Truth Magazine

Would you return a wallet filled with money? The folks at Readers Digest wanted to know the answer to this question in 1995, so they set up a test in American cities to see what Americans would do. The results appeared in the December 1995 issue of Readers Digest. They “lost” wallets all over America, each with a name, local address and phone number, family pictures — and $50 in cash. There were 120 of these wallets strewn all over the country, in three major suburban areas, three medium-sized towns, and three small towns. They were left in parking lots, shopping malls, restaurants, gas stations, office buildings, and on sidewalks. Then they stood back to see what would happen. To each person who returned the wallet they offered the $50 as a reward for their honesty.

The numbers which came out of this “test” are interesting, but at times very discouraging. In Seattle, for example, 9 out of 10 people returned the wallet with the money in it; in St. Louis and Boston 7 out of 10 returned it; but in Atlanta, Las Vegas, Dayton, Ohio, and Houston only half gave it back to its owner. In small towns the re- turn rate was consistently 80% (Meadville, PA; Concord, NH; and Cheyenne, WY).

Most of us would have predicted that, by and large, people today are dishonest and that most of the wallets would not have been returned. In reality this was not so. In fact, the bottom line is that of the 120 wallets that were lost, 80 were returned intact, an overall figure of 67 percent. Most people in America are honest! That is the good news.

There are many stories that are associated with this series of tests, but I found this one in particular to be interesting. In Seattle a little girl with a pink floral dress picked up a wallet off a bench at an amusement park. She ran to her father with it in her hand. Yong Cha saw a chance to teach his daughter a valuable lesson. He handed the wallet back to her and said, “You must take this to the police or someone who can help find the owner.” Little Mary, age nine, nodded gravely as she contemplated returning all that money, but dutifully took her dad’s hand as they searched for the park office. “Honesty is the most important thing a child can learn,” Cha later told the Readers Digest interviewer.

What this parent did in this particular case with his child was more important than all the lessons that could ever be taught her in school. These days, when government bureaucrats are talking about setting up classes in moral education (alongside their miserably failed “sex-education” classes), bemoaning the sad state of affairs in America’s schools and homes, this little story captures the heart of how morality in all its forms is taught to the next generation of Americans. It is taught by the parents. All the government money and all the platitudes from out of a book published by some collegiate genius from Harvard or Yale, cannot overcome a single case of dishonesty or immorality as it is seen by the child in the life of a parent. Such “lessons in real life” are the true teachers of morality and integrity.

I would venture that in most, if not all, those 40 instances where the wallet was not returned and the money pocketed, there are remembrances from long ago of how this grown- up’s parent did something that was dishonest and lacking in integrity before the eyes of that developing child. The parent, by example, taught the child to be dishonest. They may have thought those things were small and unimportant at the time, but they left a lasting impression. Now, do not misunderstand my remarks. I do not mean to suggest that these grown-ups are not responsible for their own dishonesty. At this point in time they are the only ones responsible for their actions. But we must take into consideration as we are raising our children that these lessons in life create impressions that last a lifetime and ultimately determine what sort of adults our children will someday be. They will be responsible for their own actions. But we must be very sure that we appreciate the importance of our present example in determining what direction they will choose when later they decide for themselves.

Let me cite one more example to illustrate this same point. At the sprawling Del Amo mall south of Los Angeles, the author records this incident: “Two boys in their early teens happened upon our wallet. One, in shorts and athletic shirt, gave a whoop as he pulled out the money. Talking excitedly, the two walked down the mall, eventually meeting a man who seemed to be the father of one of them. They showed him the wallet. All three left. We never got a call.” On that day this particular parent taught these two boys a lesson which will remain with them all of their lives. Sad to say, it was neither noble nor fine. Many parents, even some Christian parents, are doing the same thing before their children on a daily basis. Someday they will reap the bitter harvest of such behavior.

What kinds of life lessons are we teaching our children? Paul wrote, “Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men” (2 Cor. 8.21). Let us be certain that we also provide for honest things in the sight of our children!

A recent quote from an acquaintance of mine was, “When I read the Bible I just do not understand what is going on.” He went further by saying, “I have a hard time seeing how the Bible is relevant for my family and me in today’s society.” I believe it would be safe to say that this could be a major reason why many do not read and study (i.e., seek to learn) from it. How have these predominant attitudes come about? Please consider:

Society at large in America during the late 20th century has turned away from the standards found within the inspired pages of God’s Word. Those who publicly acknowledge living by Bible standards are disregarded as “right wing extremists” or “religious fundamentalists.”

