Treasure Digest

• A Pastor's Reflection on Luke 14:26
• Will You Hire Me, God?
• Attitude Check
• Pillars of Wisdom: Things God Hates
• Going Above and Beyond
• Are You Fasting Too Much?
• My Prayer Was Answered
• Turning the Hearts...Don't Play Favorites!
• Question and Answer: Why Don't the Churches of God Pool Their Resources to Preach the Gospel?
• Children's Corner [See PDF Version Page 18]
• Quiz: Pick a Number From One to 10 [See PDF Version Page 19]
• Share Your Treasures!

A Pastor's Reflection on Luke 14:26

Luke 14:26 says, "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple."

Growing up as a youth, going to four years of Ambassador College and listening to the Bible expounded for a total of approximately 43 years, I have always heard this scripture reduced to "it does not literally mean hate, it means love less by comparison."

While I agree with that explanation, when I look at the Greek, I cringe at thinking that is about as far as many have gone with meditating on what Jesus, the Word, was teaching us (from the Father).

The first part warns us to not put any family member in the way of loving God, obeying God and His commandments. Yet often, people don't seem to flinch at the reality of putting a family member first.

As you reflect, have you let any family member get in the way of assembling at a holy convocation? This is probably the most obvious one to me. I have been there and done that, but I am sober about my past.

This is just one area, among many, that we can reflect upon. We justify that God will understand—that we are showing love to our mate by staying home with him or her when actually he or she could survive quite well without our choice to do that. (Of course, there is a balance here, and God will understand if our mate or other family member really needs us during a severe illness or trial.)

The second area of this verse deals with our life: "and his own life also." We are so programmed for self-love and self-preservation, that we can easily not grasp the depth of this teaching from our Lord.

Our human nature glosses over this so quickly. If we see the reality of it, then it requires self-examination. When we are so quick to protect "our rights," defend ourselves with gusto, not turn the other cheek, not go the extra mile, not deny ourselves, but seek to save ourselves—are we kidding ourselves about our understanding of verse 26?

Would God want us to minimize this verse and expect Him to understand and accept our selfish choices? Or would it be better to go overboard a bit knowing we would probably find the middle road better since we are inclined to be liberal with ourselves in this?

Wouldn't it be better for God to tell us one day, "Hey, you were too zealous in this," rather than to express to us His profound disappointment because we were not zealous enough?

Think about this in your eating and drinking, choices about your use of time, your entitlements, accusations and defenses. Think about this in your service or lack of it to the Body of Jesus Christ. Think about it in how you take care of the temple of the Holy Spirit of God for service to Him.

Consider this verse next time you hear the words of Romans 12:1: "Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service." If you choose to do that, He will be glad you did, and if He is glad you did, you will be too!

—Stuart Segall
Pastor, Crescent City and Eureka, California, congregations

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Will You Hire Me, God?

Have you ever thought about filling out a job application for God's Kingdom? Doing so could bring some real clarity as to what aptitudes, talents, abilities, etc., you have developed thus far in your life and what you yet need to work on and develop to be an upper management leader in the Kingdom of God.

You could start your application for a place in the royal family by explaining why you want the job. (Because it beats the alternative is not a good enough reason!) A good place to start is understanding why God wants you in His family and what He is looking for.

Next on your application for a job in the Kingdom you could list all the paid and unpaid jobs you have filled. Go into detail about what you have done and what they have taught you that would be of value to your Employers, God and Jesus. Describe how your jobs have given you or helped you develop the attributes that will be needed in a Kingdom job. This is to show what you would be bringing to the group.

In other words, why should you be considered for a job? Some attributes you may have developed could be good organizational skills, people skills and conflict-resolution skills. Have you learned to be a leader, a planner, a motivator? Can you anticipate problems, show common sense, inspire people? Do you see problems as a challenge or as a crisis? Do you anticipate or react?

Finally, you could list other areas of your life, such as hobbies, interests and volunteering, where you have acquired skills and abilities that would make you a more valuable employee.

Giving this application some thought, you may be surprised to realize that God has led you along a path that has given you a lot of the training He wants. For it is Christ in us, and how well we yield to Him, that prepares us for our future job.

—Barbara Sackett
Olympia, Washington, congregation

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Attitude Check

The parable of the vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16) warns us that we must not be presumptuous if we've been serving God longer than someone else. God is continuing to call people into His Church, as He sees fit.

We must be prepared for the possibility that God will call people who have not known Herbert Armstrong, and who may well be called to be teachers, deacons, deaconesses, elders and pastors. In fact, we must be prepared to be passed over for these roles and to see God choose people who, to our eyes, seem less qualified.

