq yields the noun form for ‘glue’ and Love is much more than a vague emotion or physical
also the more abstract ideas of ‘loyalty, devotion’ ” attraction. Practicing real love requires conscious choice
(Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, 1985, and determination. Genuine love resolves to show kind-
“To Cleave, Cling”). ness and patience in the face of suffering. It does not
When a husband and wife obey the biblical command return evil for evil (Romans 12:17; 1 Thessalonians
to cleave to each other, they will literally join together. 5:15). People who exemplify this kind of love follow
Having sexual relations, being “one flesh,” is part of the example of God Himself, who “is kind to the
commitment to each other in marriage. Commitment unthankful and evil” (Luke 6:35).
Full, complete love is the love God expects husbands
When two people exchange wedding vows, they to show their wives. It is the foundation of godly leader-
make a life-long commitment. Biblically speaking, ship. Without it husbands cannot properly fulfill the
leadership God expects from them within marriage
this is a covenant—a solemn promise to God and (Ephesians 5:23). When a husband demonstrates godly
one’s mate to be faithful. love, his whole family benefits. His wife and children
feel secure. When they know they are honored and
includes fidelity, trust and the character to act properly loved, it is much easier for them to respect him as the
when under pressure or temptation. Yet too often people leader of the family.
engage in sex without commitment—a contradiction of Husbands must understand that even though God has
this foundational principle for successful marriages. given them responsibility within the family, their posi-
When two people exchange wedding vows, they tion of leadership is to be used only for the good of the
make a life-long commitment. Biblically speaking, this family. It should never be used for selfish reasons. This
is a covenant (Malachi 2:14)—a solemn promise to God kind of leadership flows from the understanding that first
and one’s mate to be faithful. and foremost the husband, too, is under authority—
This commitment should not be taken lightly or main- God’s authority (1 Corinthians 11:3).
tained only when we feel like it. We need to understand Because husbands historically have not lived up to
that our feelings can mislead us. God does not advocate God’s expectations for them, some have concluded that
only occasional bursts of loyalty and obedience to Him a father’s leadership position within the family is evil
whenever it is convenient for us. Similarly, people who and outdated. The real problem, however, is with
desire good marriages do not look for people who will husbands who neglect or reject the character traits of
stay committed to them only most of the time. godliness—not with God’s model for families. If we
Good relationships stand on long-term, trustworthy accept God’s instructions, we must accept His teaching
commitments—even under trying circumstances. When on the marriage model.
two people commit to follow God and His instructions God places on a husband’s shoulders immense
within their marriage, they take the first steps to a happy, responsibility for leading his wife and children in gentle-
lasting relationship. ness and love. God gives him no mandate to use his
position harshly or selfishly, nor the right to neglect his
What is love? family’s well-being. Humility, the opposite of pride and
To love and be loved is one of the most exhilarating arrogance, is essential in godly leadership.
experiences humans can enjoy. Writers and poets In a poignant letter to Titus, Paul explained that God’s
ancient and modern speak of the power and emotion structure for families is a foundational biblical teaching:
of romantic love. Yet the Bible reveals that love, in its “But as for you, speak the things which are proper for
broadest sense, is a choice. Love is something we sound doctrine: that the older men be sober, reverent,
choose to do. temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; the older
God tells husbands to love their wives (Ephesians women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior . . .
5:25, 28; Colossians 3:19)—and not just if they feel —that they admonish the young women to love their
like it. Lacking a foundational understanding, many husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste,
couples have tragically assumed they have no control homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that

September/October 1999 7
 the word of God may not be blasphemed” (Titus 2:1-5). arguments. “Get it off your chest and get it all out in the
open,” they advise.
Respect: key to a successful marriage Although candor can be healthy, fighting and arguing
God set husbands in a leadership role in the family, over every disagreement has proven to not be so wise.
but He expects men and women alike to practice biblical A study of 691 couples indicated that the more partners
love and respect (Ephesians 5:21). argue, regardless of their style of quarreling, the more
Besides detailing for husbands how they should love likely they will eventually divorce (Richard Morin,
their wives (Ephesians 5:25-33), Paul gives specific “What’s Fair in Love and Fights?,” Washington Post
instructions to wives: “Wives, submit to your own hus- Weekly, June 7, 1993, p. 37). Conflicts lower respect
bands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the and can build resentment. An argument can turn into
wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the the catalyst for a divorce.
Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is sub- How much conflict can a relationship stand? One
ject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands method of measurement, which claims 90 percent accu-
in everything” (verse 22-24). racy in predicting which marriages will last and which
This verse teaches us that a wife’s willing acknowl- will fail, is based on the percentage of positive com-
edgment of her husband’s leadership role is a vital ingre- ments vs. negative comments between mates. Among
dient in the godly model for marriage. This doesn’t newlyweds researchers found that mates who would
mean the husband must make every decision. Many end up staying together made five or fewer critical
couples successfully divide household responsibilities, comments out of each 100 comments about each other.
working together according to their respective strengths Newlyweds who later divorced had made 10 or more
and interests. In a loving marriage, both partners should critical comments out of each 100 (Joanni Schrof,
discuss major decisions and priorities. Then, according “A Lens on Matrimony,” U.S. News & World Report,
to the biblical model, if the husband chooses to make the Feb. 21, 1994, pp. 66-69).
final judgment all family members should honor it. Since all humans, even happily married couples,
But there are times when a husband should wisely sometimes have differences of opinion, learning how
defer to the preferences of his wife and children. Just to peacefully resolve differences is an important part of
because he has the right to make family choices does not maintaining respect. Here are a few principles couples
mean it is always best that he does. Many decisions are should follow:
a matter of preference, and preference is an individual • Talk matters out. Take turns expressing your beliefs
matter. A loving husband and father should be sensitive and concerns in a kind way, without raising your voices
to the desires and preferences of every family member (Proverbs 15:1). Refusing to talk about difficulties does
as long as they don’t violate family and godly standards. not resolve problems. Learn to express your opinions in
No husband can successfully head his household a nonjudgmental way.
unless his wife cooperatively respects the leadership Respect differences in your mate. Since God created
position God has given him. Without her conscious deci- mankind with a broad range of personalities, we need
sion to obey God’s instruction, she will usurp his leader- to appreciate those different perspectives. Even the
ship role in the family, or the husband and wife will steps we take to fulfill God’s instructions can vary
constantly argue. Paul urges wives to respect their from person to person (2 Peter 3:9).
husbands (verse 33). Attitude—of both husbands and • Seek a win-win solution. Whenever possible look
wives—is the key to making the biblical model of for solutions to problems that are acceptable to both
marriage a joyful experience. parties (Philippians 2:4). If possible, have two winners
Like love, respect also implies making a choice. We rather than a winner and loser. We must at times be will-
can choose to respect people for their positive qualities or ing to yield as long as a choice or action isn’t in conflict
despise them for the traits we dislike. The best time for with God’s instruction (Matthew 5:9; 1 Corinthians 6:7).
critical evaluation is before marriage. Afterwards mates Paul beautifully explained this principle. “Let each of
need to focus on mutual respect. Deal kindly with imper- you look out not only for his own interests, but also for
fections and abundantly praise good qualities. Benjamin the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which
Franklin, early American statesman and patriot, wisely was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:4-5).
and humorously put it this way: “Keep your eyes wide • Forgive. Everyone makes mistakes. Forgive so God
open before marriage and half shut afterwards.” and your mate will be inclined to forgive you (Matthew
6:15; Luke 6:37). Put your best foot forward. Action
Conflict and communication often follows thought. Approach your marriage partner
Researchers have found that the way two people com- in a spirit of love and forgiveness and ask God to restore
municate mirrors the state of their relationship. Positive, you to a right attitude (Psalm 51:10). Instead of letting
encouraging communication indicates a good relation- your negative emotions rule you, determine to treat
ship, and excessive criticism indicates a poor relation- your mate with respect (2 Corinthians 10:5). Often your
ship. Depending on the circumstances, the two little emotions will match your actions.
words “I’m sorry” can be as effective as “I love you.” • Seek help. If you have applied everything you know
Some marriage counselors claim couples should to do and are still struggling, look for competent profes-
learn to fight fairly and not worry about the number of sional help. Both you and your mate may be making

8 The Good News

 mistakes neither of you has recognized. Healthy, mature “the way of God more accurately” when he was new in
people are not afraid to seek help when they need it the faith (verses 24-26) and provided a meeting place for
(Proverbs 4:7; 11:14). a church in their home (1 Corinthians 16:19).
Priscilla and Aquila were loved and respected. Notice
The value of teamwork Paul’s commendation of them: “Greet Priscilla and
God intends couples to work, live and grow in har- Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked
mony. Instead of waging a war of the sexes, which mod- their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give
ern philosophies often fuel, God teaches husbands and thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles”
wives to work together as a team. “Husbands, likewise, (Romans 16:3-4). This couple undoubtedly saw a bigger
dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to purpose for their lives than arguing over inconsequential
the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs matters. They were living examples of “heirs together of
together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not the grace of life” (1 Peter 3:7).
be hindered” (1 Peter 3:7). When husbands and wives lovingly submit to the
Working together, husbands and wives can accom- roles God established in marriage, they learn how to
plish much more than they can working independently. submit to God. Intimate, loving relationships between
In the first century, Aquila and Priscilla set a fine exam- husbands and wives teach us much about the relation-
ple as a husband-and-wife team dedicated to God and ship of Christ to the Church (Ephesians 5:32). Applying
serving His people. Together they worked as tentmakers God’s principles for marriage not only produces happy
with the apostle Paul in Corinth (Acts 18:2-3), traveled relationships in this life, it yields greater understanding
with him to Syria (verse 18), helped Apollos understand of godly principles that will last for eternity.

Child Rearing: Building

the Right Foundation
C
ountless books have been written about we can do in rearing our children will produce the
child rearing. Some approaches to rear- favorable results we want to see: mature, responsible
ing children are at opposite ends of the and caring young men and women.
spectrum and give conflicting and contra-
dictory advice. Where can we find sure, Words and actions leave lasting impressions
sound information to guide us in this All parents at times become frustrated with their
crucial responsibility? children’s behavior. It is easy for a father or mother to
The Bible has much to say about this all-important convey the impression that he or she doesn’t love the
subject, and parents should look to its pages for guid- child. Some parents, by means of angry, frustrated reac-
ance. What should be our fundamental approach? tions and comments, make their children feel they are
Our attitude toward our children is perhaps the sin- worthless or that their parents despise them.
gle most important consideration in proper child rear- Parents must carefully consider the impression their
ing. Do we really love our children? Do our words and words and actions make on their children. They may be
actions show our children we love them? Will we, and upset about only one negative trait or action, but make the
do we, sacrifice for them? Do we make time to show child feel as if he is an altogether bad person. It is essential
we care for them? that parents control their anger when correcting a child
There is no substitute for time spent with our chil- and that they make the specific behavior, action or attitude
dren. Our time is our life. To our children, our time with for which the child is being punished perfectly clear.
them is life. A parent who provides his children with The apostle Paul offers this instruction to parents:
plenty of material possessions but little personal time is “Fathers, do not irritate and provoke your children to
Photos © 1999 PhotoDisc, Inc.

missing a vital point. Children do not equate the parent’s anger—do not exasperate them to resentment—but rear
time on the job working to provide for the family with them [tenderly] in the training and discipline and the
love for them. They think it means Dad doesn’t like to counsel and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4,
spend time with them. Our time is the most valuable gift Amplified Bible).
we can give to our children, especially quality time In other words, parents should be sure their children
interacting and conversing with them. know, even when they are being disciplined and corrected,
Without a foundational approach of love, little that that they are loved. This is not to say parents should never

September/October 1999 9
 display anger, but that it must be obviously directed toward judgmental of other people on those same issues.
the child’s misbehavior. It should always be controlled and
brief. God Himself becomes angry at times, but He doesn’t The need for discipline
lose His temper, and He always has a righteous purpose An important part of teaching is discipline, which can
for His indignation and resulting actions. involve punishment. This is a controversial subject in
When children know they are deeply cared for and many societies, with strong opinions on many sides of
that correction from their father or mother grows out of the issue. Some parents believe in corporal punishment;
concern and is in their best interest, such discipline will others are dead set against it. Governments, too, enter the
not provoke them to anger and rebellion. picture, with some countries going so far as to outlaw
On the other hand, statements that a child perceives spanking or paddling. The educational system is a major
as painting him and his character and attitude as worth- additional factor in this ongoing debate. Corporal punish-
less makes him feel rejected and can eventually lead ment has virtually disappeared from many public schools.
to rebellious behavior, damaging activities and even Keep in mind, however, the various ways to punish
running away from home. or administer discipline. Verbal correction, removal of
If a parent tells his child he’s no good, the child privileges, restricting freedoms and adding extra chores
soon will start believing it and living up to that reputa- are a few. Sometimes such methods work well, and
tion. To show active rather than passive love for our some may be more effective with one child than
kids, we must extend sincere compliments and praise another. Some children are more sensitive and respond

