The pure in heart and life are at the opposite extreme from the unclean, fornicators, drunkards, thieves, and carnally minded people who are at war with God, home, and society in general. "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people" (Prov. 14:34). The crime wave is bringing a reproach upon America today as this comment from Proverbs suggests. The bank robberies, corruption . in government and business, along with shoplifting and stealing from individuals show that honesty and respect for property rights are gone from the hearts of the masses. We should be thankful for every faithful law abiding citizen that is still in our country. What country is left on earth which has a wonderful record for respect for law and for people?

The home is a very important unit of society in a nation. The Bible gives much instruction to every member of this social unit because God planned that the home produce children who have the righteousness that will bring glory to God and serve as the salt of the earth to leaven society with the righteousness which exalts and purifies. There are organizations such as the National Organization of Women (NOW) which is exerting powerful influences against the Bible teaching on home and marriage. We should be aware of the unholy poison associated with every program it offers the people. The leaders of this organization are atheistic and in sympathy with Communism. They have a very powerful lobbying influence in Washington. They seek to influence the National Educational Association, various women's clubs, and the thinking of children in every way possible.

Unbelief has found its way into the hearts of many university professors, text book writers, and the writers of reference materials in our public school libraries. When precious faith is gone, man is left to think that he is only an animal, so to him there is no such thing as right and wrong except as it relates to his own selfish desires. The fight against God and His word is on in America, so there is a real need for many more soldiers in the Lord's army who are not ashamed of the gospel or any part of it. Christians who preach, or are parents, or who face the barbed oppositions of Satan's forces should fight a good fight. This is no time to retreat.

It is sad but true that evil and doubt from the world tend to come right on into the church. Ignorance of the Bible is alarming among church members. That means that weak faith and low moral standards are found among those who are nominal Christians. Let each church put away from among its members every wicked person lest his influence leaven the whole lump. (Read all of I Cor. 5.) The Bible classes and the pulpit preaching should be very effective in fighting for faith and purity. There is need for love of God and hope in His promises. The love of God and the love of the world cannot abide in the same heart (I John 2:15-17). It is high time to awake out of sleep and wrestle against wickedness in high places. "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God" (Matt. 5:8). God knows what is best, so those who follow the counsel of God are blessed abundantly. They receive one hundred fold for their sacrifices in this life, with persecutions, and in the world to come eternal life (1 Tim. 4:8; Mk. 10:28-30). Take hold of faith and of the hope set before you. Share it with others.

Truth Magazine XXIV: 6, p. 109
February 7, 1980