Does It Make A Difference What One Believes?

By Donnie V. Rader

The religious world is divided. There are thousands of sects or denominations. Thus, many different doctrines and practices exist. Does it make any difference about any of this? Does it make any difference in which church one chooses to be? Does it make any difference what one believes, the doctrine he endorses or teaches, or what he practices?

Let’s consider this popular concept that says, “It does not make any difference what one believes” in light of the word of God.

The Popular Concept

The prevalent idea in the religious world is that it really doesn’t make any difference what one believes in religion. We hear such statements as “Just believe on the Lord . . . faith alone will save.” That says that you can believe and practice anything you like, as long as you believe in Christ; that’s all that matters.

Many are consoled when they hear that sincerity is all that matters. That says you can believe and practice anything as long as you are sincere in it. Countless numbers have been deceived into thinking that one can just attend the church of his choice. Again, the bottom line is that it really doesn’t make any difference what one believes.

The term “Christian” is used rather loosely today. Any good moral person (who may not even go to church) will be described by some as a “Christian.” Like those ideas above, it says that God does not care what you believe or practice in religion.

A Barrier To The Gospel

If it doesn’t make any difference what one believes, there is no need to study the questions and issues that divide the religious world. Those is- sues become trivial matters. Questions about baptism, the Godhead, the one church, worship, instrumental music, the operation of the Holy Spirit, and the work and organization of the church are all like the question of where Cain got his wife.

In spite of their lack of understanding, those who are deceived by this concept are made to feel comfort- able no matter what they believe or practice. Since it doesn’t make any difference, why should different beliefs and practices concern them?

If those who think this way already have a church they go to, they don’t need another. Thus, when you invite them to visit with you or attend a gospel meeting, they may politely thank you saying that they already go to church. Since “one church is as good as another,” they need another church about like a man with a new car needs another car.

This concept is one of the devil’s most effective tools. As long as one has the concept that it doesn’t make any difference what one believes, the gospel cannot get through that barrier to penetrate the heart.

It Makes A Difference What One Believes

1. This popular idea will not work in other areas. It doesn’t work in the business world. Does it make any difference what one believes about in- vestments. Suppose one puts $10,000 into a business or in stocks, believing it is a good investment. However, the business fails or the stocks decline. Certainly what he believed made a difference.

This will not work in matters of health. Suppose one drinks a glass of liquid believing it to be water. However, if it is poison, it will still kill him even though he believed it was water. Several years ago a Nashville newspaper reported a story about a man who dug up some worms to go fishing. He thought the worms were rather large. He had never experienced worms “biting” him as he tried to put them on his hook. He continued to fish believing that he was bitten by worms. He died sometime later because the “worms” were actually poisonous snakes. You see, it made a difference what he believed.

Numerous people have been killed while driving on the wrong side of a four lane highway, because they believed they were on a two lane road.

2. There are some things we must believe. If I can show that there is even one thing that I must believe, then it makes a difference what one believes. We must believe that God is and that he is the rewarder of those that seek him (Heb. 11:6). We must believe in Christ. If we don’t, we will die in our sins (John 8:24). If we die in sin, we cannot go to heaven (John 8:21). We must believe the truth (John 8:32). If we believe any message contrary to the truth, we are accursed (Gal. 1:6-9). It does make a difference.

3. There is an objective standard. If I can show that there is an objective standard (a fixed standard) by which we determine what is right and wrong, then we must conclude that it makes a difference.

To illustrate, let’s suppose that in the process of building your new house that a friend or neighbor offers to do all your wiring. You ask if he knows how to do that. He replies, “Not really, but it doesn’t make any difference how it is wired, just as long as the lights and plugs work when we are done.” If there is a code book or statute by which electricians have to abide, then it makes a difference how the house is wired.

The same is true in religion. There is an objective standard. All of the following descriptions refer to the Bible, the word of God. We must abide by what is written of God (2 Cor. 4:13), the oracles of God (1 Pet. 4:11), the commandments of the Lord (1 Cor. 14:37), the word of God (1 Thess. 2:13), the inspired Scriptures (2 Tim. 3:16-17), and the words chosen by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 2:9-13). We must believe and practice only what we can find in harmony with the standard.