The kind of teaching God commands requires much

more than a once-a-week session at church services.
It must be a regular practice, all week long. Such
teaching should become a way of life.
when they’re due. This reassures our children they are
loved and appreciated.
Parents’ responsibility to teach
Another essential ingredient in proper child rearing
is actively teaching right values and behavior. God
emphasizes this parental responsibility: “And these
words which I command you today shall be in your
heart; you shall teach them diligently to your children,
and shall talk of them when you sit in your house,
when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and
when you rise up” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).
This does not mean just formal, classroom-style to scolding. Others require bolder steps to teach the les-
teaching, although such teaching is appropriate. The son. The result is the important thing. A godly principle
instruction God commands inspires practical, down-to- is to use only as much punishment as is required to
earth learning and application of God’s way of life while achieve the desired result.
we go about our daily activities. But, sometimes, none of these methods work. So
This kind of teaching requires much more than a what about corporal punishment?
once-a-week session at church services. It must be The Bible teaches that corporal punishment, wisely
a regular practice, all week long. Such teaching should applied, is appropriate when disciplining children: “Do
become a way of life. not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish him
Children, of course, quickly perceive whether their with the rod, he will not die. Punish him with the rod and
parents practice what they teach. Therefore, the parents’ save his soul from death” (Proverbs 23:13-14, New Inter-
example may be the most important teacher of all. Par- national Version; see also Proverbs 13:24; 22:15; 29:15).
ents must do the things they teach. Nothing is more inef- The word rod should not be interpreted to mean any-
fective than for a parent who uses foul language to thing that could injure a child in any manner whatsoever.
correct his child for using similar language. How can a It implies only something small and light that would
parent teach responsibility if his own actions are irre- inflict a limited amount of pain without injury. The size
sponsible, if they bring needless hardship on the family? might vary according to the age and size of the child.
Our example greatly influences our children. They are Appropriate punishment involves temporarily inflict-
quick to pick up on inconsistencies. They consider how ing minor pain with the specific objective of preventing
fair we are, how much information we seek before making future inappropriate behavior with its far greater and
a decision, how we treat their friends, how courteously and long-lasting consequences. This minor, short-lived pain
respectfully we deal with others. They especially watch is nothing compared with the suffering that would come
whether we live up to what we say—particularly if we are later if the child should permanently adopt destructive

10 The Good News

 behavior. But parents must wisely administer such you must be willing to respond to the challenge
discipline. It should be undertaken only for the child’s immediately” (Dobson, p. 20).
benefit, never to vent a parent’s uncontrolled anger.
Family and child-rearing authority James Dobson Taking a cue from God’s discipline
describes the proper approach in administering punish- Consider that God chastises Christians out of love for
ment: “. . . It is possible . . . to create a violent and them. Notice Hebrews 12:5-11: “And you have forgot-
aggressive child who has observed this behavior at ten the exhortation that addresses you as children—‘My
home. If he is routinely beaten by hostile, volatile par- child, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, or
ents, or if he witnesses physical violence between angry lose heart when you are punished by him; for the Lord
adults, or if he feels unloved and unappreciated within disciplines those whom he loves, and chastises every
his family, the child will not fail to notice how the game child whom he accepts.’
is played . . . Being a parent carries no right to slap and “Endure trials for the sake of discipline. God is
intimidate a child because you had a bad day or are in treating you as children; for what child is there whom
a lousy mood. It is this kind of unjust discipline that a parent does not discipline? If you do not have that dis-
causes some well-meaning authorities to reject corporal cipline in which all children share, then you are illegiti-
punishment altogether. mate and not his children. Moreover, we had human
“Just because a technique is used wrongly, however, is parents to discipline us, and we respected them. Should
no reason to reject it altogether. Many children desperately we not be even more willing to be subject to the Father
of spirits and live?
“For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed
best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, in order
that we may share his holiness. Now, discipline always
seems painful rather than pleasant at the time, but later
it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who
have been trained by it” (NRSV).
The preceding passage from Hebrews quotes
Proverbs 3:11-12, comparing God’s correction of us as
His children to human parents disciplining their children
out of love and concern for them.
These verses teach us several vital principles regard-
ing discipline. From them we learn (1) God disciplines
in love, (2) discipline is not rejection but part of our
maturing and growth, (3) discipline produces respect,
and (4) discipline produces good fruit and righteousness.
The Greek word for “discipline” in the passage in
Hebrews includes the concepts of education and training,
corrective guidance and corrective punishment. Proper
need this resolution to their disobedience. In those situa- child rearing involves all these elements of training.
tions when the child fully understands what he is being Another biblical principle that parents should consider
asked to do or not to do but refuses to yield to adult leader- when evaluating discipline appropriate for their children
ship, an appropriate spanking is the shortest and most is expressed by the apostle Paul. “Let every soul be sub-
effective route to an attitude adjustment. When he lowers ject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority
his head, clenches his fists, and makes it clear he is going except from God, and the authorities that exist are
for broke, justice must speak swiftly and eloquently. Not appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the author-
only does this response not create aggression in a boy or ity resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will
girl, it helps them control their impulses and live in har- bring judgment on themselves” (Romans 13:1-2).
mony with various forms of benevolent authority through- Parents should understand that some disciplinary
out life” (The New Dare to Discipline, 1992, p. 60). practices recommended in Scriptures may be restricted
Spanking should be a contingency plan, not the stan- by local, state law or national laws.
dard or sole way of punishing. It should be used when
other approaches don’t work or when a child is out of A blessing and responsibility
control and will not submit or when he shows a rebel- God’s Word tells us children are a gift, a blessing
lious spirit. Spankings are not for accidentally spilling from Him. Being a parent is perhaps the greatest
Photos © 1999 PhotoDisc, Inc.

milk or for making a C on a report card. Nor should they responsibility we can have in this life, and it can bring
become the dominant tool of child rearing. the greatest rewards.
Says Dr. Dobson: “In my opinion, spankings . . . We can teach our sons and daughters many things,
should be reserved for the moment a child (between but we can also learn much from them about life and
the age of eighteen months to ten years old) expresses relationships. If we are effective in parenting, they can
to parents a defiant ‘I will not!’ or ‘You shut up!’ When even surpass us and achieve more than we. That is truly
youngsters convey this kind of stiff-necked rebellion, an honor to any parent and a worthy goal.

September/October 1999 11
 Finding the Path
to a Happy Family

O
ne of the greatest blessings of a happy, this institution so we could learn many lessons and attain
fulfilled life is a loving family. Nothing our potential in His family (2 Corinthians 6:18; Hebrews
seems better than coming home to a 2:10-11; 1 John 3:2).
household filled with love, children and God gives instructions on how a family is to func-
a happy marriage. Although we may tion. In the Fifth Commandment He tells us, “Honor
have a great job, without a successful your father and mother, that your days may be long
home life we will realize a great void in our lives. upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you”
In the broadest sense our family includes not only our (Exodus 20:12).
spouse and children, but parents, uncles, aunts, cousins, We are always to honor our parents. In our youth we
nephews, nieces and others—all members of our should honor them by respectful obedience. When they
extended family. Enjoying a good relationship with all are old we should honor them with visits, regular com-
one’s family is a wonderful blessing. munication and respect and by seeing that their material
To discover how can we make our family relationships and emotional needs are met.
work, let’s see how the institution of the family began. God promises a special blessing for people who obey
Shortly after God created the first man, Adam, He this commandment. Notice the reward for honoring our
said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will parents: “that your days may be long upon the land
make him a helper comparable to him” (Genesis 2:18). which the LORD your god is giving you.” In Ephesians

It is easy to forget that children are a blessing from

God. We eventually learn that life is much more fulfill-
ing when we take time to notice and appreciate the
simple things around us.
Adam was incomplete. So God created a woman, Eve,
to be his partner in life. God created men and women to
complement each other, not compete with each other. He
created them to work together, within marriage, to form
families and populate the earth.
Keys to happiness
God didn’t create the family relationship and then
leave us to stumble blindly trying to find the best way to
make it work. The keys for family happiness and success
are revealed in the Scriptures. When we follow these
instructions, much of the strife so often found in families 6:2 the apostle Paul describes this instruction as “the first
is eliminated. commandment with promise.”
One of the keys God gives is that marriage is a life- Another blessing that comes from having a family is
long commitment. When asked about divorce, Jesus children. Psalm 127:3-5 tells us: “Behold, children are
Christ responded: “Have you not read that He who made a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a
them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ and reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the
said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and children of one’s youth. Happy is the man who has his
mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall quiver full of them . . .”
become one flesh’?” (Matthew 19:4-5). Whether first-time parents marveling at the miracle of
Jesus showed that marriage was designed by God as life, a grandmother proudly holding her first grandchild
© 1999 PhotoDisc, Inc.

a sacred contract, a covenant between a man and woman or a grandfather playing catch with his grandchild in the
(Malachi 2:14)—an agreement not to be violated. backyard—all discover children to be a God-given
Happiness does not come by accident. We are most source of joy.
satisfied when we are doing something we believe is It is easy to forget that children are a blessing from
important. Such is the case with the family. God created God. Too often we think of having fun as visiting an

12 The Good News

exotic vacation spot, meeting exciting people or witness- teach them the values of God and bind your family
ing a spectacular event. Yet we eventually learn that life together through eternal spiritual principles.
is much more fulfilling when we take time to notice and In addition to the Sabbath, other times and activities,
appreciate the simple things around us. such as trips, vacations and holidays, provide ways for
family members to spend time together. Such occasions
Happiness begins at home provide opportunities for parents to talk with their chil-
Sadly, our modern way of life tends to separate fami- dren, to find out what they are thinking about life and
lies. Grandchildren often live far from their grandparents. learn of their hopes, dreams and frustrations. It is also a
Youngsters are separated from their aunts, uncles and time for children to start asking questions of their par-
cousins. Frequent visits and phone calls can help shorten ents about life. When a family is together in a car for
the distance and keep us in touch with other members of many hours traveling, parents can take this time to com-
our family, but those measures are not always adequate. municate with their children, thus bringing their families
Building happy, stable, extended families takes effort. closer together.
Galatians 6:7 explains that we reap what we sow. A prop-
erly functioning family requires a lot of work, just as it A source of support
takes effort to start a career, build a house or plow a field. There are always times when things go wrong. When
We usually reap rewards in proportion to the effort rough times come, the family can provide powerful sup-
we put into something. If we start to build a house but port. Ecclesiastes 4:11-12 points out the advantage of
don’t make use of good-quality materials and good support: “. . . If two lie down together they keep warm,
workmanship, our house will not have much value. but how can one be warm alone? And if one can over-
Our families are the same. If we put effort and care power him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of
into them, then we can reap the benefits of healthy three strands is not quickly torn apart” (New American
relationships. On the other hand, if we don’t invest Standard Bible). What better physical, emotional and
much time and effort in our families, we cannot expect even spiritual support can one have than a loving family
much in return. that comes to the aid of a stricken member?
Let’s consider some investments we can make to Paul exhorted the congregation in Thessalonica to
create the most positive environment in our families. “comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient
with all” (1 Thessalonians 5:15). Assistance from the
Time: a precious commodity family is the first source of help when problems arise.
Spending time together is important for people in any If a family member falls ill or loses a job, a supporting
profitable and proper relationship. The many pressures family can help. Family members can encourage him
and demands on our time tend to pull our families far- not to give up or become overly discouraged.
ther apart rather than drawing them together. Some par- A problem during Jesus’ earthly ministry was non-
ents find it difficult to spend more than a few minutes supporting families. Christ chastised the Pharisees,
each day with their spouses and children. telling them they needed to take care of older, needy
It is common to hear people complain about their family members. “All too well you reject the com-
lack of time. Yet we seem to find time for the things that mandment of God, that you may keep your tradition,”
we really want to do. He told them. “For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and
How important is your family? How high a priority is your mother’; and, ‘He who curses father or mother, let
it to you? When we ask ourselves this question, we may him be put to death.’ But you say, ‘If a man says to his
see a need to rearrange our priorities. You may have to father or mother, whatever profit you might have
make time for your family. received from me is Corban’—(that is, a gift to God),
When family members live in the same area and then you no longer let him do anything for his father
share the commitment to obey God’s commandments, or his mother” (Mark 7:9-12). He made it clear that
they have a special opportunity for spending time family members have a responsibility to take care of
together while worshiping God. The Fourth Command- elderly parents.
ment instructs us to “remember the Sabbath day, to keep One way to support elderly parents is to stay in regu-
it holy” (Exodus 20:8). As one of the most ignored laws lar contact with them. Letters and phone calls to see how
of God, the Sabbath command, when observed, affords they are doing are good first steps. Then one should fol-
families many opportunities to come together. (To learn low through with help as needed. The principle of assist-
how to find time in your week to consider godly spiritual ing also applies to other members of a family when they
values, you need to learn more about God’s weekly are in need.
Sabbath. Be sure to request our free booklet Sunset
to Sunset: God’s Sabbath Rest.) Traditionally speaking
The Sabbath commandment is more important today Traditions help families function and grow closer.
than ever because of our busy schedules. It is a day on We have already mentioned that obedience to the Fourth
which family members should have dinner together, Commandment (to keep the Sabbath holy) can help
perhaps take time for a walk and above all, worship God make stronger families. Besides the Sabbath and biblical
together. Investing time with your close relatives on the feast days, other traditional times to get together—such
Sabbath can enhance your relationships with them, as anniversaries—offer important opportunities for