Feminists decry the Bible as being written for men by men. Homosexuals and their supporters argue that God is pleased with their immoral behavior. Scientists and “experts” of the day endeavor to explain away miracles of the Bible. Denominational creeds and teachers instruct the masses that the Bible is not understandable. Even in churches of Christ we are witnessing a movement away from the importance of Bible authority and the acceptance of all sorts of creeds. Members of the Lord’s church were once known as “walking and talking Bibles.” Unfortunately this is no longer the case with many. The movement some congregations are facing only contributes to the religious confusion of the day instead of uniting people in the truth.

Despite all of these things, how important is Bible study to you? Certainly there are many trials and temptations that have a tendency to hinder us from study. However, these can be overcome if one wants to overcome bad enough (1 Cor. 10:13). Is being affluent in knowledge of the Scriptures toward the top of your priorities? As Christians we are expected by God to be knowledgeable in the Word of God. For example, Paul told the Ephesian brethren, “do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Eph. 5:17).  In 2 Timothy 2:15 Paul told Timothy to “be diligent (study, KJV) to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the truth.” We should strive just as much as the first century Christians did to find and know God’s will for mankind.

How Can One Understand the Context as He is Reading the Bible?

As mentioned earlier, a common problem of many is that they do not understand “what is going on” while reading Scripture. How may one deal with such a problem? Remember:

1. The Bible should not be read as a novel or a fictitious short story for mere entertainment. We live in a world that is entertainment driven. From 24 hour television, concerts, sports events, to “worship services” that are purely and only entertainment, Americans expect to be entertained in almost everything. The Bible is an instruction booklet on how to get our souls to heaven. It should be read and studied in a serious manner.

2. Study a few verses or a chapter at a time and take notes. One of the greatest aids in my personal study has been to study in “small chunks.” High school teachers and college professors recommend that this is the most profit- able way to study: be it for an accounting exam or part of God’s Word. Write down points you believe are relevant and other items of importance concerning the text. These could aid you in your study at a later time.

3. Don’t be overwhelmed by the size of the Bible. Some open the front cover — begin at Genesis — read a chapter or two — and rationalize, there’s too much here — I’ll never know it all. Bible study involves time and a stead- fast commitment. The more time that is invested the more knowledge will be gained. Bible study is a life-long process. Unlike secular courses of study, the study of God’s word is unending during this life.

4. Don’t be fooled by the popular thinking that to understand the Bible one has to go to “Bible school.” Many of our denominational friends believe and teach that creeds must be written to explain the Bible. Those who have at- tended years of schooling at a seminary (those who will be the “clergy”) then must explain it to the “laity.” This line of thinking is totally unknown in the Bible. The Bereans in Acts 17:11 had never been to a seminary. They were able to reach an understanding of Scripture. We read “they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.” Certainly we can see that they benefited from Bible study!

How is the Bible Relevant To Today’s World?

Christians have the responsibility to teach those around them of the relevance of God’s Word to people living in the late twentieth century. How can we fulfill this responsibility? Those around us need to understand:

1. The Bible contains information on how to be saved. What better argument for relevance than this? As long as mankind exists, there will be someone who will need to be saved. God’s plan of salvation is found only in the Bible! Jesus said, “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws Him; and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’ Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me.” Later, in John 8:32, Jesus said, “You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.” That truth is found in the Bible (John 17:17).

2. The Bible will help one become a better Christian. As stated earlier, the Bible is the set of instructions on get- ting one’s soul to heaven. Christians are to put away the things of the world and follow after the example of Christ. There is not a single page in the Bible that will not help one learn something to improve his life. Notice what Paul wrote to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

3. The Bible will help the Christian bring others to Christ. As one engages in study of Scripture an awareness of the danger of a soul becoming lost to the fires of hell becomes of tremendous importance. This consciousness should motivate the Bible student to tell others about the Way. This is an expected duty of all Christians. Notice Peter’s words in 1 Peter 3:15, “. . . sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” Are you living up to this standard?

4. The Bible will help one become prepared to stand before God on judgment. “It is appointed for men to die once, but after this, the judgment” (Heb. 9:27). There will be a day of reckoning for mankind. All men will stand before God and give an account of their actions on earth (2 Cor. 5:9-10). If one applies the things studied in Scripture to his life he can be prepared for this great day. Titus 2:11-12 says, “The grace of God has appeared to all men, teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.” This is very relevant to today’s society and all future societies as well. Let us heed what we read!