4. The difference that it makes. Now that we know it makes a difference, let’s consider the difference it makes. In 1 Kings 13 we read of a prophet who was instructed by God not to eat bread, drink water or re- turn by the way he came (vv. 9-10). However, an old prophet invited him home with him. The prophet said he couldn’t because of the instruction of the Lord (vv. 15-16). The old prophet then lied to him saying that God told him that he could come to his house (v. 18). The prophet believed the lie. What difference did it make? He was devoured by a lion because he was disobedient (vv. 22-26).

Salvation or damnation is the difference it makes with us. In 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 Paul shows a contrast between believing the truth and believing a lie. Those who believe the lie (v. 11) are deceived (v. 10), do not love the truth (v. 10), are deluded (v. 11), do not believe the truth (v. 12) and have pleasure in unrighteousness (v. 12). The consequence is that they will perish (v. 10) and be condemned (v. 12). Those who believe the truth (v. 12) and love the truth (v. 10) will be saved (v. 10).

It Makes A Difference What One Practices

1. If not, one can do anything in religion and be accepted of God. Handling snakes as an act of worship would be fine. I read of one “church” that came together and all engaged in fornication as their worship to God. What would be wrong with that, if it does not make a difference? “Oh, that’s immoral!” someone says. “God condemns fornication.” Then it makes a difference!

2. We must practice only what is authorized by God. God, because he is God, has authority over man (Gen. 1:1). All that we do must be by the authority of Christ (Col. 3:17). We must abide within the doctrine of Christ (2 John 9). God has a pattern that we are to follow (Heb. 8:5). We must all walk by the same rule (Phil. 3:16).

3. The difference that it makes. Whether we are practicing what God has authorized or not has to do with whether or not we are in fellowship with him (2 John 9) and receive eternal life (Matt. 7:22-23; Rom. 2:7-8).

Consequences

1. If it doesn’t make any difference what one believes then it doesn’t make any difference whether one believes. “Oh, but we have to believe in Christ,” one retorts. Then it makes a difference! But if what you believe doesn’t matter, then whether you believe doesn’t mat- ter. Since that is so, it would not make a difference whether one believes the Bible or not. Thus, what the Bible says is really unimportant. Since the Bible is God’s word, then what God says in unimportant. That is the consequence of the idea that it doesn’t make any difference what one believes. That is blasphemy!

2. If it does make a difference what one believes (and we have shown that it does), then we need to know the truth (John 8:32). We need to study and examine what we’re taught to see if it is really true (Acts 17:11). We need to obey the truth (1 Pet. 1:22). We need to be careful as we live the Christian life (Eph. 5:15).

A Choice Must Be Made!

By Shane Williams

One thing that most everyone in the world does every- day is make choices. We make choices about what we do for recreation, the company we keep, our profession, and whom we marry. Some decisions affect us for a short period of time while others last forever. Spiritual choices are the most important and need the utmost consideration before they are made. Let us look at some choices that individuals made in the Scriptures and how they were affected.

Moses Made a Choice

Hebrews 11:25 tells us that Moses chose to suffer affliction with the people of God, rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.

Moses was a good man but he didn’t become this way overnight. It took time and effort. He could have lived a luxurious life in the palace of the Egyptians but he chose instead to help one of his Hebrew brethren, risking every- thing that he had.

Moses chose affliction instead of an easy life. Why? He knew the pleasures of sin last only a season but the blessings of God are everlasting.

What kind of choice would we have made in this situation? Or maybe better yet, what kind of choice do we make? Do we choose the easy path instead of the path that God would have us take? Our reward in heaven won’t be based on a couple of times that we made the right choice, but it will be based on whom we followed, who was most important in our lives, whom we consistently obeyed even when times were rough. It will depend on our obedience to the Scriptures.

Joshua Made a Choice

As Joshua was nearing the end of his life, he addressed the people of Israel. He said, “. . . Choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the river, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Josh. 24:15).

Joshua had lived a life under the rule of God. He recognized the importance of following God all of his life. He said, “You have seen all that the Lord your God has done to all these nations because of you, for the Lord God is He who has been fighting for you” (Josh. 23:3). He goes on to say in vv. 12-13 that if they ever turn away and cling back to the other nations, that God would certainly not continue to drive these nations out from before them. If they turned from God, he would depart from them.