September/October 1999 13
 developing relationships. (To understand the meaning of them know what is expected of them. They identify
the biblical Holy Days, be sure to request God’s Holy proper standards of behavior.
Day Plan: The Promise of Hope for All Mankind.) Responsible parents who love their children will give
Jesus Christ encourages us as well to extend hospital- careful consideration to the rules they establish. Dr.
ity to others outside our immediate families: “When you Campbell asks: “Should you make them fair, broad, and
give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your reasonable? Or should you be very strict? It is important
brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also to remember that the normal teenager will test—and
invite you back, and you be repaid. But when you give sometimes even break—your limits or rules. Common
a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. sense, then, indicates that since it is in the makeup of
And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; most teenagers to challenge and/or break rules, no matter
for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just” how strict or broad they are, the sensible thing is to make
(Luke 14:12-14). rules initially quite strict and restrictive” (ibid., p. 76).
Later, as children mature and demonstrate responsi-
The need for rules ble behavior, the rules can be relaxed where and when
We live in an era that has cast off many of the rules— appropriate.
the standards and traditions—that once governed soci- The Bible tells us that children, too, have a responsibil-
ety. The result? Young people do not have the guidelines ity. Paul wrote, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord,
to help them grow and mature into responsible adults. for this is right” (Ephesians 6:1). Ideally, youths will learn
Far too many roam the streets without rules to define from parents who teach them God’s instructions.
proper behavior. Of course, children tend to test rules. At times they
Children need boundaries and rules. They need to will decide they know better than their parents. When
know what is expected of them. Proverbs 29:15 tells us this happens parents should take time to explain why cer-
that “the rod and rebuke give wisdom, but a child left tain rules exist. For example, if a youngster or teenager
to himself brings shame to his mother.” Children and has a tendency not to wear a seat belt when riding in a
teenagers may not appreciate correction and rules when car, explain to him the reason for wearing one: Seat belts
they are young, but when they are older they will see usually save lives and prevent serious injuries in case of
and be thankful for the wisdom of parents who gave accidents. If children are placed in seat belts when they
them proper guidance. are young, they will develop the habit of buckling up and
likely not challenge it as they grow older.
Love: the lasting ingredient
Love is the most important ingredient in any success-
ful family. If members of the family love each other,
they will be more tolerant and forgiving, and they will
be willing to support weaker members of the family.
The apostle Paul describes the characteristics of true
love, the unselfish concern for other people: “Love suf-
fers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not
parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely,
does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil;
does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;
bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things,
endures all things” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).
Love is especially important within the family struc-
ture. It gives us direction when we wonder how to treat
a family member. Love means applying discipline when
needed. This kind of love requires parental courage and
self-discipline—the same attributes we would like to see
in our children.
Ross Campbell, M.D., understands the importance of Societal changes have seriously threatened the fam-
rules in the development of children. In his book How to ily. Some wonder if the family structure can survive.
Really Love Your Teenager he writes: “. . . Teenagers at Many forces are at work that constantly threaten and
some level of consciousness realize they need guidance undermine this basic building block of society.
and control from their parents. They want it. I have There is much you can do to help make your family
heard so many teenagers say that their parents do not life work, to help prevent your family from becoming
love them because they are not strict or firm enough. one of the casualties. You can help make your family a
And so many teenagers express their thankfulness and safe haven for its members, a harbor from the storms of
Digital Stock

love to parents who showed their care and concern by life in a troubled world. To see your family life flourish,
their guidance and control” (1988, p. 77). be sure to apply these principles and many more to be
Rules and guidelines are good for children. They let found throughout the Bible.

14 The Good News

 The Importance
of Right Friendships
S
ome people prefer to be alone. But most more balanced and so much wiser as a result of devel-
want to be around other people. Relation- oping and maintaining healthy friendships. The Word
ships and associations are important to of God supports this approach. The book of Proverbs
them. They desire to have and maintain is rife with wise sayings on aspects of friendship.
friendships. Proverbs focuses on the importance of developing
Friendship is part of God’s way of life. His friendships based on the right reasons. For example,
Word has much to say about friendship. In fact, God Proverbs 19:4-6 tells us: “Wealth makes many friends,
Himself strongly emphasizes His desire for relation- but the poor is separated from his friend . . . Many
ships and friendships. Jesus Christ, who is one in mind entreat the favor of the nobility, and every man is a
and Spirit with the Father, will marry the Church. This friend to one who gives gifts.”
implies an extremely close relationship as well as a Solomon noted that many people make friends for
friendship. A major underpinning in God’s plan is ulterior motives, such as what a friend can do for us.
healthy, strong, close relationships. But a true friend is one who will sacrifice for his
The Scriptures refer to Abraham and Moses as brother, not one who will sacrifice his brother for gain.
friends of God (Exodus 33:11; James 2:23). Jesus A true friend will not be friendly only when things are
had close friends. Though the disciples were His clos- going well but will love at all times, including periods
est friends, He had friendly relationships with others, of adversity (Proverbs 17:17).
including tax collectors. For this He was soundly A true friend is deeply committed to a relationship.
condemned by others (Matthew 11:19). One of the Notice Jesus Christ describing this commitment:
tax collectors, Matthew, even became a disciple “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down
(Matthew 9:9-13). one’s life for his friends” (John 15:13). Jesus not only
These examples illustrate that it is not wrong to said this, He lived it. It’s quite a challenge for us to
have friends who are not Christian. John, another dis-
ciple and a close friend of Jesus, described the danger God’s way is not one of total independence from
we must keep in mind: “Do not love the world or the others. It is a way of interdependence—of close rela-
things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the
love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the tionships and of working together as a well-trained
world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and team to accomplish the goals He sets before us.
the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the
world. And the world is passing away, and the lust follow this wonderful example.
of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever” Some believe that to be a friend to someone, one
(1 John 2:15-17). should never stand up to or disagree with him. But
We must maintain a proper balance. We are to help there are times when a true friend needs to tell his
people in the world—in society—without becoming brother where he is wrong. “Faithful are the wounds
part of the way of life of the world. of a friend. But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful”
Among the disciples the Savior apparently felt (Proverbs 27:6).
especially close to John. He even commissioned this Friends should assist and strengthen each other by
disciple to care for His mother, Mary, after His death. helping each other grow and improve (Proverbs
Although Jesus was a friend to many, He appears to 27:17). People simply do much better by working
have felt a special affinity for John. together. Two really are better than one (Ecclesiastes
John’s epistles dwell on love as a major theme. 4:9-12).
Since God is love and the Son of God is like His Father God’s way is not one of total independence from
(Hebrews 1:3), this may be why Jesus felt a special others. It is a way of interdependence—of close rela-
affinity for John. Following Christ’s example, we can tionships and of working together as a well-trained
see it is not wrong for us to have close friends as long team to accomplish the goals He sets before us. All of
as they do not prevent us from helping others and us need to actively seek, develop and maintain friend-
having a positive relationship with them. ships from a godly perspective and motive. We will be
People can be so much more effective, so much better people as a result.

September/October 1999 15
 Finding Success
in Your Job and Career
I
n a world that has changed tremendously in remarkable move toward specialization, and that dri-
recent years, it seems few things have changed as ven largely by technological advancements. These
fast as employment and economic situations. advancements constantly alter our world, creating
Not that long ago it was common for a person new business and job opportunities virtually overnight
to work for himself or learn a trade and work for while just as quickly rendering others obsolete.
one employer for most, if not all, of his working We might liken our world to the Bible world of
life. Most people started working for one company, 2,000 years ago in terms of versatility. In Bible times
and it was virtually a partnership for life. But no most people were self-employed and had to learn
longer. That kind of security and loyalty—from many skills out of necessity. Theirs was not a throw-
employer to employee and vice-versa—is a thing of away society in which if something broke you simply
the past. It’s now much more common for people to went to the store and bought a new one. People made
work for several employers over a lifetime and to learn most of what they needed, then repaired it when neces-
many skills and hold several kinds of jobs over the sary. Of necessity they learned many skills to provide
course of their career. for themselves and their families.
Similarly, people today often have to learn many
In a world that is so far removed from the life and times job skills out of necessity in a fast-paced, fast-
changing world. Those who don’t learn, grow and
of the Bible, do the Scriptures offer any guidance in change with the times can fall behind and have to fend
how to be successful in our job and career? for themselves.
Timeless principles for success
Even though we live in a world of constant change,
some things have not changed for thousands of years.
Our world is far removed from that of the Bible, yet
its pages reveal timeless principles that apply just as
well today as they did when they were first written
thousands of years ago.
The book of Proverbs is especially helpful, not just
in offering us guidance for how to be successful on the
job but in advising how to succeed in all areas of life.
Notice how, in the first few verses, King Solomon
expresses the purpose of the book of Proverbs:
“The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of
Israel: for attaining wisdom and discipline; for under-
standing words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined
In an increasingly competitive world of business and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair;
mergers, acquisitions and bankruptcies, seniority and for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and dis-
experience no longer necessarily equate to job security. cretion to the young—let the wise listen and add to
People can lose their jobs through downsizing and their learning, and let the discerning get guidance”
layoffs with little or no warning. In many advanced (Proverbs 1:1-5, New International Version).
nations, entire categories of jobs have been eliminated, Simply put, the book of Proverbs is a book to teach
replaced through computers and automation or us wisdom. It records hundreds of observations on all
exported to poorer nations where workers will perform aspects of life and our relationships with one another.
the task for a fraction of the cost. It offers hundreds of gems of advice that have been
In a world that is so far removed from the life and proven over time. Let’s examine some of the advice
times of the Bible, do the Scriptures offer any guidance it offers to help us succeed in our jobs and careers,
© 1999 PhotoDisc, Inc.

in how to be successful in our job and career? whether we work for ourselves or others.
Versatility in a changing world A tiny teacher from nature
Obviously, one key to economic survival is versatil- Solomon was a multitalented man. He was not only
ity. Only in recent generations have we seen such a a gifted writer, teacher and composer but a student of

16 The Good News

nature who recorded his observations about the natural Solomon adds that we should learn from the exam-
world around him (1 Kings 4:30-34). One of his first ples of behavior we see around us. We should recog-
recorded principles for success on the job, and in all nize cause and effect, he tells us, to learn what leads to
areas of life for that matter, came from observing one success and what leads to poverty. “I went by the field
of the tiniest of God’s creatures: the ant. of the lazy man, and by the vineyard of the man devoid
“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and of understanding; and there it was, all overgrown with
be wise!” advises Solomon. “It has no commander, no thorns; its surface was covered with nettles; its stone
overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer wall was broken down. When I saw it, I considered it
and gathers its food at harvest. How long will you lie well; I looked on it and received instruction: A little
there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to
sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of rest; so shall your poverty come like a prowler, and
the hands to rest—and poverty will come on you like your need like an armed man” (Proverbs 24:30-34).
a bandit and scarcity like an armed man” (Proverbs The Proverbs repeatedly tell us that, when it comes
6:6-11, NIV). to success, there is no substitute for diligent work. “In
Solomon tells us we can learn much about how to all hard work there is profit, but talk only makes a man
be successful in life from the lowly ant. First, the ant poor” (Proverbs 14:23, Bible in Basic English).
doesn’t have to have someone tell it what to do. It Talk by itself, as Solomon pointed out, produces
recognizes what needs to be done and takes care of it. nothing. Good intentions are just that: intentions. “The
Any supervisor recognizes the value of an employee soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; but the
with such an approach, someone who learns his job, soul of the diligent shall be made rich” (Proverbs
does it and doesn’t have to be reminded what to do. 13:4). Good intentions without follow-up actions bring
Those who must constantly be told what to do are nothing. Diligence, however, pays off.
rarely successful because they not only drain the time Solomon noted that those who don’t want to work
and energy of their managers, but they show little or no can always come up with creative excuses. “The lazy
initiative or potential for advancement. man says, ‘There is a lion outside! I shall be slain in
The ant in Solomon’s observations instinctively recog- the streets!’ ” (Proverbs 22:13). Excuses, too, are no
nizes the need to prepare for the future. When the oppor- substitute for getting the job done.
tunity is there to gather food, it willingly and diligently
works hard to store up provisions for lean times ahead. Diligence delivers dividends
Likewise we should recognize the need to prepare Hand in hand with hard work is a trait the Bible
for the future. When circumstances are good, make the often refers to as diligence. We might call it many
most of them, recognizing that it won’t always be this things: initiative, motivation, enthusiasm, drive, fore-
way. When opportunities present themselves, we sight. Curiously, the Hebrew word translated “diligent”
should learn to recognize and act on them while cir- is translated “sharp” in several verses. Today we refer
cumstances allow. Otherwise they might not present to someone as sharp if we think he is intelligent, pro-
themselves again. ductive and effective—in other words, if he’s diligent.
Diligence and hard work are the opposite of lazi-
The value of hard work ness. The fruits of diligence and hard work are also the
One lesson from Solomon’s meditations on the ant’s opposite of the consequences of laziness. What does
behavior is unmistakable: To be successful requires Solomon tell us about the reward of diligence—of
hard work. The ant seems instinctively to know it must initiative, drive and foresight?
work hard to survive. Too many people have yet to “The hand of the diligent will rule, but the lazy man
figure that out. will be put to forced labor,” he writes (Proverbs 12:24).
No one wants to hire (or keep) a person who is lazy, Those who are enthusiastic and motivated in their
passive, not dependable and always looking for excuses work are those who naturally will get the promotions
or ways to get out of work. Such people usually are and greater responsibility. If you want to be considered
more trouble than they are worth. Solomon points out for opportunities for advancement, cultivate and
where such people usually end up—suffering from develop these traits. Do your absolute best in your cur-
poverty and scarcity. rent position to show that you can handle additional
Curiously, Solomon’s comments imply that these responsibility, and it will likely come.
consequences strike the lazy person unexpectedly, like No one who takes a passive, disinterested approach
a bandit or robber who strikes suddenly and without to work should expect additional responsibilities, or
warning. Apparently at least some such people lack the the additional pay that comes with them. “He who is
foresight even to see the inevitable consequences of slow in his work becomes poor, but the hand of the
their laziness. Perhaps you’ve seen incompetent ready worker gets in wealth,” says Solomon (Proverbs
employees go their merry way, unaware of their behav- 10:4, Bible in Basic English). The results of work
ioral problems until they were fired. Solomon even habits Solomon noted almost 3,000 years ago
notes that some people are so oblivious to their own haven’t changed.
shortcomings that they seem impervious to reality “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your
(Proverbs 26:16). might,” advised Solomon in another biblical book

