by Mike Benson

. Take one harmless event.

. Add one ugly motive.

. Stir in your own opinion.

. Add one suspicious tone.

. Put in a measure of "they say".

. Add imaginary details to increase the taste.

. Sprinkle well with the spice of rumor.

Heat slowly over the flame of envy. Serve secretly as often as possible to anyone who will give attention.

Boy, if ever there was a recipe for gossip, this would have to be it. Little wonder that the Bible reminds us, "The words of a talebearer are like tasty trifles ["dainty morsels" - RSV] and they go down into the inmost body" (Proverbs 18:8 NKJV).

Kind reader, let's be extra careful that we don't share this recipe.

by Demar Elam

Speak A Good Word For Jesus is the title of a book written by Joe D. Gray. Those words have made a profound impression in my mind. Just think! What if every Christian would "speak a good word for Jesus", at every opportunity?

I fear that our concept of soul winning may be too narrow. Some think that in order to be a soul winner one must be able to lead an individual from Genesis to Revelation. Granted, every Christian should study (2 Timothy 2:15) to the extent that he or she could properly instruct the sinner in the way of truth and righteousness. However, soul winning often begins simply with a word fitly spoken in behalf of Jesus Christ.

Just pause and think what could be done in every place where the Lord's church exists if every member went about daily speaking a good word for Jesus! Our great God desires that all men be saved. This great desire of God is echoed in 1 Timothy 2:3,4, "For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who will have all men to be saved and to come unto the knowledge of the truth."

Think how much our lives and the lives of those with whom we come in contact will be enriched when we learn to speak a good word for Jesus. Daily we are afforded the privilege of speaking out in behalf of Christ, and daily we either use or lose those opportunities. If we aren't using our opportunities to the fullest extent, we need to take the time to change our thought processes to be on continual lookout for an opportunity to simply speak a good word for Jesus.

Jesus came into the world and lived a sinless life (1 Peter 2:22) setting an example for us to follow (1 Peter 2:21). Jesus' very mission on earth was "to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10). He entrusted us with the ongoing thrust of the redemptive work He had begun when He said, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15,16; Matthew 28:19,20). Yes, the redemptive work was initiated by the suffering and death of Jesus on the cross of Calvary (1 Peter 2:24). However, we are responsible to proclaim the message that redemption has been provided and that it is available to all of humanity (John 3:15-17).

All the organized programs in the church will not replace the impact of every Christian in the body of Christ learning to speak a good word for Jesus. Our buildings would already be running over if every saint had been daily practicing what we have spoken of in this article. Improvement should be the goal of every Christian. Let each member of the Lord's church learn to capitalize on every opportunity that comes our way to "Speak a Good Word for Jesus". The results will be simply phenomenal! Our love for Christ will increase; the love amongst brethren will increase; the love for others will increase and the building will fill up as the average man on the street becomes impressed with the name we wear.

"Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us; we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:20).

Thanks to The Voice of Truth International, Vol 20, pgs 74-75.

By Byron Nichols

In Matthew 25:14-30 we read the parable of the talents. You will remember that Jesus told of a certain master giving three servants different amounts of money, the amounts varying in relation to the ability of each one. One was given five talents (or portions of money), another was given two, and the third received one. If you will recall, each of the first two servants wisely handled the master's money, even to the extent of doubling it.

But then, there was that fellow who had been given the one talent. His handling of his master's money resulted in no increase whatsoever. Notice the master's rebuke: "You wicked and slothful (lazy) servant." The master later refers to this one as "the unprofitable servant" (verse 30).

Question: What was it that the servant had done that was so bad? Answer: Nothing — absolutely nothing. That was the problem. Instead of trying to make a profit for his master, he just went out and dug a hole in the ground and buried the master's money.

The master trusted them all; he placed his confidence in them. He was giving them an opportunity to prove themselves worthy of his faith in them. He didn't stay there and look over their shoulders to see if they were handling the situation just like he would do it. Instead, he went away and gave them the opportunity to make their own decisions.