The study of God’s word is of tremendous importance. It is a shame that those in the majority of the religious world (even some in the Lord’s church) fail to understand this. Don’t let Satan fool you by drawing you away from its contents. Make it your first priority to know more about the word of God!

By Richie Thetford

A few weeks ago we listened to our president admit to an inappropriate sexual relationship which he denied on January 26. The leader of our country has now admitted to more than one adulterous relationship and has been caught lying on numerous occasions. Yet he claims that his personal life is a private matter! A private matter that has touched the lives of all the American people and the millions of people in foreign lands.

Because of his “private, personal life” he has embarrassed an entire country, his wife, his daughter, and tarnished his name for evermore. He has become a laughing stock among the various countries and here at home. But even worse, the office of the president of the United States of America has become tainted because of his personal conduct!

It was said of Ronald Reagan that when he went into the oval office that he would put on his suit jacket out of respect for the men that had served in this position before and respect for the office itself. What has happened to the leadership of our country and the things that our country will tolerate today.

Let’s look at some lessons that we can learn from the events of this past week:

A Good Name is Precious

Whether in our public or private life our good name is worth everything. Solomon wrote: “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold” (Prov. 22:1). “A good name is better than precious ointment” (Eccl. 7:1). In many cases, sin and the pleasures of this world are being chosen over their “good name” by people of this world, including our leaders. We can lose our money and even our possessions and still be able to keep our good name. Nobody can take our good name from us, that is something we give up voluntarily! Once lost, we cannot regain our good name overnight. It is like respect in that it must be earned — not bought.

Adultery is Not a Private Matter

When David committed adultery with Bathsheba and Nathan pointed it out to him, what did David do? Did he lie and say, “I never had sexual relations with that woman, Miss Bathsheba?” Did he get angry at Nathan for his prolonged story telling of the matter? No, he admitted that he had sinned. And not just sin against himself or Bathsheba, but he sinned against the Lord! He showed remorse and was repentant.

The sin of adultery is not a personal, private matter. When one commits adultery that means there is another party involved, his spouse. In this country today there are all kinds of sexually transmitted diseases including AIDS. Therefore, is it a personal, private matter when your spouse gets AIDS or any other disease because you chose to lose your good name and commit adultery? It is

because of these things that the word of God says: “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge. Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you’” (Heb. 13:4-5).

Adultery and fornication are not personal private matters because it involves another. Anytime another individual is involved then there will be yet another, then another, then another, then another, etc. Many different individuals have the potential to be effected because of our personal actions!

Lying is Not a Private Matter

In the garden of Eden, the father of lies, Satan (John 8:44), showed that the lie is not a “private matter,” but rather very public. In this case it would affect all future people. “And the woman said to the serpent, ‘We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’ Then the serpent said to the woman, ‘You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil’”(Gen. 3:2-5).

This lie made Adam and Eve look foolish when they stood before God later. Our president’s lie of January 26 made many of his personal supporters look foolish this past week. He openly lied when he said: “I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinski.” His personal supporters, based upon that lie, stood by him and spoke as if they knew personally that he was telling the absolute truth. Even his wife came to his defense — believing in him. Then when he did tell the truth, admitting to the affair, he lost credibility among his best friends and supporters.

It is for that very reason the word of God says: “Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds . . .” (Col. 3:9). “Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie” (Rev. 22:14-15). Lying has never been a private or personal matter. It takes two in the process — one to lie and the other to hear it. Lying affects many people and causes one to lose their good name.

Truth is Respected

Jesus said: “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” We all will make mistakes in our life. But what will we do with those mistakes? Will we try to lie, mislead people, or be honest. We will gain respect and keep our good name when we are up front, honest, and truthful with people, while having nothing to hide that would be shameful before God.

Conclusion

We will be judged based upon what we say or do and our obedience to the words of Christ (2 Cor. 5:10; John 12:48). The things that we say and do will and do affect the lives of others. It affects others directly or indirectly. If we are to keep our good name, to keep it untarnished, we must always strive to please God in all aspects of our life. If we do that, we will be respected and loved among men. But, in order to do that, we must continually do as David and Paul said: “Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my mind and my heart” (Ps. 26:2). “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? — unless indeed you are disqualified” (2 Cor. 13:5). May God be with us as we strive to do what is right in his sight knowing that our personal life is not a private matter.