September/October 1999 17
 (Ecclesiastes 9:10). This is wise advice indeed. If we either surrender, pay protection money or fight and
do our best with opportunities given us, more opportu- suffer the likely bloody consequences. None of these
nities will come our way. As king over Israel, Solomon choices came easily.
noted just how high diligent, motivated employees can In the same way, a person without self-discipline
go when they apply themselves: “Do you see a man is unable to control his own destiny. Without self-
skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will discipline he cannot set and maintain a course that will
not serve before obscure men” (Proverbs 22:29, NIV). lead to security and stability. He will often be his own
greatest hindrance to success as he follows his own
Preparation before pleasure impulses on one false start after another.
For young people in particular, Solomon offers
advice that becomes understandable when we apply its Another biblical writer’s perspective
underlying principle to our day and age. “Finish your Solomon wasn’t the only Bible writer to offer sound
outdoor work and get your fields ready; after that, build advice for a successful career. The apostle Paul offers a
your house,” he wrote (Proverbs 24:27, NIV). What perspective that can help us on the job regardless of our
does that quaint-sounding advice have to do with us? circumstances. He describes for us the
Solomon was summing up a principle crucial for perspective a Christian—and by extension any of us—
success. In the agriculturally based society of his time, should take toward our job and our employer:
people lived—and sometimes died—by the condition, “Servants, in all things do the orders of your natural
readiness and productivity of their fields. If their fields masters; not only when their eyes are on you, as
yielded little or no crops, the individual or family was pleasers of men, but with all your heart, fearing the
in deep trouble. Thus their highest priority was to keep Lord: Whatever you do, do it readily, as to the Lord
fields in good condition so everyone could eat. and not to men” (Colossians 3:22-23, BBE; compare
Solomon advises someone starting out as a young Ephesians 6:5-8).
adult to “get your fields ready” first. In other words, Paul’s instruction is simple: We should approach
take the steps that will put—and keep—food on our job as if we were working for Jesus Christ Him-
your table. “After that, build your house,” he says. self. God is watching us whether the person paying us
Solomon here sums up our basic priorities in life is or not, so we should always put forth our best effort
as work before pleasure. and strive to please and honor Him. To do otherwise is
The modern equivalent would be to be sure you are to dishonor and disobey God, in essence stealing from
well prepared to make a living before you start trying or defrauding our employer by accepting pay while
to enjoy a good living. Put in the hard work necessary not giving the quantity and quality of work we’ve
to begin a career and get and keep well-paying jobs. agreed to.
Once your fields (or their economic equivalent) are
ready—after you’ve gained the skills to provide for Are you a profitable servant?
you and your family—you can take time to build your Perhaps no other biblical approach to success on the
house—to think about home and family. job and in our career is better expressed than that sum-
In our time the thrust of that preparation to earn a marized by Jesus Christ Himself. He noted the differ-
living will be to get an appropriate education. On aver- ence between a servant—an employee—who is
age, Americans with a college degree will earn double profitable to his employer and one who is not.
the lifetime earnings of a high-school graduate. Those “Does [the master] thank [his] servant because he
with advanced degrees will earn far more. did the things that were commanded him?,” Jesus
Education is the single best investment you can asked. “I think not. So likewise you, when you have
make for your financial stability and earning power. As done all those things which you are commanded, say,
technology transforms our world, education will likely ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was
grow even more important with each coming year. At our duty to do’ ” (Luke 17:9-10).
the same time the constant advancement of technology An unprofitable servant, said Jesus, does as he is
means that ongoing education—adding and developing told. He exactly—and barely—meets his responsibil-
skills—is also crucial. ity. Such a servant, Jesus said, is unprofitable.
Jesus didn’t spell out what makes a servant prof-
Stability and strength through self-discipline itable. He didn’t have to. His meaning was clear:
Solomon tells us that this sort of self-discipline is A profitable servant must go above and beyond his
crucial to our success. “Whoever has no rule over his duty. He must go beyond what his master—his
own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls” employer—expects.
(Proverbs 25:28). In times of economic uncertainty and financial
Self-discipline is crucial to getting and maintaining instability, there is probably no better way to assure
control over our lives. Solomon compared a person your employment security and growth than to follow
without self-discipline to a city without walls. In his Paul’s admonition to work for one’s employer as if you
day an unwalled city was defenseless before invaders, are working for Jesus Christ Himself. In doing so you
unable to control its own destiny. It stood helpless will fulfill Jesus’ description of what we must do to be
before its enemies, and when surrounded it could truly profitable servants.

18 The Good News

 Financial Security
and Peace of Mind
A
popular magazine pointed out that some Hol- God wants us to be prosperous and happy (3 John 2), and
lywood celebrities, each earning more than He offers guidance to make that possible.
$35 million per year, were deeply in debt. Most people feel they are able on their own to handle
A newspaper article similarly reported their personal affairs, including monetary decisions and
that a popular musician had to drastically allocations. They don’t realize this is where they make
reorder his finances because his a great mistake, because they unknowingly cut them-
personal spending had grown to an average of some selves off from God’s favor and guidance that lead to
$400,000 per week. the financial success they seek.
At the same time, many nations are mired in serious For example, contrary to human inclination, God tells
financial trouble, carrying enormous deficits, in spite of us not to set a high priority on the accumulation of
their industrial, business and agricultural productivity wealth and material goods. Instead, even though we
and know-how. have physical needs, He tells us that spiritual values and
Following these same patterns, personal bankruptcies objectives are more important and lasting and that we
are soaring upward, and many families owe so much need first to seek His Kingdom rather than the things
money they have very little hope of getting out of debt. of this world. If we do this He promises to supply the
It is ironic that our materialistic world, which prizes physical necessities we require (Matthew 6:19-34).
the acquisition of wealth over almost everything else, However, because people are naturally inclined
is so heavily burdened by it. It is not hard to see that toward acquiring as much as possible for themselves,
something is fundamentally wrong and out of balance. many find God’s approach difficult to accept and pur-
Instead of being a blessing and source of stability and sue. But if we want to attain real financial stability and
security—with peace of mind—we must recognize the
importance of putting God first. After all, He is the
primary source of our blessings. Covetousness, along
with lack of discipline and self-control, is a root cause
of much personal and national economic trouble
(1 Timothy 6:10).
God’s Word sternly warns against covetousness.
God’s Tenth Commandment (Exodus 20:17) forbids
coveting—intensely or obsessively desiring something
that doesn’t belong to us.
The prophet Jeremiah indicted the kingdom of Judah
for its citizens’ covetousness (Jeremiah 22:17). Jesus
Christ warned of its dangers (Luke 12:15-34). Hebrews
13:5 tells us, “Let your conduct be without covetous-
ness; be content with such things as you have.” Too
many people fail to recognize the perils of yielding to
Instead of being a blessing and source of stability their desires and cravings, especially when they can’t
and security, money has become a curse that often afford them.
produces great stress and anxiety because people The source of all wealth
have not learned to properly use it. Many have forgotten—or never considered—that it
is God who gives us power to obtain wealth. Although
security, money has come to be a curse that often pro- diligent effort is a necessary part of anyone’s success,
duces great stress and anxiety because people have not God reminds us that when we say in our hearts, “My
learned to properly use it. power and the might of my hand have gained me this
wealth,” we need to “remember the LORD your God,
© 1999 PhotoDisc, Inc.

Man’s focus on materialism for it is He who gives you power to get wealth”
We live in a world that does not seek the knowledge of (Deuteronomy 8:17-18).
its Creator—including His financial advice. Few people As 1 Chronicles 29:11-12 tells us: “Yours, O LORD,
are aware that the Bible contains an amazing amount of is the greatness, the power and the glory, the victory and
information about how to accumulate and manage wealth. the majesty; for all that is in heaven and in earth is

September/October 1999 19
 Yours; . . . Both riches and honor come from You, and Jesus Christ tells us we cannot successfully focus
You reign over all. In Your hand is power and might; in on and place the correct emphasis on both God and
Your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all.” “mammon”—material wealth (Matthew 6:24). There-
Psalm 24:1 adds, “The earth is the LORD’s, and all its fore the choice between the two is an important one.
fullness, the world and those who dwell therein.” To help us consider and evaluate these alternatives,
These verses give a critically important godly perspec- Jesus contrasted the value of each. Earthly treasure is
tive that we need to consider. It is God who gives us our easily destroyed or stolen, He said, while heavenly
life and capacities and who has created the earth’s raw riches are not vulnerable to loss or theft and are there-
materials from which commodities and wealth originate. fore more enduring and substantial (verses 19-20).
Later He continued this theme by showing that being
Acknowledging God for His blessings overly concerned with the cares of the world and the
Because God is the Creator, life giver and sustainer of deceitfulness of riches can strangle the influence of
every living being, it follows that He has the prerogative God’s Word, preventing spiritual growth and maturity
to ask something in return from those who live as ten- (Matthew 13:22).
ants on His property. Thousands of years ago He insti- In Matthew 19:16-26 and Luke 12:13-34 He gives
tuted the financial principle of tithing—giving 10 additional examples of the greater importance and value
percent of one’s increase to His representatives—as a of setting our heart on spiritual priorities rather than
way of acknowledging Him as the source of our bless- material and earthly concerns.
ings. Tithing also provides a means for allowing His
truth to be shared with others. Responsibilities toward others
Scripture shows us that the Old Testament patriarchs God’s Word offers many other financial principles
Abraham and Jacob tithed (Genesis 14:18-20; 28:22). and truths we should study and follow to gain wisdom
and guidance from God’s mind.
Being willing to acknowledge and obey God in One sound bit of advice is to pay your taxes. Romans
13:1-7 teaches we should comply with governmental tax
tithing is an important step toward attaining personal requirements. Some wrongly think they are above and
happiness and financial success. exempt from government authority, but this is not what
the Bible teaches (except in cases where God’s laws
God commanded the entire nation of Israel to tithe conflict with man’s; Acts 5:29).
(Leviticus 27:30). Jesus Christ endorsed tithing Failure to pay taxes can result in severe penalties
(Matthew 23:23; Luke 11:42). because it is against the law of the land. Jesus Himself
People who think tithing is a humanly contrived told us to pay taxes but not neglect what we owe to God
scheme to obtain wealth fail to see this financial practice (Matthew 22:17-21). We should pay first that which
was ordained by God, not man, for a great spiritual pur- belongs to God as well as that which is required by
pose. They also fail to see that being willing to acknowl- the government.
edge and obey God in this matter is an important step The apostle Paul teaches that we should be willing
toward attaining personal happiness and financial success. and generous in contributing to the needs of others
God promises material blessings to those who obey (2 Corinthians 9:6-15). He amplifies this by explaining
Him and acknowledge Him with their wealth (Proverbs that we should work so we “may have something to give
3:1, 9-10). Through the prophet Malachi God warns that him who has need” (Ephesians 4:28).
withholding His tithe amounts to robbing Him, but
states He will bless those who tithe (Malachi 3:7-12). A key to contentment
God gives us “every good and perfect gift” (James Paul’s words bring into focus an unusual concept
1:17). Giving a 10th back to Him, along with offerings of the purpose of wealth. Most people view work and
that express our gratitude, is a basic financial obligation. money as the necessary means of satisfying their per-
Putting God first in your financial planning shows you sonal needs and wants, which can often be selfishly ori-
are getting your priorities straight and willing to follow ented. But a righteous viewpoint embraces the spirit of
God’s instruction. The first 10th of our increase is holy God’s law of love, which is concerned about the welfare
to God (Leviticus 27:30) and should be set aside for His of others in addition to oneself. We should keep this in
purposes and desires rather than our own. mind when contemplating how to use money and other
material wealth.
What is our highest priority? By examining the example and words of Paul, we
Ecclesiastes 2:1-11 shows the futility of seeking see that he learned to be content with only what he had
worldly pleasure, wealth and materialism. In the end during various periods of his life (Philippians 4:11).
such pursuits are empty: “He who loves silver will not Sometimes this was almost nothing.
be satisfied with silver; nor he who loves abundance Paul tells us that “godliness with contentment is
with increase” (Ecclesiastes 5:10). great gain. For we brought nothing into this world,
This illustrates again the importance of putting the and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having
things of God and His Kingdom first because they alone food and clothing, with these we shall be content”
give lasting satisfaction and fulfillment. (1 Timothy 6:6-8).