Joshua had made a choice in his life. He chose God over everything else. What would we have done in that situation? Would we have followed other gods like most of Israel, or would we have taken a stand and served the true and living God?

What kind of choice do we make in our lives today? Do we serve God or other things? We don’t have to be bowing down to little man-made objects to be doing the same thing that Israel did. It doesn’t take that much. All it takes is us putting something before God. Forsaking worship by staying home and watching football will put us in the same boat as Israel. Choosing to do things with friends instead of worshiping God will have the same effect. If we are going to put father, mother, brother, sister, friends, hobbies, recreation, anything or anyone ahead of Christ, we are not his disciple (Luke 14:26).

Mary Made a Choice

Jesus and his disciples were traveling and they came to a certain village. The woman, Martha, welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, was sitting at the Lord’s feet wanting to listen, but Martha was distracted with all her preparations and said to Jesus, “Do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Tell her to help me.” But the Lord answered and said to her, “Mar- tha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only a few things are necessary, really only one, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:40b-42).

Mary chose to be concerned with the teachings of Jesus instead of being worried about the serving. She recognized the importance of Jesus’ words. The other things could wait until Jesus had left.

Do we study the words of Jesus, which contain eternal life (John 6:68) or do we find better things to do? Are we concerned with what the word of God says, or is it really too much of a hassle and I could have a better time doing something else? Understanding what God has said to us takes lots of study. It takes diligence to handle accurately the word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15). Paul tells us not to be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is (Eph. 5:17). If we don’t take the time to study and find out what God has said to us, we are foolish! We can’t understand his word if we do not study. Do we really want to learn or just learn when it is convenient?

King Agrippa Made a Choice

King Agrippa heard Paul’s defense in Acts 26. He heard Paul talk about how he had persecuted Christians and im- prisoned them. Paul told him about his trip to Damascus and how he had been spoken to by Jesus. He told Agrippa that he was not going to be disobedient to that heavenly vision (Acts 26:19). Paul then proceeded to tell Agrippa that Jesus was the one prophesied about by Moses and the prophets.

After all this, Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian” (Acts 26:28).

We sing a song called “Almost Persuaded.” Almost will not do it for us. If I almost get in a car accident, I still didn’t get into one. If I almost bought a new car, I still don’t own one. If I almost became a Christian, I’m still not one!

Some people seem to think that if we are almost good enough to make it to heaven, God will go ahead and let us in. That is not the case. Remember in school if you had a nice teacher and you were getting an 89.9% in the class, usually she would give you an A- anyway. It doesn’t work that way with God. Judgment will be easy for him. It will be as easy as telling a sheep from a goat (Matt. 25:33). Either we have been doing the will of God or we haven’t. We have either accepted his word and are following it or we have rejected it. A choice must be made!

Kenneth Hoyle: His Life’s Sermon

By Larry Ray Hafley

Introduction By Sammie Hoyle: Here’s a few things about my one and only Kenneth. He was born near Abbott, Texas, September 12, 1927 and died in Beaumont, Texas, February 25, 1998. He was in the ICU for 40 days suffering from pneumonia. They had it under control at the time of his death, but his body couldn’t recover from all the damage that was done.

We met and were married in Hillsboro, Texas, on June 1, 1947. We were married 50 years last year. Our first two children were adopted, Jan and Lynn. They both preceded Kenneth in death. After waiting many years, Karen and Mary were born to us. We have six grandchildren and two of the very finest sons-in-law, David Kibideaux and Norman Harrison.

To the above children we added many, many more whom God gave us. Young couples by the number were added to the Kenneth Hoyle family by virtue of the Lord’s work. Kenneth was a true, dedicated soldier of the cross. His utmost desire was to please God. His preaching was all in the state of Texas until 1991. He preached in Borger, La Porte, Nacogdoches, Rosenberg, Texas City, and West Orange.