Those of us who have been in the Church a long time need to be prepared to handle these situations graciously. We must trust God to do what's best for the Church as a whole, even if it doesn't please us.

In the parable, those who had worked longer thought their employer was being unfair, but he really was being compassionate, giving all the day laborers what they needed to feed their families. We must trust that God will do what is best for the Church.

—Jay Turner
San Jose, California, congregation

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Pillars of Wisdom: Things God Hates

The book of Proverbs has much to say about God's love. It also has much to say about human behaviors and thoughts God hates. Powerful words are used to describe God's reactions to human beings.

Proverbs 3:31-32: "Do not envy the oppressor, and choose none of his ways; for the perverse person is an abomination to the LORD." The Hebrew word toebah, translated "abomination," means something that is repulsive.

God finds certain human behavior particularly repulsive. Wisdom is more than knowledge. The wisdom of Proverbs is to be inculcated into the core of an individual's character.

Points to Build On

Lies are an abomination to God.

Proverbs 12:22: "Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who deal truthfully are His delight."

The wicked are an abomination to God, but He loves the righteous.

Proverbs 15:8-9: "The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is His delight. The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but He loves him who follows righteousness."

Even a person's thoughts can be an abomination to God.

Proverbs 15:26: "The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD, but the words of the pure are pleasant."

A person who supports others who are wicked is an abomination to God.

Proverbs 17:15: "He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD."

In Proverbs 6:16-18 we have listed "...six things the LORD hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren."

A wise person regularly examines his or her life to see if any of these traits have seeped into his or her character. It is just as important to strive to become a person whose character exhibits the opposite traits.

What God Hates

•A proud look.

•A lying tongue.

•Hands that kill the innocent.

•A heart that plots evil.

•Feet that race to do wrong.

•A false witness that pours out lies.

•A person who sows discord among brethren.

What God Loves

•Humility.

•Honesty.

•A person who defends the innocent.

•A person who avoids evil.

•A person who flees from the wrong.

•A person who does not slander or gossip.

•A peacemaker.

Application

Ultimately, wisdom is more than just knowing how to make good decisions. Wisdom is revealed by a person's character. Wisdom isn't just a set of principles that we can learn. Wisdom becomes who we are.

—Gary Petty
Pastor of Austin, San Antonio and Waco, Texas, congregations

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Going Above and Beyond

"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly above all that we ask or think... to Him be glory" (Ephesians 3:20-21).

Eighteen years ago my 10-month old daughter Karen lay dying in a Pasadena hospital. It was the day before Mother's Day. She had suffered two cardiac arrests that morning and the doctors said she would not survive a third.

Karen had contracted an unusual case of meningitis that was destroying both her red and white blood cells. When she survived a third cardiac arrest later that same day, the doctors said she would be a "vegetable." They had good reason for saying that, as Karen had been "dead" for a total of 25 minutes from the three cardiac arrests.

To the amazement of the doctors, Karen was ready to go home after only 3 1/2 weeks in the hospital. "An act of God," they called it. "I've never seen anything like it," said the respiratory therapist. Karen had been completely healed by God. One nurse rightly concluded, "That baby doesn't need to be here!"

Last year Karen graduated from high school with honors. She had been tested and identified as gifted in elementary school—a far cry from "vegetable." You see, God did not just spare her life. He went above and beyond!

We must also go above and beyond. Doing the minimum required is not good enough by God's standards. Always add something extra to everything you do, even if it is only a smile.

Mary Williams
Los Angeles, California, congregation

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Are You Fasting Too Much?

The taste of God's cool, refreshing water is never better than when breaking a fast. The weak, hungry body is quickly strengthened by a morsel of wholesome food. Our physical bodies are weakened in a fast, but our inward spiritual person is made stronger. A fast seeking a closer walk with our God and His guidance in our lives adds to our spiritual growth.

There is, however, a fast that can lead to spiritual weakness. It's a fast that over time leads to a gradual falling away, to taking on less of the character of our Father and to a high risk of spiritual estrangement from our God. This harmful fast deprives us of the "meat" of God's Word—Bible study— and the "water" of the Spirit—our time in prayer to God.

Ours is a 24/7 Internet-connected world—iPods, e-mails and cell phones seek to fill every waking moment of our hectic lives. A physical priority each day is to partake of sufficient food and water to nourish the body for the daily demands. How much more, with the cares of the world pressing on our lives, must we partake of the spiritual food and water (Bible study and prayer) to nourish the inner man?

Soldiers cannot go to war successfully on empty stomachs. Neither can we, as soldiers of Christ, engage in our spiritual warfare if we are weakened by spiritual starvation. Satan is like a roaring lion, and the spiritual weakling is a prime target.