20 The Good News

 Considerable spiritual danger lies in wanting more taking advantage of others (2 Thessalonians 3:7-13).
and more. Paul recognized this: “But those who desire In line with this he instructed that families should
to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many take care of their own households and elderly relatives
foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruc- (1 Timothy 5:8) and share their material blessings with
tion and perdition. For the love of money is a root of those less fortunate (1 Timothy 6:17-19).
all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the Because God will judge each of us for what we do in
faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through this life (2 Timothy 4:1; 1 Peter 4:17), we need to set our
with many sorrows. But you, O man of God, flee these hearts on God’s instruction and do good whenever we
things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, can. None of us knows what tomorrow will bring, so we
patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay must learn to apply now the principles and teaching we
hold on eternal life . . .” (verses 9-11). have just read (James 4:13-17; 5:1-5).
Because of constant pressure to buy and satisfy our
every urge, such contentment and focus is difficult for Some final thoughts
us to achieve. But the closer we come to contentment As we have seen, money can be used for either right
the better off we will be. We need to learn to focus on or wrong purposes. The challenge we face is learning to
our genuine needs rather than the frivolous things put first things first and practice the financial principles
advertisers have convinced us we need. that are pleasing to God.
Although it is wise to set up a personal savings account
Taking personal responsibility as a buffer against the uncertainties of the future (experts
Paul encouraged Christians to work hard, mind their suggest putting aside as much as the equivalent of six
own business and be self-sufficient (1 Thessalonians 4:11- months’income before investing in other ventures), we
12). He set an example of carrying our own load and not should not become so self-focused and greedy that we

A Source of Timeless Financial Advice

have prosperity with hatred, dishar- card and other debt.

O
ne of the best sources of time-
less financial advice and guid- mony and godlessness (see also 16:8; Proverbs 23:4-5: For the sake of your
ance is the book of Proverbs. 17:1; 19:1; 28:6). family and physical and spiritual well-
Although we should carefully read Proverbs 15:27: Don’t be greedy or being, don’t focus so much on work
the entire book to discover its many open to bribery. that you neglect other important pri-
gems of wisdom, the following are Proverbs 16:16: Gaining godly wis- orities in life.
some of its nuggets regarding finances dom and understanding is more Proverbs 27:23-27: Although wealth
and wealth. important than obtaining wealth. is not enduring, keep diligent account
Proverbs 6:1-5: Don’t put yourself in Proverbs 18:10-11: It is better to rely of your assets and finances so you can
a position to be liable for the financial on God’s power than money and mate- wisely apportion what you have to
obligations of others (see also 11:15). rial wealth. supply the needs of your family. The
Proverbs 6:6-11: Don’t be lazy. Work Proverbs 19:17: God will repay and principles of budgeting and financial
while you can and save for the future. bless those who show regard for the planning are contained in these verses
Don’t waste or make excuses (see also poor (see also 28:27; 29:7). (see also verse 12).
10:4-5; 13:4; 18:9; 20:4; 22:13; 24:30-34; Proverbs 20:17: Deceit doesn’t pay. Proverbs 28:8: If wealth is acquired
26:13-16). Proverbs 21:5: Diligence leads to by exorbitant interest rates and extor-
Proverbs 8:18: God doesn’t intend prosperity, hastiness to poverty. tion, it will eventually be given to those
that we should be poor. Proverbs 21:6: Obtaining wealth by who pity the poor.
Proverbs 11:1: God hates cheating lying leads to destruction. Proverbs 28:20, 22: Don’t hasten
and delights in honesty (see also 13:11; Proverbs 21:17: Loving pleasure and after riches. (Although not specifically
20:10, 23). overindulgence squanders assets and spelled out, this verse warns against
Proverbs 11:4: Riches won’t profit in prevents one from building proper lotteries and other forms of gambling
times of disaster, but righteousness will financial resources (see also verse 20). as well as shady, questionable and
(see also verse 28). Proverbs 22:1: Having a good repu- unlawful endeavors. Punishment and
Proverbs 11:14: There is safety in tation and favor are more important poverty will likely come to those who
seeking advice from many sources (see than having money. get caught up in such activities.)
also 13:18; 15:22). Proverbs 22:4: Riches and honor Proverbs 28:24: Pay your debts,
Proverbs 11:24-26: God blesses the come through humility and fearing especially any you owe to your parents.
generous (see also 25:21-22). God. Proverbs 30:8-9: Desire and seek
Proverbs 12:11: Make work a higher Proverbs 22:7: Those who incur proper, balanced economic objectives.
priority than play (see also 28:19). debt give others power over them—a Avoid extremes so you will neither for-
Proverbs 15:16-17. It is better to be warning we should seriously consider, get God because of acquiring great
content with little, while having the especially when it comes to financing wealth nor be tempted to steal
fear of God and family love, than to expensive items and running up credit- because of dire need.

September/October 1999 21
 lose sight of our important financial responsibilities to hold or even increase its value. But it is a huge com-
toward God and the needy. mitment and something each household should carefully
Also, we must never forget that it is much easier to evaluate on the basis of its individual circumstances.
get into debt than to get out of it. Being in debt, espe- This view of the Bible’s financial instruction will
cially for depreciating goods purchased at a high interest help provide the knowledge and balance to manage
rate, makes us vulnerable when troubles come. Paying your income in a way that honors God and benefits
as we go, as much as we are able, is a much safer and yourself and mankind. (For a more in-depth view of the
sounder way to live. Bible’s instruction on wealth and finances, be sure to
What about buying a house? In contrast to most request your free copy of the booklet Managing Your
forms of indebtedness, buying a house is generally a Finances. It’s free for the asking when you contact our
good investment because of its tax benefits and tendency office nearest you.)

Keys to a
Healthy, Long Life
H
ealth advancements in Western civiliza- Let’s consider seven important health principles. Prac-
tion in the modern era are beyond amaz- ticing these will help you live a longer and healthier life.
ing. Human life expectancy was about 40 These principles are backed by extensive research in the
years in 1870 and today approaches 80 health-care field and by the Bible. As we go through these
(Carl Sagan, The Demon Haunted World, principles, remember that God wants us to live produc-
1995, p. 10). The average westerner can tive, healthy and useful lives (John 10:10; 1 Timothy 4:8).
expect to live roughly twice as long as he would have
130 years ago. You are what you eat
We can credit sophisticated medical treatments for Eating is one of our most pleasurable activities, and
doing much to extend life and improve health. Surgery God intended it to be so. His creation is filled with a won-
often provides a new lease on life, correcting a life- derful variety of tasty, nourishing, healthful foods. How-
threatening condition or dramatically enhancing the ever, the same appetites that add to life’s pleasure can, if
quality of life. Body parts can sometimes be replaced, misused, make us ill. Benjamin Franklin observed that

There is solid evidence of the effectiveness of basic

health practices in extending and enhancing the
quality of life.
and new drugs often knock out infections.
Most of the world’s health-care dollars are spent in try-
ing to heal existing diseases. If we are to live even health-
ier and longer lives, we must focus more on prevention.
Otherwise old age will mean more time for illness
because of the general decline in the body’s immunity
as we age. We can offset this decline by practicing funda-
mental health principles in such matters as diet, exercise
and how we handle our anxieties.
There is solid evidence of the effectiveness of basic “we should eat to live and not live to eat.” Of all health
health practices in extending and enhancing the quality practices and habits, diet is the area where we can help
of life. Note how behavioral changes have impacted ourselves the most.
fatalities from heart disease: “A major study showing that Historically, humanity’s dietary problems have often
© 1999 PhotoDisc, Inc.

the mortality rate from heart disease has been dropping consisted of a general condition of malnutrition and
since 1963 also found that life-style changes in diet and hunger because of poverty. In the modern Western world,
smoking habits—rather than new medical treatments— this is no longer a major problem. A growing problem,
accounted for over half of the decline” (The Wellness however, is the increasing consumption of junk food as
Encyclopedia, 1991, p. 1). a regular part of our diet. This is the result of eating out

22 The Good News

more often and serving ready-made packaged foods at (Sherwin B. Nuland, How We Live, 1997, p. 132).
home. In the United States “roughly half a family’s food Consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, grains
budget now goes on food eaten out; and 45 percent of and beans can reduce the risk of cancer. These foods are
dinners eaten at home include not a single home-made all rich in fiber and low in fat. They also contain many
item” (The Economist, Dec. 20, 1997). beneficial vitamins and minerals.
Many other nations are following America’s lead in A few years ago the National Cancer Institute (NCI)
gorging on such foods. Use of prepared foods gives us instituted a “five-a-day program.” The idea was to
less control over what we eat, and many such foods are exhort everyone to eat a combination of at least five
laden with fat and salt. Eating habits based on these foods servings of fruits and vegetables daily. The NCI
“can bring with them heart disease, strokes and cancer, believes that, if people make this simple change in their
the so-called diseases of affluence that accompany the dietary habits, the number of new cancer cases will be
adoption of high-fat, low-exercise ‘Western lifestyles’” dramatically reduced.
(Newsweek, June 1, 1998). The evidence for the benefits of eating a lot of fruits
Such dietary practices also cause weight problems. and vegetables is overwhelming. “Scientists argue about
“The most recent official figures, from the National Cen- many issues, but everybody agrees that increasing your
tre for Health Statistics, show that more than half of all intake of fruits and vegetables can help prevent heart dis-
Americans are now overweight . . . [and] most countries ease, cancer and other chronic diseases” (University of
are following suit. The rate of obesity in Britain has California at Berkeley Wellness Letter, February 1995).
more than doubled since 1980” (The Economist, Dec. A healthy diet doesn’t have to be bland. Notice the
20, 1997). A survey taken in Britain “shows that one- following description of a balanced, healthful diet: “Veg-
third of those aged 16-24 were overweight or obese” etables, fruits, grains, and legumes are preferred foods,
(The Independent, December 15, 1998). since they are typically low in fat and rich in complex
Overweight is a major contributor to serious health carbohydrates, dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
conditions. “A 16-year study conducted on 115,000 But meats, poultry, fish, and dairy products also contain
nurses, published in the September 14, 1995, issue of a wealth of nutrients. Some of these foods are high in
The New England Journal of Medicine, concluded that fat, and so should be consumed in moderation. But there
even a moderate weight gain—as little as 18 pounds— is no reason to give them up entirely” (The Wellness
put otherwise-healthy women at increased risk for heart Encyclopedia of Food and Nutrition, 1992, p. 9).
disease, cardiovascular death, and cancer” (Steven The dietary practices reflected in the Bible have much
Jonas, M.D., and Linda Konner, Just the Weigh You in common with this recommendation. “The ordinary
Are, 1997, p. 18). food of the average Hebrew of Bible times was bread,
Overweight men are at risk as well. “Men who are olives, oil, buttermilk and cheese from their flocks; fruits
30 percent overweight have a 70 percent higher risk of and vegetables from their orchards and gardens; and
developing coronary heart disease than those at their meat on rare occasions” (Fred H. Wight, Manners and
recommended weight level” (The Wellness Encyclope- Customs of Bible Lands, 1987, p. 43).
dia, p. 23). Overweight people are also more likely to The Bible Almanac makes a similar observation.
suffer hypertension. “Vegetable products formed a major portion of the diet
A low-fat diet is the key to weight control. “A study . . . When meat was used, it was often for the purpose
from Harvard Medical School looked at 141 women (age of serving strangers or honored guests. Grains were an
thirty-four to fifty-nine) and found that . . . there was vir- important part of the diet . . . Fruits and fish were a
tually no correlation between calorie intake and body favorite part of the diet” (Packer, Tenney and White,
weight. The degree of excess weight was linked to fat editors, 1980, p. 465).
consumption (notably saturated fat), however, indepen- The diet of Bible times was probably a factor in
dent of calorie intake. Another study, from Stanford Uni- longevity. In David’s time, it seems to have been com-
versity School of Medicine, followed the eating habits of mon for adults to reach 70 years of age (Psalm 90:10).
155 sedentary, obese men (age thirty to fifty-nine) and Many lived far longer. Modern life expectancy didn’t
came to similar conclusions” (ibid., p. 32). reach 70 until about 1955 (Sagan, p. 10).
The Bible also gives detailed lists of which animals,
Diet and cancer birds and fish are inappropriate for human consump-
According to the American Cancer Society, about tion (Leviticus 11:1-30; Deuteronomy 14:3-20). God
one third of the 500,000 cancer-related deaths in the doesn’t spell out why these creatures should not be
United States each year are because of dietary factors. eaten, but studies have linked various health problems
Once again, foods that are high in fat are a problem. to consumption of some of the prohibited items. The
High-fat diets have been linked with an elevation of avoidance of eating some of the creatures on the list is
cancer of the colon, rectum, prostate, endometrium and clearly a matter of common sense.
even the lungs. High levels of meat consumption may
bring susceptibility to colon cancer. “The disease is Exercise for your health
some ten times more common in meat-eating, industri- “Physical training is of some value” (1 Timothy 4:8,
alized societies than in the less well-stuffed peoples NIV). The apostle Paul wrote these words nearly 2,000
who depend for sustenance on plant foods high in fiber years ago. His observation is consistently backed up by

September/October 1999 23
 medical research and modern experience. The results of expense is a decent pair of shoes. Brisk walking produces
a study of 10,000 men and 3,000 women were published cardiovascular function, increases flexibility and leads to
in the Journal of the American Medical Association. It a longer life. “A long-term study of thousands of Harvard
stated: “There is solid evidence that physically active alumni has suggested that a regimen of walking (an aver-
people live longer . . . Fitness helped overcome all causes age of nine miles a week) can significantly prolong life”
of mortality, including diabetes, cancer, and heart dis- (The Wellness Encyclopedia, p. 252).
ease” (Kenneth H. Cooper, M.D., It’s Better to Believe, For older people and those suffering from partially
1995, p. 211). debilitating infirmities, even slow walking brings bene-
The surgeon general of the United States released a fits. There is also some indication that, because walk-
report that stated that “regular physical activity reduces ing is a weight-bearing exercise, it may help prevent
the risk for developing or dying from coronary heart dis- osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
ease, noninsulin-dependent diabetes, hypertension, and An additional benefit of exercise—especially if com-
colon cancer; reduces symptoms of anxiety and depres- bined with reduced fat intake—is weight loss. But, if you
sion; contributes to the development and maintenance do not lose significant weight, don’t quit exercising. In
of healthier bones, muscles, and joints and helps control some cases the tendency to be heavier than what is con-
weight” (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, July sidered normal is partially a function of genetics. Such
12, 1996, p. 591). people still benefit from a fitness program.

