The above question was asked of Hezekiah by the prophet Isaiah con­cerning the embassage that came to him from Babylon. A study of that context will show the circumstances there, but we wish to consider it in a modem day framework. What do people see when they come into your house? We suggest some things that ought to be seen.

Authority. This is necessary in any area, for without it chaos reigns. Yet many homes do not have the "author­ity figure" that ought to reside in the husband/father head. There ought to be a godly wife/mother, as well as re­spectful and obedient children.

Bible Study and Prayer. Many families lack greatly in these. Parents neglect their children in these areas. Every member of the home ought to have some study time; time in prayer, and it will soon become a way of life. Prayer is imposed upon the Christian by God - over and over (1 Thess. 5:17; Lk. 18:1).

Good Influence. This must begin with the parents. Children are molded as much (or more) by what they see their parents do as what they hear them say. Look at Abraham's house - ­God was pleased with it (Gen. 18:19). On the other hand, a lesson may be learned by the bad influence of Eli (1 Sam. 3:11-14).

Hospitality. This should be a trait of every Christian. It is required of eld­ers (1 Tim. 3:2). In Romans 12:13 Paul commands other Christians to practice it (cf. Heb. 13:2). Many houses are confined to their own little world, caring little or nothing about others. Folks who are inhospitable are robbing themselves of a great pleasure life!

Good Literature. Reading is one way we learn. Can the Bible or other good spiritually uplifting literature be . found in our house? As a person reads, so his mind generally runs. When I see "Soap Opera Digest," or "Astrology Charts," and the "Gossip Sheets" lying in many homes, I am made to wonder where their minds are. No wonder the minds of folks are filled with printed garbage when we allow our minds to dwell on such.

Wholesome Amusements. No one objects to amusements or recreation in the lives of Christians. But parents ought to regulate it and practice the right kind themselves. Children ought to be taught wholesome amusements, avoiding questionable places (1 Thess. 5:22). What used to be a source of enjoyable entertainment, the movies - ­are now filled with such filth that the Christian would probably to well to avoid them altogether. The same could be said of most of the TV pro­grams that invade and bombard our homes.

Good Associates. What sort of peo­ple do you enjoy being with? What kind of people frequent your home on social basis? There are definite dan­gers of evil companionships, or Paul would not have warned of it (1 Cor. 15:33). If a Christian must "hob nob" with those with no Christian values, he ought to at least try to teach those folks what Christianity is all about.

"What have they seen in thine house?" The Lord sees what is in it every day! This ought to motivate us to fill our homes with things that are good and right; with spiritual things that can only make the family better. - Bill Moseley

 

 

 

Have you noticed that gas pumps now talk to you? They tell you when to turn them on, and when to turn them off. I even found one recently with a miniature TV screen on it, complete with the latest news (about how gas prices were going up). But I guess the gas station folks figure that's cheaper than sending someone out to pump the gas for you. Or, what about the checkout stands at the supermarket? They not only tell you what you are buying (as if you didn't know), but how much it is per pound or piece and how much the total price, and how much you saved over buying at their competitor down the street. At least now you can feel like you are being robbed in person.

Oh, for the good old times when cash registers "clanged" instead of yakking at you! Where has the personal touch gone? And the guy at the auto parts counter who can't find the part you need that is in plain sight behind him - but he can't find it without asking his electronic gadget. Sure would be good if people could go back to help­ing people again if for no other reason than the "personal touch." Well, back to my word processor to finish this issue of the bulletin.- Bill Moseley