Each of us must work out what best fits in our lifestyle to avoid spiritual starvation. Morning people can get up early enough to fit in prayer and Bible study time before the day begins. Night owls can fit in the spiritual time when the early birds are zonked out by 10 p.m.! Even a lunch hour, with a quiet spot somewhere, can work in a pinch.

You're a commuter? Use your church library and check out sermons to listen to on your daily commute. What joy these sermons brought me on my own daily commute!

Be creative! Where there is a will, there is a way to keep spiritual priorities.

When it comes to spiritual food and drink, don't fast too much. Bon appétit!

—Betty D. Bost
Charlotte, North Carolina, congregation

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My Prayer Was Answered

I fell sick and a doctor prescribed some medicine for me. However, I would have to buy the medicine in a town 120 miles from my home. And to pay for it, I would have to cash a pension check at a bank in that town.

I considered the journey to be impractical for several reasons. I was sick, and trying to get there and back on public transportation would not be easy. Since it was the end of the month, the bank would be overcrowded with customers, and I might miss the ride home.

However, there was no other way to get the medicine. I knelt down and prayed earnestly to God for a safe and speedy journey. Then at around 5 a.m. I started my journey and reached the town at 9 o'clock.

As I feared, the bank was jammed to full capacity, with customers extending 500 feet outside. I knew I couldn't make it. But before returning home, I had to try. I walked straight to the door, which was guarded by a sentry, and without a word from him, I passed through—possibly without his notice! I presented my passbook at the counter without objection from anyone. I received my check, and within 10 minutes another cashier, again without complaint, cashed it for me.

This was a miracle, and I knew for sure that it was God's intervention. I arrived back home safe and very appreciative.

—Daniel Z. Odeny
Madiany, Kenya, congregation

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Turning the Hearts...
Don't Play Favorites!

When Isaac and Rebekah became the "proud" parents of twin boys, they probably never thought they would have the issue of favoritism enter their family. But it did! Isaac loved Esau because he was such a good hunter and brought home meat from wild game. Jacob, on the other hand, stayed around home and is said to have been quite handy in making stew—he was Momma Rebekah's favorite son (Genesis 25:28).

You know the story how Rebekah coached Jacob on how to steal the final blessing from Esau, which increased the hatred emanating from Esau's heart toward his twin brother. Jacob had to leave his family for his own protection and safety.

Playing favorites among children is not a healthy exercise in rearing a family. Children need to feel loved and appreciated equally by both parents. When I was growing up, I thought my dad liked my brother better than he did me. After many years of adulthood, I told my brother, and he retorted that he thought I was the "favorite"! We both had misperceptions. Since it's so easy to give the wrong impression, parents must be extra careful. The feeling of not being as acceptable to one parent can hinder healthy growth and development.

God is a God of fairness and balance (Ezekiel 18:25). He gives to us what we need and is always there for us. As parents, we need to reflect this characteristic of God and strive to make sure that we do not play favorites among our children. (For more about the principle of fairness, see James 2:1-9 and Colossians 4:1.)

Sure, we might relate better to one child because of his or her personality, interests or mental ability, but we dare not allow ourselves to play favorites to the detriment of our children's development.

May God guide us to become more like He is—equitable and loving—as we rear our children in His way of life.

—Gary E. Antion

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Question and Answer: Why Don't the Churches of God Pool Their Resources to Preach the Gospel?

Thank you for your interest. Yes, it would be sensible for the various Church of God organizations to pool our resources from a practical point of view. It's possible that we will be able to do that again one day.

Of course, there was a time when most of the people who make up these organizations did pool their resources, when we were members of the Worldwide Church of God (WCG). God did a powerful work through the WCG, which at one point was the largest purchaser of television airtime for religious programming. (In the days before television, the Radio Church of God, the parent organization of the WCG, was one of the largest, if not the largest, purchasers of radio airtime for religious programming.)

The circumstances that led to the eventual breakup of the WCG caused people to leave that organization at different times over several years, resulting in the creation of several offshoot organizations. The breakup of the WCG also caused a great deal of emotional and spiritual turmoil for Church members.

We in the United Church of God are committed to doing our part in healing any breaches that exist between other organizations and us, as well as between individuals. We expect God to continue to do a powerful work of preaching His gospel through His Church.

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Share Your Treasures!

Do you have any short items of biblical wisdom, humor or practical information that you would like to share in this section? Or if you have any suggestions, please contact United News, P.O. Box 541027, Cincinnati, OH 45254-1027 or mike_bennett@ucg.org.

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