Exercise need not be overly taxing to be

beneficial. Even moderate physical activity, such
as working in the yard or gardening, promotes
health and fitness.

Exercise need not be overly taxing to be beneficial.

Even moderate physical activity, such as working in the
yard or gardening, promotes health and fitness.
Until the modern era most people exercised as part
of their normal routine. Most occupations involved
considerable physical activity. Families often grew
much of their own food. In comparison, most jobs
today are sedentary, and we buy most of our food
at the supermarket.
Between 1985 and 1990 America saw a 15 per-
cent decline in exercise among people in their 20s. “Current research supports the notion that, even if you
The decline among other age-groups was about half remain overweight, working out and becoming fit can
this (Wellness Letter, July 1995). “One American in help you live longer. In one study done at the Cooper
four admits to being completely sedentary, and Institute for Aerobics Research, in Dallas, more than
another 40 percent rarely exercise” (The Economist, 25,000 obese men were given an initial health exam that
Dec. 20, 1997). included a treadmill test and a body-fat assessment. Eight
Given the frantic pace and structure of modern life, it years later, they were retested, and the men who were
is difficult to obtain sufficient exercise without a regular moderately fit or very fit had a 70 percent lower mortality
program. The younger you begin a regular exercise pro- rate than unfit men . . . Mortality rates, it was concluded,
gram the better, but it is never too late. A recent study were more influenced by the men’s fitness levels than by
confirms that “much of the functional losses that set in their weight” (Jonas and Konner, p. 41).
between the ages of 30 and 70 are . . . attributable to lack
of exercise” (Wellness Letter, May 1995). One way we Time to recharge
deteriorate as we age is in decreased effectiveness of Sufficient sleep is essential to good health. Prolonged
heart and lungs. Beginning even a moderate exercise sleep loss can bring many problems. Laboratory experi-
program will help slow or even reverse this deterioration. ments with rats and dogs have demonstrated that animals
Healthy exercise comes in many forms. Running, will die if denied sleep for too long. Although we can
cycling, swimming and working out at health clubs or endure short-term sleep loss with no serious side effects,
on home exercise machines are all popular. Although extensive or prolonged sleep deprivation brings physical,
certain costs are connected with all of these, exercise mental and psychological difficulties.
need not be expensive. Widespread lack of sufficient sleep is a relatively
recent phenomenon. Late in the 19th century Thomas
Inexpensive and convenient Edison invented the electric light bulb, enabling us to vir-
Probably the least expensive and most convenient tually turn night into day and increasing our potential for
way for many people to exercise is to walk. The primary productive hours. But his wonderful invention brought

24 The Good News

 both positive and negative consequences. Many people sleep more lightly and less restfully (ibid., p. 422).
view sleep as unproductive down time. “By some esti- If you work late at night and then go to bed expecting
mates, we’re sleeping as much as an hour and a half less to sleep, you may experience frustration. Try ceasing
per night than we did at the turn of the century” your work or intense mental activity about an hour before
(Newsweek, Jan. 12, 1998). bedtime and do something relaxing. Other helpful habits
An indicator that many struggle with sleep is that in include keeping regular hours for going to bed and get-
1977 there were three certified sleep clinics in America ting up. A warm bath before bedtime can help induce
and by 1997 the number had grown to 337. Sleep loss sleep too.
can be disastrous. The Exxon Valdez oil spill, the Cher- Scientists still puzzle over exactly why sleep is neces-
nobyl explosion, the Three Mile Island incident and the sary, but they know it is. When we sleep our bodies
Challenger space-shuttle disaster have all been blamed in release a growth hormone that some researchers believe
part on sleepy personnel. The U.S. Department of Trans- is used to renew worn-out tissue.
portation “estimates that sleepy drivers cause at least Sleep helps restore our bodies and minds. To feel
56,000 accidents every year” (American Medical News, good and function effectively, we must have sufficient
July 17, 1995). A drowsy driver will make mistakes in sleep. Without it we lose our ability to concentrate and
judgment, and a driver who falls asleep at the wheel is make complex decisions. Don’t rob yourself of the sleep
a threat to himself and everyone else nearby. and rest your body and mind need.
Take care to avoid injury
Most of the health hazards we encounter have a
gradual effect upon us. Accidents are an exception.
You can be diligent and conscientious in caring for
your body, but if you slip up in a careless moment your
health can be irreparably damaged in a split second
in a single tragic accident.
Driving or riding in a car may be the most dangerous
thing most people do. Millions are injured and tens of
thousands die every year. In 1997, according to the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 41,967
people were killed and 3.4 million injured in the United
States alone.
Most accidents could be prevented with caution
and safe driving habits. “If you are a typical low-risk
driver, you are more than 1,000 times less likely to die
in a car crash than a high-risk driver” (Wellness Letter,
Chronic sleep loss reduces the body’s resistance to April 1990).
infection. Studies have shown that, in general, when Seat belts and airbags save many from severe injury
healthy people miss sleep their bodies produce fewer and loss of life. They would save more if everyone used
cells to fight off infection. “Experiments on volunteers them. In the United States “sixty-nine percent of adults in
have ascertained that two or three days of sleep depriva- front seats buckle up nationwide, one of the lowest rates
tion will produce significant reductions in various aspects of any developed country. Australia, Canada and most
of immune function” (Paul Martin, M.D., The Healing European countries have belt use rates of more than 90
Mind, 1997, p. 70). percent” (Portland Oregonian, Nov. 19, 1998).
Difficulty falling asleep or remaining asleep is In America “drivers who are least likely to wear seat
called insomnia. In America, “according to several belts are actually the ones who need them most; they
national surveys, between 15 and 25 percent of the tend to be males under 35 . . . and have more crashes
adult population complain about insomnia” (The and driving violations” (Wellness Letter, August 1995).
Wellness Encyclopedia, p. 421). When adults don’t use seat belts they endanger chil-
Several simple practices are available through which dren too. Many careless adults do not make sure the
we can enhance our ability to get sound, restful sleep. children in their care are adequately restrained. Chil-
Regular physical exercise is one. Many sedentary occu- dren, following their parents’ example, fail to use seat
pations produce intense mental strain. Physical exercise belts too. As a result, of the 2,087 children killed in
helps expend this pent-up tension, bringing about natural U.S. automobile crashes in 1997, “six out of 10 of
Photos © 1999 PhotoDisc, Inc.

fatigue that prepares the body for sleep. them were not secured in seat belts or child seats. The
It is best, however, to refrain from strenuous exercise same held for the more than 100,000 children who suf-
close to bedtime. Curbing your intake for stimulants also fered injuries requiring medical attention” (Portland
helps bring better sleep. This includes reduction of caf- Oregonian, Nov. 19, 1998).
feine and total abstention from it in the latter part of the Though the injuries are not generally as serious, more
day. Tobacco is a problem because nicotine is a stimu- people are injured at home than in traffic accidents. In
lant, speeding up the metabolic process. Heavy smokers America “household accidents injure more people each

September/October 1999 25
 year than car and workplace accidents combined” emphysema. “Each year smoking kills more than
(Parade, Feb. 15, 1998). It is estimated that 90 percent 400,000 Americans, more than died in battle in World
of these accidents could be prevented. Major sources War II and the Vietnam war combined” (ibid., p. 316).
of home accidents are power lawn equipment and falls, Smoking not only shortens life, but its detrimental
particularly from ladders. effects often deprive smokers of the opportunity to live
Children in particular are prone to accidents. Com- an active life to the full. This is ironic because cigarette
mon causes of childhood injury around the house are advertising typically associates smoking with vigorous
poisonings, drownings, falls, accidental shootings, fires outdoor activities. Smokers are shown skiing, hiking,
and burns. Parents should realize that the leading cause swimming, playing ball games and the like. The reality is
of drowning of children less than one year old is in that continued tobacco use damages the heart and lungs,
buckets, bathtubs and toilets. eventually reducing the smoker’s activities and bringing
Accidents with toys are common. Many children on premature aging.
visit emergency rooms every year after being injured The smoker’s body looks older too, especially in facial
with baseball bats. Younger children, who have not appearance. “Compared to nonsmokers, smokers are
developed fine muscle control, are susceptible to more likely to appear at least five years older than their
bicycle injuries, particularly if not wearing a helmet. stated age” (Wellness Letter, April 1994). The term
Most bicyclists’ injuries involve the head, and three “smoker’s face” was coined a few years ago to refer to
of four cyclists who die in crashes die of head injuries certain physical features that accompany smoking. These
(Wellness Encyclopedia, p. 124). include increased wrinkling, facial discoloration, stained
Young children must have close supervision to avoid teeth and a tendency toward gauntness. All of these make
injury, but it is impossible to supervise them every smokers appear older than they are.
minute. The best long-term protection you can give Lung cancer at one time was largely a man’s disease
children is to instill safety habits in them as they mature. because of the larger proportion of male smokers com-
A complete personal health-care program will include pared with females. The percentage of adult American
guarding against accidental injury. Wise people are wary males who smoke has declined from half in 1965 to less
of dangers, while the careless stumble into trouble. “A than a third today (Mayo Clinic Family Health Book,
prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple p. 316). Although this is good news, it is offset by the
keep going and suffer for it” (Proverbs 22:3, NIV). fact that now almost as many women smoke as men. As
a result more American women die from lung cancer
Dangerous substances than from breast cancer. Cigarette smokers are 10 times
It is outside the scope of this publication to address more likely to die of lung cancer than nonsmokers
illegal-drug usage at length. Generally, illegal substances (ibid., p. 318).
are declared to be so because of their obvious destructive A similar trend has developed in Britain. “Lung
effects upon society. Anyone who is using an illegal sub- cancer will fall sharply among men over the next two
stance should immediately cease, entering a treatment decades but double among women. This may be because
program if necessary. women took up smoking on a large scale some 20 to 30
Although legal, and one of the most profitable of cash years after men, who are giving up at a faster rate” (Daily
crops, tobacco probably causes more damage to the Mail, June 25, 1997).
health of its users than any other substance. “The global Smoking enormously increases the risk factor for
proliferation of cigarettes leads to an estimated 3 million numerous cancers, including kidney and bladder. Profes-
deaths a year . . . By 2020, the number is estimated by the sor Richard Peto of Oxford, England, who has spent his
World Health Organization, to reach 10 million a year” life investigating the causes of cancer, says: “Smokers
(Carl Sagan, Billions & Billions, 1997, p. 205). inhale carcinogens, which spread through their body.
The number of premature deaths from tobacco use is The whole body is bathed in carcinogenic solvents—
staggering in comparison to other causes of premature they have carcinogenic urine. This affects the kidney and
death. “. . . Take a random sample of a thousand young bladder” (Sunday Times Magazine, June 1, 1997). Smok-
men who smoke; on the basis of actuarial data it can con- ing among the young is a matter of grave concern in
fidently be predicted that one of these young men will Britain. “A staggering 43 per cent of young men and 42
eventually be murdered, six will be killed on the roads percent of young women are smoking by the age of 20”
and two hundred and fifty will die prematurely from the (The Mirror, Dec. 15, 1998).
effects of smoking” (Martin, p. 59). Reducing or eliminating tobacco use is the only
Tobacco is a deadly substance. Its smoke “contains proven way to reduce the health hazards of smoking.
more than 4,000 chemicals including trace amounts of If you are a smoker you should quit. Those who don’t
such known poisons as cyanide, arsenic, and formalde- smoke should never start. Smoking is a losing gamble,
hyde. There are 43 known cancer-causing chemicals and you are not the only one who will suffer from the
(carcinogens) in tobacco smoke” (Mayo Clinic Family habit. Secondhand smoke puts others at risk and
Health Book, 1996, p. 317). increases the chance of respiratory disease in children
Tobacco users raise their susceptibility to numerous who are exposed.
diseases, including a variety of cancers, cardiovascular Some think they are better off switching to cigars,
ailments, sexual dysfunction and lung diseases, including pipes or smokeless tobacco. Although these products