In 1991 we moved to Lake Charles, Louisiana. He helped established the Southside congregation with 25 folding chairs in the Kinder Care Learning Center. Those were delightful days. Young couples, little children, and the true church being established. We met nine months there, then located the present building at 3919 Auburn and purchased it in May 1993. This work was Kenneth’s “joy and crown.” He was never, never happier. Unity abounded and it was all based on “a thus saith the Lord.” (Sammie Hoyle, 4310 Dean, Lake Charles, LA 70605)

 

When Kenneth’s Hoyle’s dear wife, Sammie, called to discuss what would be an appropriate theme for her husband’s funeral, she said, “Tell them that Kenneth wanted no compromise. Tell people that the best way to remember him is to never turn either to the right or to the left. This was on Kenneth’s heart. He was worried about all those who once stood firm, but who now refuse to condemn error and stand for the truth because of their friendship with some who won’t stand up and be counted.”

Life’s Sermon: “No Compromise”

Sammie expressed the very words of Scripture when she said that Kenneth did not want us to “turn either to the right or to the left.” Those words mean that one will stay on course (cf., Deut. 2:27). He will not veer off the path; he will cut a straight row (2 Tim. 2:15). Thus, “Ye shall observe to do therefore as the Lord your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left” (Deut. 5:32). “And thou shalt not go aside from any of the words which I command thee this day, to the right hand, or to the left” (Deut. 28:14).

Brother Hoyle was concerned about principles regarding Romans 14 and fellowship, and errors being taught with respect to marriage, divorce, and remarriage. Too, he saw the general trend toward compromise and softness, the development of a less militant spirit against evil and error. He thought that toleration of error and the support of men who teach it was begotten by the leaven of a compromising attitude. In other words, various departures centering around Romans 14, marriage and divorce and fellowship were symptomatic of a deeper, widespread acceptance of error (2 Tim. 4:3, 4).

Kenneth spoke of his puzzlement about those who would apologize for the severity of truth (2 Cor. 2:15-17; Tit. 1:13; 2:15). He could not understand those who would criticize men who speak, as he himself did, with great plainness of speech regarding modest dress, godly living, and the undenominational nature of the New Testament church (2 Cor. 3:12). Kenneth said there was a time when brethren thought one “could not come down too hard” against immorality, immodesty, and denominationalism, but, that now, such material was being apologized for by those who do not want plain speech on those issues. In conversation, Kenneth expressed his amazement at how viciously some condemn those who speak out against error and compro- mise. He said that some who protest against being too harsh and “negative” were the very ones who used very hard and caustic words against those who are standing for the truth. (Kenneth, when he spoke on such matters, never lost his kind, gentle, sweet spirit. He did not have a bitter bone in his body.)

This is part of the enduring legacy of the life and memory of Kenneth Hoyle. Kenneth was not widely known. His name is not a household word among brethren around the world, but we “rather rejoice, because” we have reason to believe his name is “written in heaven” (Luke 10:20). No, Kenneth’s name is not on some famous debate book, but this quiet, unassuming man was engaged in a running debate in the local newspaper with a Catholic priest at the time of his death. He was not often engaged in a series of prominent lectures across the country, but many people were drawn to an appreciation for the faith of Christ by his unflagging faith. Ask a host of brethren who look to Kenneth and Sammie as their spiritual father and mother in the gospel. Ask the Intensive Care Unit doctors, nurses, interns and staff assistants in the hospital where he died — they will tell you that a great and good man has left us. They will tell you what they think of the Lord’s people based on the life of this one man and his loving family (Matt. 5:16)!

A couple of years ago, after having conducted a meeting where Kenneth preached, I made the following report concerning his work to the local church. It testifies to his life’s sermon:

As most of you know, we have just concluded our second meeting with the church in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Kenneth and Sammie Lou Hoyle are doing an outstanding work in the Lord in that area. For a number of years, this church has been privileged to have “fellowship in the gospel” with the Hoyles. Brethren, as many of you already know far better than I, it has not been a misplaced trust.

There can be no better people than Kenneth and Sammie. They are pure in life, devoted in service, devout in worship. They care for people as for their own family. Their nurturing deeds and their kindliness endear them to the church. Truly, some have been converted, not simply through the word of God, but also through the good works which they see in Kenneth and Sammie (Matt. 5:16; cf., 1 Pet. 3:1). They exemplify the salt and light qualities that ought to be characteristic of all saints.