Before leaving, the master let the servants know clearly what he expected of them. There was no lack of instruction or communication. Each one could know just as well as the others exactly what the master wanted him to do. All that was necessary was to pay attention to what the master said before he left.

It is also noteworthy in verse 19 that it was only after "a long time" that the master returned and asked for an accounting by each servant. He gave them ample time to do what was expected of them. They were allotted sufficient time to start out wrong and end up right — they had plenty of time to make some mistakes and still correct their course of action and present an acceptable profit to the master upon his return.

I believe the fact that the master was gone for "a long time" is a definite indication that he did not expect or require significant results immediately. It seems that he understood that things require an adequate amount of time in order to be accomplished.

Even a rather casual reading of this parable shows that these servants were not in competition with each other. The master had not made a contest out of the situation. It was not a matter of who was more capable than the others, but rather it was a matter of who was faithful in following instructions and trying to do the will of the master. The servant who received two talents of money received the same praise and commendation as the one who had received five. They deserved equal recognition — they had both done the same thing, that is, they both did the best they knew how to do with what they had.

The master did not require fantastic results. Verse 27 shows that he would have been satisfied if the servant who was entrusted with the one talent had just put the money in the bank and earned the interest on it. That wouldn't be much of a return now, and it would not have been too much then either, but it would have at least been an improvement over digging a hole in the dirt and depositing the money there.

In verse 24 we read the report to the master by the servant who buried the money. He said, "I knew you to be a hard man." Obviously, this was only an excuse, not a fact. There is nothing in the text to indicate that the master was hard or demanding, except for the fact that he did demand obedience. There is no evidence of harshness or unfairness on his part.

Jesus wants us all to see that He is portrayed by the master in the story, and that we, as His followers, are the servants. Let's be sure to carefully read the parable with this in mind.

We can all be successful servants, stewards. Our Master is not a hard taskmaster, but He has made it clear that "digging a hole" and burying our spiritual talents will not be acceptable. He definitely is demanding that every servant of His be busy using his/her talents in an effort to increase the size of the Master's estate. May all of us rejoice in our role as His servants and do our very best to faithfully use what He has entrusted to us, and not bury it in fear of failure. He wants us to succeed, and He has promised to help us be successful.

Thanks to The Voice of Truth International, Vol 16, pgs. 5-6.

by J. Randal Matheny

This missionary is heading out in a few hours to what many people call a "furlough". Military term for time away from the field. Here are my rushed thoughts on a furlough.

A furlough is an exercise in patience. Who can take care of the house for six weeks? Who can start the car up so the battery won't run down and the tires rot? Who can collect the house mail, and go to the post office box? Who can pay the bills while we're gone? And whose passports are expired? (This year: Leila's U.S. passport. Meaning: a trip to the consulate in Sao Paulo.) Go to the airport five hours early instead of two, since the customs people are on strike.

A furlough is an exercise at juggling. Setting up appointments at congregations to report and speak. Coordinating visits with family. Finding U.S. transportation. Reservations and tickets. Returning tickets when Delta wants to change flight numbers. Picking up new tickets on day of travel. (I was sweating that one.) Hiring a van to transport baggage and bodies to the airport.

A furlough is time away from work. Who can do this and that, preach in my place, go to the new congregation, teach that class? Finish evangelistic study. Interrupt another study and pray the person doesn't lose interest in the interval. Try to keep the magazine from falling further behind. Leave off that visit that needed to be made.

A furlough is a time of reflection and prayer. How can I do better, different, more, less? Distant from the work, the questions come quick and fast: where am I failing, where am I getting it right, who can be trained, who can be encouraged more, who can be reached that I haven't tried before?

A furlough is a time for connections. See how the family is doing. Renew contacts with churches, elders, preachers, missions committees. Take wife for a walk in the park, kids to anywhere except McDonalds. Attend a few funerals, maybe a wedding, even a golden anniversary.