26 The Good News

lower the amount of toxins and carcinogens taken into Alcohol abuse can damage the brain, nerves, liver,
the body through tobacco use, they do not eliminate the pancreas and cardiovascular system. Excessive drinking
health risks. Any form and amount of tobacco use is is also associated with cancer. “After cardiovascular dis-
ultimately harmful to our bodies. ease, cancer is the next leading cause of death among
One item of good news related to tobacco use is that alcoholics” (Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, p.329).
when you quit your body will begin to recover. For The Bible does not forbid the use of alcoholic
example, even long-term smokers can reduce their risk of beverages. It presents wine as a source of pleasure
stroke to the same level as nonsmokers within five years (Psalm 104:15; Ecclesiastes 9:7) and notes its benefits
(Wellness Letter, September 1988). By the end of five when used appropriately (1 Timothy 5:23). Wine
years your risk of heart attack will be almost the same as was commonly served at weddings in biblical culture,
that of lifetime nonsmokers. Over several years the risk and when Jesus was present at a wedding He miracu-
of various types of cancer decreases significantly as your lously replenished the supply when it was exhausted
body slowly repairs the damage caused by smoking (John 2:1-10).
(Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, p. 324). However, the Bible does give strong warnings about
From a biblical standpoint, smoking is wrong because the abuse of alcohol (Proverbs 20:1; 23:1; Ephesians
God tells us we should not inflict harm on the bodies 5:18). No drunkard will be allowed in the Kingdom of
He gave us. We are told, “Honor God with your body” God (1 Corinthians 6:10). Abuse of alcohol is a threat
(1 Corinthians 6:20, NIV). To mistreat our bodies by sub- to your spiritual and physical health.
jecting them to the harmful effects of tobacco violates
this command. The power of a positive outlook
God also tells us, in the first of the Ten Command- The idea that positive thoughts and emotions help pro-
ments, that we are to have no other gods before Him mote physical health and that negative ones tear it down
(Exodus 20:3). We are to let nothing come between was long a tenet of folk wisdom. However, the concept
us and Him to adversely affect that relationship. When fell out of favor after scientific experimentation in the
we allow ourselves to become addicted to tobacco (or 19th century established a clear connection between
any other substance), we have become enslaved microbial agents and infectious diseases. The idea that
(Romans 6:16) to a harmful, wasteful, destructive habit one’s state of mind could affect bodily health was more
that hinders us from wholeheartedly serving Him or less discarded. In the last few decades, however, some
(Matthew 4:10). in the medical community have taken a closer look and
revived this ancient wisdom.
Alcohol use and abuse Medical researchers in the 1950s noticed that many
Unlike smoking, alcohol is not a health hazard if con- cardiac patients shared personality traits. In particular
sumed in moderation. Studies have even shown that con- they tended to be competitive, impatient and always in
sumption of alcohol in moderation can be beneficial, to a hurry. From such observations researchers coined the
the arteries of the heart in particular. However, excessive term “type A personality.”
drinking damages the muscle of the heart wall. Some Those possessing this personality type were thought
researchers, perhaps because of the tendency of many to be prone to coronary disease. Later research resulted
to drink too much, question whether the benefits of even in a refinement of the type-A theory. “Current studies . . .
moderate usage outweigh the risks. suggest that certain toxic components of the type A per-
Some people should not drink at all. Most alcoholic- sonality, such as hostility and cynicism, are the real risk
treatment programs advise that those who have become factors for heart disease, rather than the more general
addicted should practice complete abstinence. The type A behavior such as competitiveness and time-
United States surgeon general’s office has also advised urgency” (Newsweek, Feb. 17, 1997).
abstention to all women who are pregnant or are Studies in the last few years have yielded evidence
considering pregnancy. that negative emotions in general often affect not only
In a 1998 U.S. Gallup Poll 77 percent of respondents the heart but many other aspects of bodily health.
indicated they drink some alcohol. Sadly, many descend Stress and negative emotions, such as anxiety and
into alcohol abuse. “Alcohol is the third-largest killer in depression, can influence our health, increasing our
the United States, ranking behind heart disease and can- susceptibility to afflictions as minor as colds and as
cer. If traffic fatalities and death certificate diagnoses major as cancer.
related to alcoholic use were included in the statistics, Notes the Harvard Men’s Health Watch: “More than
alcoholism would be recognized as our nation’s number a dozen investigations have asked if stress increases sus-
one killer” (p. 326). ceptibility to the common cold; all have concluded that it
Britain has a growing problem with alcohol abuse. does” (January 1999).
“Compared with 1950 . . . average annual alcohol con- Solid evidence points to emotional factors influencing
sumption has more than doubled and so has fully fledged vulnerability to cancer as well as the ability to recover
alcoholism. Excessive drinking is now the norm, not the from it. Researchers have identified what they believe is
exception” (The Express, July 13, 1998). “It has been a cancer-prone, or type-C, personality. “There is . . . a
estimated that as much as one in 20 is an alcoholic” reasonable consensus that certain characteristics are key
(ibid., March 21, 1997). components of Type C” (Martin, p. 223).

September/October 1999 27
 The components identified include bottling up People who need people
emotions—especially anger, inability to forgive and a Several thousand years ago God inspired a scripture
hopeless outlook toward life. God created our bodies to be written that says “it is not good that man should be
with a marvelous immune system that constantly fights alone” (Genesis 2:18). Experience proves this is true. We
against invasion from bacterial and viral agents as well are social beings and need connection to others. Most
as against cancerous cells produced in our bodies. Stress would agree that we need people for psychological and
and negative emotions seem to suppress the ability of emotional support, but recent research shows they are
the body’s immune system to respond to these threats, also important for our physical well-being. “More than
making us more vulnerable to disease. twenty years’worth of scientific research has accumu-
Positive emotions boost health lated overwhelming evidence that having strong, sup-
portive relationships is good for your mental and physical
If negative emotions hinder the body’s immunity, health” (Martin, p. 151).
can we expect positive emotions to provide a boost?
Social isolation, on the other hand, can be a substantial
Yes, we can! Some 3,000 years ago God inspired this
risk factor for ill health. “Its impact on health and mortal-
observation to be recorded for us: “A merry heart does
ity is comparable to that of high blood pressure, obesity
good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones”
and lack of exercise. Research suggests that social factors
(Proverbs 17:22).
can have as much impact on health as smoking . . . A six-
The truth of these words is borne out by many scien-
year study of 17,433 Swedish men and women found that
tific studies. Positive emotions assist in the prevention of
those who had the fewest social interactions and least
illness and, if one does become ill, they can help speed
social relationships had a mortality rate 50 per cent higher
recovery. “Scientists have investigated the notion and
than those with rich social lives” (ibid., pp. 158-159).
found compelling evidence to suggest that social envi-
ronment and mental attitude can modify our chances It is sad that forces in society often drive people apart
of surviving cancer” (Martin, p. 230). instead of pulling them together. Little attention is paid
Researchers in a University of London study assessed to the importance of relationships—or what the Bible
women’s psychological response to breast cancer. A calls love—in the pursuit of good health. Many parents
follow-up study after five years showed that those who who have tenderly cared for an ill child believe in a
displayed an initial fighting response were more likely connection between health and love.
to survive. A survey of the same women conducted 15 There are many ways we can apply the health principle.
years later revealed that “those who had originally dis- One is to enrich our personal relationships, to learn how
played a fighting spirit or denial continued to fare better: to love more fully in marriage, raising children and friend-
45 per cent of them were still alive, and free from cancer, ships. Another way is to be involved with your neighbors.
as against 17 per cent of the women who had reacted Volunteering and serving others is a proven way of
initially with stoic acceptance, helplessness or anxious benefiting yourself as well as those whom you serve.
preoccupation” (ibid.). Service to God through church involvement can pro-
The effect of mental stress on health appears to be vide health benefits. A study at the University of Texas
illustrated in developments in the former Soviet Union Medical School examined the relationship between mor-
in recent years. “Between 1990 and 1994 . . . life expect- tality and involvement in religious or social activities
ancy for Russian men and women declined dramatically among recipients of open-heart surgery. “Those who
from 63.8 and 74.4 years to 57.7 and 71.2 years, respec- neither had regular group participation nor drew strength
tively.” Authorities cite many factors, “including eco- and comfort from their religion were more than seven
nomic and social instability, high rates of tobacco and times more likely to die six months after surgery”
alcohol consumption, poor nutrition [and] depression” (Dean Ornish, M.D., Love & Survival, 1997, p. 51). The
(The Journal of the American Medical Association, nourishment of relationships, both with God and with
March 11, 1998). our fellowman, is a proven health principle.
We often refer to a fighting response to illness as the
Take personal responsibility for your health
will to live. This will can be strengthened by a number of
factors. One of the keys is to believe in and be committed Healthy people share one of life’s greatest blessings.
to a cause in life. “A raft of recent scientific studies has Those who have enjoyed good health and lost it know,
established that having deep personal convictions and through painful personal experience, they are missing out
values can do wonders for almost every aspect of your on one of life’s greatest treasures. However, those who
physical and emotional well-being” (Cooper, pp. 3-4). have experienced a decline in health can often regain a
Faith in the Creator God and knowledge of His purpose significant measure of their well-being by applying the
provide a strong reason to live and a spark to our mental principles outlined in this chapter. Those who still have
and physical health. good health can do a lot to preserve it by living right.
The ability to manage stress and maintain a healthy To maximize our potential to live long and well
mental outlook is one of the essential elements of requires that we make a habit of living by proven health
good health. As Proverbs 18:14 tells us, “the spirit of principles. This is the will of God. “Dear friend, I pray
a man will sustain him in sickness, but who can bear that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well
a broken spirit?” with you” (3 John 2, NIV).

28 The Good News

 Does Life Have Greater
Meaning and Purpose?
I
t is a paradox of our modern age that, although we unquestioned source of religious authority; it had become
have more knowledge and material possessions than a form of evidence . . . that itself needed defending” (James
at any other time in history, we sense a lack of pur- Turner, Without God, Without Creed, 1985, p. 150).
pose in life. A gnawing hunger for the meaning of life Belief in the Bible had given humanity a road map for
pervades our world. life. People believed that, in effect, they had in the Bible
Harvard historian and author Oscar Handlin an owner’s manual, a user’s guide for the human experi-
describes this lack of direction and meaning: “At some ence. The same manual informed man that God had spec-
point, midway into the twentieth century, Europeans and ified a destination at the end of life for any who loved and
Americans discovered that they had lost all sense of served Him.
direction . . . Wandering in the dark, men and women in Before the watershed changes of the 19th century, the
all Western societies, stumbling blindly along, strained Bible provided ultimate answers that gave satisfaction to
unavailingly for glimpses of recognizable landmarks” humanity in general. The esteem in which it was held is
(“The Unmarked Way,” American Scholar, summer illustrated in a conversation reported by Bible translator
1996, p. 335). James Moffatt. The exchange took place between Sir
That we find ourselves stumbling down the path of Walter Scott and his son-in-law, Lockhart, about a week
uncertainty is ironic. Our meanderings in the spiritual before Sir Walter’s death. He said to his son-in-law:
wilderness occur at a time when mankind has made “‘Read to me from the Book.’When Lockhart asked
many impressive gains. The quality of life is generally him which one, Sir Walter said, ‘Need you ask? There
improved. Life expectancy has increased almost every- is but one’” (Bruce Barton, The Book Nobody Knows,
where. The portion of the world’s population ruled by the 1926, p. 7).
fist of despots is shrinking. Though far from eradicated, To capture understanding of the purpose of life, we
the curse of poverty casts a smaller shadow. must return to the Bible because it explains how to make
Yet humanity is troubled. We are plagued with a sense life work.
of drift and aimlessness. Counselors Muriel James and
John James describe it this way: “A universal hunger per- The two great principles
vades the world. It is the hunger to get more out of life . . . Jesus Christ showed that the essence and purpose of
to be more involved, and to find more meaning” (Passion human life are accomplished through fulfilling two
for Life, 1991, p. 7). supreme principles: “You shall love the LORD your God
One reason people hunger is they lack a sense of tran- with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your
scendent purpose. They don’t have the understanding that mind” and “You shall love your neighbor as yourself”
God is involved with mankind and that He has a plan for (Matthew 22:37, 39). Jesus defined our reason for being
us. To be at peace, human beings must realize what God in one word, love. He stated that our love should be
has in mind for them. directed first toward God, then toward our fellowman.
In the past Western man possessed the “certainty that Love is man’s reason for being, his purpose.
history moved in a linear fashion from a beginning to a But what is the love of which Jesus Christ spoke? We
terminus.” Most people held the conviction that “nothing need to be sure we have a correct understanding of what
walked with aimless feet and not one life was wasted” love means to be able to fulfill our purpose.
(Handlin, pp. 336-337). Most people would describe love as a romantic feeling,
Creation and life had explicit meaning. Society took as deeply caring for someone or something. Or they
comfort from Jesus Christ’s assurance that “the very hairs would equate love with sexual attraction. The kind of love
of your head are numbered” (Matthew 10:30). They noted they have in mind is oriented toward themselves; it is a
that Jesus said God is aware of the tiniest details of His feeling, an emotion or attraction that makes them feel
creation, even the tiny birds. “. . . Not one of them falls good. But Jesus Christ referred to love on a considerably
to the ground apart from your Father’s will” (verse 29). higher level.
The Bible describes love as concern for others rather
The foundation is shaken than concern for ourselves and our wants and needs. In its
What happened to shake this assurance man felt toward simplest terms, love is the way of giving rather than the
God? In the 19th century, in one of the major spiritual and way of getting (Acts 20:35).
intellectual shifts of history, scholarship began to view the Jesus said our love should be outgoing, directed first
words of Christ and the Bible with skepticism. “For toward our Creator. We are to strive to please and serve
thoughtful men and women, the Bible was no longer an Him rather than ourselves (Matthew 6:24). We should