Brother Hoyle is determined in his stand for truth and righteousness. Though he is blessed with a disarmingly kind and gentle personality, his love for the truth is as stout as the heart of a lion (Prov. 28:1, 4). There is no foolish- ness or weakness in Kenneth Hoyle’s desire to earnestly contend for the faith. The modern tendency to coddle error and play footsie with dubious doctrines has not affected him, or his good wife.

Due in large part to their sterling character and fervent faith, the church is blessed with the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Several solid families work in perfect harmony with the Hoyles. Though the church is relatively small in number, they are blessed with a good blend of age and maturity and with young families, too. Our work with them was a blessing to Marilyn and me. Though this is more personal than most articles, I thought the church here, and all who love and respect the Hoyles, would want to hear about them and the good work they continue to do (cf., Rom.16; Phil. 2:25-30; 4:3; Col. 4:9-15).

Life’s Sermon: “Bible Education”

Many tender and touching stories have been told since the passing of our dear brother in the Lord, Kenneth Hoyle. One of them was related to me by his long-time friend, Lynn Black. Years ago, in the 1960s, Kenneth and Sammie came to Nacogdoches to consider the work there. During the course of the church’s interview of brother Hoyle, he was asked, “What kind of Bible training or Bible education do you have?” Without a pause and without embarrassment, Kenneth simply opened his Bible and held it out for all to see. “That,” he said, “is my education. That is the source of my religious training.” A respectful silence fell over the room.

Brother Black said that one statement did more than anything else to persuade the brethren to secure him to work with them. They were impressed with his humility and godly sincerity, and with his refusal to flaunt worldly achievements. When he quietly extended his arm and dis- played his worn and well used Bible, the brethren knew they had found their next preacher.

How many churches today would be content with a man who could only point to an open Bible as his fount and foundation of faith? How many preachers today would boast of academic training and of the religious education they have received at some so-called “Bible College” or theological seminary? How many of us would be ashamed to admit that our religious educational credentials were obtained through a personal study of the word of God?

“O how I love thy law! It is meditation all the day. Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than my enemies. . . . I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. I have more understanding than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts” (Ps. 119:97-100).  “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple” (Ps. 119:130). “When ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ” (Eph. 3:4).

A sound education is not to be ridiculed. It can be an invaluable asset in one’s quest for knowledge in the word of God. However, let us never disdain those who, with limited scholastic opportunities, have educated themselves in the knowledge of God, for that is the only true education, the only abiding wisdom (Eccl. 2:12-16; 12:8-14). Brother Hoyle knew this. May God bless the memory of this dear man. May his spirit of faith, trust, and confidence in the word of truth be perpetuated by those of us who learned from him (2 Tim. 2:2).

Thinking About the Family (3)

By Greg Litmer

For many of us one of the happiest, as well as one of the most frightening, days of our lives was the day when the doctor said the test was positive and there was a baby on the way. As we looked into the eyes of our spouse and held each other close we knew that we were embarking on a new and exciting adventure. Do your remember the feeling? Do your remember the love you felt for that person you had chosen to spend your life with? Do you remember the feeling of responsibility knowing that you were going to be bringing a new life into this world? Remember the countless hours spent in discussion about how you were going to raise that child, what you would and would not do? Oh, the innocence of inexperience! Remember the childbirth classes, the shopping, the showers, and all of the things that go along with the impending arrival of a new addition to a family?

What a blessing it is to be parents! The psalmist wrote in Psalm 127:3-5, “Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man, so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.”

God’s plan for the family is a wonderful thing — one man and one woman together for life, being fruitful and multiplying, bringing children into the world. Within his plan God has provided for the physical needs of the child, for the intellectual needs of the child, and for the spiritual needs of the child. To summarize how God has provided for these needs we can simply say, “the parents.”

The responsibility to provide for the physical needs of the child is found in such passages as 1 Timothy 5:8, “But if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.” When it comes to the intellectual, emotional, and spiritual needs, such passages as Deuteronomy 6:6-7 and Ephesians 6:4, show that God has placed the primary responsibility in these areas on the shoulders of the parents. When we choose to become parents, we choose to assume these responsibilities. If ever there is a situation where God would have us to put the needs of others before ourselves it is in the realm of parenting. Certainly, when it comes to manifesting genuine care and concern for others, our children must be at the top of the list. Why is it then that we are seeing more and more parents within the Lord’s church acting like those in the world when it comes to their children and their parental responsibilities?