A furlough is a time for thanksgiving. So many years, so many blessings, so many demonstrations of the Lord's care. So many souls, so many efforts, so few workers. So many ... excuse me, telephone.

A furlough is a time to hoof it. Wife just called and said she's ready and I need to pick her up, take her home, go get new tickets, put a document in the mail, and finish a Forthright article.

At least the last one is easy.

But I'm sure I'm forgetting something.

That's what a furlough is.

By Michael E. Brooks

"Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, 'Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you'" (Acts 17:22,23).

The great principle of modern religion and philosophy is "Pluralism". This is the conviction that all religions and philosophies, along with most cultural practices and attitudes, have some validity. Individuals should choose from among them according to their own experience, circumstance and inclination. No single path is right absolutely, or right for everyone. This concept is obviously based on the idea of relativism, which contends that there is no such thing as absolute truth or exclusive interpretations.

On my first trek into the Nepali district of Dhading in the Himalayas, I visited a cluster of villages in an area collectively called Tipling. There I visited a medical clinic where there was a group of American doctors conducting a week's clinic for the local villagers. I fell into a discussion with the Nepali government representative who was coordinating the doctor's work about my purpose for being in that remote area. His response to my mission was "why do you trouble these illiterate villagers. They are religious. All religions preach to honor God and treat other people well. There is no difference among them. Let these people alone."

Seldom have I heard religious pluralism expressed so briefly and clearly. All religions offer the same goals. Let each person choose the one he or she likes. Don't judge between them.

A friend pointed out that pluralists like to offer only two choices. Everyone is either enlightened, pluralistic, and tolerant of others, or else they are bigoted, exclusivist and intolerant of any other view than their own. The person so bold as to think that one religion has special claim to truth is a fanatic, and furthermore is undoubtedly self-righteous and hypocritical along with it. Are those indeed the only options? Is there not a middle ground that honors the absoluteness of truth without carrying the baggage of bigotry and intolerance? I believe there is.

Let us compare the wide range of philosophies, world views and religions as an intellectual and spiritual "buffet". In a literal buffet, many different foods are offered, with the customer free to choose whatever items are desired for his or her meal. There may be fresh salads, cooked vegetables, meats, fruits, and desserts. Meats may include baked poultry and fried red meat. Vegetables may range from broccoli to French Fries. It is the customers' choice.

Does anyone contend that among these choices there is not a range of qualities? Are all of equal taste appeal? Are all of equal nutrition and health value? Obviously not. The heart patient is well advised to avoid French Fries. The diabetic should avoid desserts. But take it one step further. Are not fresh vegetables, baked poultry and fruits not generally accepted as "healthier" for everyone? Is there not a discernible standard of "truth" in this illustration; one set of foods being just plain "better" within the context of health and nutrition at least?

If a doctor complains about a patient's diet, should the doctor be accused of bigotry, intolerance and fanaticism? Or rather is he or she not simply pointing out a view of "truth" that has potential benefit for the patient? Now, if a group of doctors lobbied to have all foods banned and their production ceased, except for a narrow list that meets their approval, one might legitimately complain. That might well meet the definition of fanaticism.

Are there religionists who are that fanatical in pursuit of their "one true faith"? Yes there are. The Muslim fundamentalists calling for "holy war" certainly seem to be such, and there are other examples. But does that mean that any believer who is committed to a particular faith is automatically "intolerant"? Does it mean that no one has the right to seek to persuade others to his or her faith? Absolutely not. Relativism is simply not true, and its intellectual descendant – pluralism – is a deceitful attack on true faith and commitment.

Jesus himself said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6). That is pretty absolute. Yet Jesus proved his love and "tolerance" for all humans through his death on the cross, and through his willingness for the Father to forgive them. Those who follow Jesus must follow the same path. We exhort others to choose that which is wholesome, beneficial, and true. Yet we do this without hatred, contempt, or harsh judgment. Our faith in the one true God is balanced by our insistence that we "love our neighbors as ourselves." Such a stance is neither pluralistic nor intolerant. It is simply "speaking the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15).