September/October 1999 29
 love Him with all our being. We should then channel our treat people. The health of our economy—public and
love toward our neighbor, our fellow human being. God’s personal—is accorded more importance than the welfare
law shows us how to live this way of loving respect of our neighbor and sometimes even more than our own
toward God (John 14:15; 15:10; 1 John 5:2-3) and flesh and blood.
concern for others. (To better understand the law of love, To obtain greater wealth and status, many people are
be sure to request your free copy of our booklet The Ten willing to sacrifice marriages and families for career
Commandments.) advancement. Yet they often find themselves in a frantic
People who focus on loving care and concern for rat race that provides them with no lasting meaning. The
others as the purpose for their existence can fulfill their activities that are supposed to be fulfilling lead only to
highest human potential. Wise men and women have physical, mental and emotional exhaustion.
discovered this profound truth. Benjamin Disraeli wrote, Compared with the poverty of previous generations,
after his days as prime minister of Britain: “We are all the Western world has hitched a ride on the fast track to
born for love . . . It is the principle of existence and its material success. Yet many find life lacking. Life for the
only end” (Lewis C. Henry, Best Quotations For All successful can be like a dizzying, intense amusement-
Occasions, 1966, p. 136). park ride. It provides exhilaration but also disorientation.
“We hurry through our meals to go to work and hurry
The voice of history through our work in order to ‘recreate’ourselves in the
English historian Arnold Toynbee exhaustively studied evenings and on weekends and vacations. And then we
civilizations, past and present. He became internationally hurry, with the greatest possible speed and noise and
famous for his multivolume series Study of History. When violence, through our recreation—for what? To eat the
asked to address the meaning of life, he said: “I myself billionth hamburger at some fast-food joint hellbent on
believe that love does have an absolute value, that it is increasing the ‘quality’of our life?” (Wendell Berry, What
what gives value to human life . . . Love is the only thing Are People For?, 1990, p. 147).
that makes life possible, or, indeed, tolerable” (Surviving Money cannot buy happiness. Living as though it can
the Future, 1971, pp. 1-2). exacts a heavy toll.
He also observed that “true love . . . discharges itself in
an activity that overcomes self-centeredness by expending Materialism no substitute for purpose
the self on people and on purposes beyond the self” and Where, then, can we find happiness? We find it in dis-
“this love . . . is the only true self-fulfillment” (ibid., p. 3). covering the greater purpose of life. We find it in concern
These words stand in vivid contrast to the modern phi- for and involvement with others. “The essence of happi-
losophy of self-worship. Ours is a world in which many ness is the unconditional love we have for the people in our
believe they have a right to renounce personal responsibil- lives and their unconditional love for us” (Wholey, p. 11).
ity in their quest for self-fulfillment. Author and rabbi Jesus of Nazareth said, “Take heed and beware of cov-
Harold Kushner reported that “a comprehensive survey etousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance
of mental health in America states, ‘Psychoanalysis (and of the things he possesses” (Luke 12:15). The things that
psychotherapy) is the only form of psychic healing that matter in life are the values we adopt, the character we
attempts to cure people by detaching them from society build, the relationships we develop and the contributions
and relationships’” (Who Needs God?, 1989, p. 93). we make to our relationships.
In our society increasing numbers of people have come Most people naturally follow the way of acquiring
to believe it is perfectly acceptable to cut themselves loose rather than the way of giving. It might be summed up,
from those who have come to depend on them if it will as the popular bumper sticker proclaims: “He who dies
enable them to get what they want out of life. with the most toys wins.” This philosophy fails in the
Such an attitude is a prescription for emptiness. It is long run. In contrast, Jesus said it is more blessed to give
contrary to genuine love. Eventually those who practice than to receive (Acts 20:35). The one who truly wins
this way of life will encounter frustration. As Rabbi Kush- when he dies is the one who seeks God’s purpose and
ner puts it: “To live life only for ourselves will bring us devotes his life to fulfilling it. “For this is the message
nothing but sadness and misery. A self-centered life is an that you heard from the beginning, that we should love
unhappy life. Selfishness is a major stumbling block to one another” (1 John 3:11).
happiness” (Dennis Wholey, Are You Happy?, Boston, We are our brother’s keeper. We are indebted to love
1986, p. 17). one another and devote our lives to this standard: “Owe
Jesus Christ, after giving His disciples a lesson in love, no one anything except to love one another, for he who
humility and service to others, said to them: “If you know loves another has fulfilled the law” (Romans 13:8).
these things, happy are you if you do them” (John 13:17). Loving others is the way to great contentment.
Does wealth give meaning? Love God with all your heart
Many people choose to take another dead-end road: “You shall love the LORD your God with all your
overemphasis on material goods. Those who fall into this heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind,” said
trap mistakenly assume that the accumulation of things Jesus (Matthew 22:37; compare Deuteronomy 6:5;
will provide contentment. The result? A society in which 10:12). Fundamental to genuine happiness and fulfillment
a rising standard of living is more important than how we is, first and foremost, loving God. The Creator, who gave

30 The Good News

 Our Need for Love
neuron links that are the keys to creativ- “. . . Love's absence can be devastating:

L
ife without love is ultimately life
without meaning. Love is a primary ity and intelligence in later life are The loss of a spouse often hastens death
element of a human life. A land- mainly laid down by the age of 3 . . . the in older people” (U.S. News & World
mark 1945 study by René Spitz estab- main factor in establishing these con- Report, Feb. 17, 1997, p. 58).
lished that love is so vital to infants that nections . . . [is] interactions with an “A pattern of susceptibility to disease
those deprived of it may perish for want attentive adult. The sight, sound, touch, is apparent in those with disrupted or
of it. smell, and, especially, the intense weakened social ties. People who are
The study occurred in “a hospital involvement, through language and single, separated, divorced or widowed
where a group of children—all under eye contact, of parent and child affect are two or three times more likely to die
three years of age—were fed and the number and sophistication of links than their married peers. They also wind
clothed adequately but, because of too within the brain . . . This word play is so up in the hospital for mental disorders
few nurses, given very little personal important that those left behind at age five to ten times as frequently” (Robert
attention. No one talked to them, car- 2 may never catch up” (U.S. News & Ornstein and David Sobel, The Healing
ried them around, or cuddled them. The World Report, Aug. 18, 1997, p. 92). Brain, 1987, p. 119).
human results were devastating: within What does this mean? Love and lov- Life's challenges are more easily
two years fully a third of the children ing communication are essential not managed when we have the support
had died and the rest were mentally only for the emotional, but also for the that loving relationships provide. The
retarded . . . The conclusion seemed to intellectual development of a child. Bible confirmed this truth more than
be clear: loving attention is as essential “When babies are cared for by caring 3,000 years ago: “Two are better than
as food for the human infant” (James B. adults, they become much better learn- one, because they have a good reward
McKee, Sociology: The Study Of Society, ers and are much more confident to for their labor. For if they fall, one will
1981, p. 79). take over the world” (ibid.). lift up his companion. But woe to him
That people need love is considered If children do not receive loving who is alone when he falls, for he has no
a basic truth by many scientists. In “Can’t attention, they will not be well one to help him up” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-
Do Without Love,” U.S. News & World equipped to function in society. They 10). It also tells us, “As iron sharpens
Report reported that biologists “know need the love of their parents to suc- iron, so a man sharpens the counte-
that love is central to human existence ceed. “Dependency assures that parents nance of his friend” (Proverbs 27:17).
. . . The capacity for loving emotions is are the source of everything important The wisdom of the Bible and many
. . . written into our biochemistry, essen- to infants: food, comfort, love, models assenting human voices tell us that peo-
tial if children are to grow and thrive” of success and maturity” (Betty Hart and ple who lack affectionate ties with oth-
(Feb. 17, 1997, p. 58). Todd R. Risely, Meaningful Differences ers find it difficult to make life work.
Recent research has shown that even in the Everyday Experience of Young The mutual giving and receiving that
intelligence in children—and hence the American Children, 1995, pp. 181-182). flow from personal relationships
ability to excel at many tasks—depends It isn’t only children who depend on increase life's worth. God created us
to some degree on loving attention and love for their well-being. Although gen- with the need to be connected to other
communication. erally less vulnerable than children, people. These ties give significance and
“According to recent findings, the adults also suffer when deprived of love. satisfaction to life.

us life, deserves our greatest love. “For in Him we live for every nation. Each of us needs God in our personal
and move and have our being . . .” (Acts 17:28). life, regardless of what nations do.
God is the greatest giver. “Every good gift and every
perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the The divine connection
Father of lights . . .” (James 1:17). Every man’s first Faith in God provides us with a sense of place in the
duty in life is always to God (Acts 5:29). We owe Him larger scheme of the universe. We need faith in God
complete devotion. when we face the sufferings of life. Our way of life may
God seeks people who will worship Him (John 4:23). provide material acquisitions, but these are often useless
He created us to share His life and purpose with us, giving in times of great loss or affliction. As British historian
true meaning to our existence. Paul Johnson observed, “in chronic pain and in distress
History shows that nations maintaining a devotion to without apparent end, even the confirmed atheist longs
God retain their strength and vitality. In reflecting on the for a God . . .” (The Quest for God, 1996, p. 3).
decline of the atheistic Soviet Union and comparing it We need the peace and confidence that the promise
with America, author David Halberstam wrote that “the of eternal reward delivers. God promises everlasting life
just and harmonious society was, in the long run, also the through Jesus Christ for those who believe in Him (1 John
strong society” (The Next Century, 1991, p. 14). 5:12). If the future holds nothing for us but eternal noth-
French historian Alexis de Tocqueville observed Amer- ingness, we have no hedge against the frightening specter
ica’s success in the 1800s and wrote: “America is great of death.
because America is good. If America ceases to be good, If it is true that there is no life beyond the grave, we are
she will cease to be great.” This statement has application forced to admit that life is like a breeze, here and gone

September/October 1999 31
 with no trace of its passing. If this life is all there is, we are of the same family” (Hebrews 2:10-11, NIV).
would be miserable (1 Corinthians 15:19). But God Those who are truly converted—who are led by God’s
assures us He has something far greater in mind for us. Spirit after repentance and baptism (Acts 2:38; Romans
The apostle Paul wrote that God planned a marvelous 8:9)—have the same spiritual Father and are members of
future for us even before He created our first parents, the same family—God’s family. The Scriptures continue:
Adam and Eve. He planned our destiny “according to His “So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers. He says, ‘I
own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ will declare your name to my brothers; in the presence of
Jesus before time began” (2 Timothy 1:9). Our future— the congregation I will sing your praises.’And again, ‘I will
our reason for being—was a part of God’s awesome pur- put my trust in him.’And again he says, ‘Here am I, and
pose before He formed the universe, the heavenly bodies the children God has given me’” (Hebrews 2:11-13, NIV).
by which we humans measure the passing of time. Jesus is not ashamed to call members of His Church
God’s purpose is far greater than just the creation of His own brothers (and sisters). That is how wonderfully
mortal, perishable human beings. He is in the process of close and personal this family relationship is.
fashioning a “new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17)—His From the beginning God has clearly stated this pur-
own spiritual sons and daughters, immortal and incorrupt- pose. “Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in our image,
ible children who will share His very nature and character. according to Our likeness . . . So God created man in
How is this a new creation? Paul contrasts the “old self, His own image; . . . male and female He created them”
which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires,” with the (Genesis 1:26-27).
“new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and Men and women are created in God’s image and like-
holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24, NIV). Paul is describing ness, to be like God. He tells us, “I will be a Father to you,
a much-needed transformation. It involves first a change and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the LORD
in our nature and character from a mind and outlook that Almighty” (2 Corinthians 6:18).
tends toward hostility toward God (Romans 8:7). It ulti- Human beings who are inducted into the family God is
mately involves a far greater change in the resurrection, a creating will ultimately be glorified spirit beings like the
transformation from our physical, mortal bodies to glori- resurrected Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:20-21). The apostle
ous immortal spirit bodies. John plainly tells us that “we shall be like Him” (1 John
Notice how Paul describes this miracle: “Behold, I tell 3:2). Our destiny is ultimately to “shine . . . like the stars
you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be forever and ever” in God’s family (Daniel 12:2-3).
changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the The awesome potential of any person, as it is presented
last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will to us by Jesus Christ and His apostles, seems so incredible
be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this that most people cannot grasp this truth when they first
corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must read it. Although it is plainly stated in the Bible, people
put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on usually read right over it. Yet this awesome future is the
incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then whole purpose and reason God made mankind. It is why
shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: ‘Death we were born, why we exist. God is in the process of cre-
is swallowed up in victory’” (1 Corinthians 15:51-54). ating that immortal family, and you can have a part in it.
God is accomplishing this entire transformation (If you would like to know more about God’s plan for
through the power of His Spirit. The Bible describes the humanity, be sure to request the booklets What Is Your
spiritual transformation as salvation. Paul describes those Destiny? and The Gospel of the Kingdom. Both are free
who will receive salvation as the children of God. “The from our office nearest you or the literature library of our
Spirit [itself] bears witness with our spirit that we are chil- Web site, [Link].)
dren of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and
joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that Is God’s Word true?
we may also be glorified together” (Romans 8:16-17). We should not believe in God or the Bible just to make
Do you grasp the significance of Paul’s inspired state- ourselves feel good; we should latch onto Scripture
ment? He explains why we are here, the very reason for because it is true. The Bible’s credibility can be estab-
our existence. God, the Scriptures tell us, is creating a lished. (To prove for yourself the truth of the Bible, be
family—His own family. He offers us the opportunity sure to request your free copy of the booklet Is the Bible
to be a part of that family, the family of God. True? from our office nearest you.) In the Bible, God
promises to those who serve Him a reward that is far
The core of God’s plan greater than anything this life has to offer.
That family relationship—our becoming children In his present condition, lacking understanding of
of God—is the heart and core of His incredible plan for God’s purpose, man is like a rudderless ship, adrift and
humanity. Notice how important that family is to God: at the mercy of winds and storms. Our dogmas fail as
“In bringing many sons to glory [through the resurrection a shield against the anxieties and uncertainties inherent
to immortality], it was fitting that God, for whom and in the human condition.
through whom everything exists, should make the author You can understand the reason for your existence.
of their salvation [Jesus Christ] perfect through suffering. You can turn away “from your aimless conduct received
Both the one who makes men holy [Christ] and those who by tradition from your fathers” (1 Peter 1:18) by turning
are made holy [human beings in whom God is working] to a life of meaning and purpose, a life that works.

32 The Good News LW/9908/1.0