I truly believe with all of my heart that, barring death, a child has the God-given right to grow up with both parents. Surely that truth is contained in our Lord’s teaching concerning marriage in such passages as Matthew 5:32, “But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.” God’s intention is that marriage consist of one man and one woman together for life. I truly believe that a child has the God-given right to have all of his or her needs provided through the faithful fulfillment of their responsibilities by the parents. Yet more and more we are seeing parents fail miserably in this area and the children suffering because of it, and it is happening within the church.

There is a passage of Scripture that I would like to take out of its context because the wording of it fits this topic. It is found in Genesis 42:22 and is a statement Reuben made to his brothers concerning their ungodly treatment of their brother, Joseph. Reuben said, “Spake I not unto you, saying, Do not sin against the child: and ye would not hear? Therefore, behold, also his blood is required.” When marriages deteriorate into unhappiness and discontent, or when they dissolve altogether and end in divorce; the children of that marriage are being “sinned against.”

A child should not be deprived of the constant presence of a mother or a father. The child has the God-given right to both. A child should not have to listen to his mother and father fight. A child should never have to choose one parent over another and certainly should never have to hear one parent trying to convince him to choose over the other parent. A child should not have to undergo emotional problems because he or she somehow feels responsible for the ungodly behavior of the parents. A child should never have to be used as a pawn in a power struggle between two adults who brought that child into the world. I stood in a courtroom hallway one time and watched and listened as two “divorce” lawyers (representing two Christians) negotiated over the children. They were actually bargaining with one another as the parents sought to win the battle, and the children were the bounty. A child should never have to be deprived of one set of the grandparents. There are times when a divorce is scriptural, but even that is brought about because of sin, and it is always the children who suffer.

Even within a family that stays together there are ways that the children can be “sinned against.” In our modern society it is often the case that both the mother and the father work outside of the home. There are circumstances where this arrangement is necessary simply to provide for the necessities of life — food, clothing, shelter, and so on. There are many other situations in which this arrangement is found where the primary purpose is not to provide the necessities, but to provide the luxuries. And so the children often have the best toys money can buy, and all of them; they have the nicest clothes, money in their pocket, late model cars to drive, and everything else of a material nature they desire — but they don’t have their parents at home to talk to.

It certainly seems that money breeds the desire for more. Let me give you a common scenario that is often played out. There will be a married couple, both of them working and spending everything they make. Children come but they are too far in debt to allow the mother to stop working, so the children go into day care. Day care costs a lot of money, so every bit of extra they might have had now goes to paying that. However, the more this couple has the more they want. So as one credit card gets paid off, another gets filled up. Or perhaps even more frequently, when one credit card hits its limit, another one is applied for, received, and used. Soon the old house is not good enough. A new one is needed in a nicer neighborhood with a huge monthly payment. New cars are also added to the mix, and even though they may be moving up in their companies, they are also moving deeper and deeper into debt. All overtime must be worked, both of them are constantly tired, and with that tiredness comes a certain shortness of temper. They fuss with one another, they fuss with the kids, and what the kids really wanted more than anything else was their mom and dad.

In this common scenario attendance at services and Bible study becomes just another demand on their limited time. Instead of being an oasis of calm and a time of spiritual refreshing, it becomes more of a chore. Before long you will hear, “I was just too tired to come,” and sitting at home with the parents are the children. Their Bible study is neglected but not their education. For as they sit at home with their parents who are just too tired to go to services, those children are learning. They are learning that there are other things more important than service to God. They are learning that secular work and the things it will buy are more important. They are learning that physical comfort is more important. They are learning that God fits in when it is convenient to put him in. When this happens, the children involved are being “sinned against.”

It is sad, but true, that many times couples become more spiritually minded as they get a little older and wiser. They will become more faithful in their attendance and even start to get personally involved in the work of the church. Often- times these same couples will suffer the terrible heartache of seeing their children leave the Lord altogether and with tears in their eyes express a lack of understanding, “How could this have happen?” Maybe it is because when the children were little and the foundations were being laid, the parents were most concerned about the things that matter the least. The truth of Proverbs 22:6 is seen every day, “Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”