It is so easy to shift the emphasis from the right to the wrong. Many incidents in the Bible show us the advantage of giving proper emphasis to the right one or thing. True greatness is usually seen in the individual who will give stress to the things in life, which have real meaning or value.

John the Baptist was a great man and a great preacher. Of him Jesus said, "Among them that are born of women there hath not arisen a greater than John the Baptist" (Matt. 11: 11). John gave emphasis to Jesus the Son of God. One day John the Baptist was standing with two of his disciples when Jesus passed, and he said to them, "Behold the Lamb of God!" "And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus." (John 1:35-37). Yes, they heard John speak, but they followed Jesus. When anyone so speaks that those who hear him follow Christ, he is doing some great preaching. He is giving proper emphasis.

Our speech should he so healthy that those who hear us will readily recognize us to be the children of light. Our speech is to be "seasoned with salt" for the benefit of man. (Col. 4:6). Identification is quickly made through one's speech. When Peter cursed this was to identify him with the enemy of the Lord. Such ill conduct today will do the same.

Christian women (and men) should give proper emphasis to their dress (1 Peter 3: 1-6). This may he done through diligent care exercised toward the inner man: "But let it be the hidden man of the heart. . ." It is not difficult to know where emphases are in one's life. The Christian, placing emphasis upon the inner man, will not find the struggles in caring for the spiritual aspects of life, such as his speech, dress, and everyday deportment, which are often characteristic of those who are unwilling to put first things first in their lives.

These efforts do not make a "goody-goody" type individual, a self-righteous soul; but, to the contrary, they cause our Father in heaven to be glorified. Jesus says, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matt. 5:16). This passage emphatically states the good in the life of the Christian will cause God our Father to be glorified by those who see the good in us. The power of influence! The advantage for doing what is right!

TRUTH MAGAZINE XVII: 27, p. 2
May 10, 1973