PURSUING PEACE
“If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”–Romans 12:18
We are all different and that can make life difficult. We all have different beliefs, abilities, and taste. That holds true in just about everything—food, sports, cars, music, books, etc. Being different doesn’t necessarily make us better or worse, right or wrong, etc., but that’s what a lot of folks would have you to believe. Their attitude is “It’s my way or the highway”. They are critical of anyone who doesn’t agree with them. Even the apostles had their differences, so we can expect that we will have some of the same problems. Sadly most folks don’t deal with their differences very well.

Of course this is America and you are free to believe what you want, but that doesn’t mean it is right. And judged by the Bible a lot of things accepted today are not right. Naturally the Bible doesn’t address every subject, but that doesn’t mean we are free to do as we please. While the Bible does not speak to every issue, it does give us principles that relate to every area of life. Based on that, I have to say that it’s evident that many professing Christians have poor taste in regards to many things. Just because something is legal, popular, or generally accepted doesn’t mean it is wise, healthy, or beneficial.
While much could be said about living at peace with others, I want to mention just two things that would help greatly. First, some people won’t speak up. They refuse to come clean about their faults. It’s as though they think if they never confess their faults they don’t have any. It would be better if they admitted that they are part of the problem, rather than pretending it’s someone else’s fault.

Second, some folks won’t shut up. They reveal too much about themselves by expressing their opinions, likes and dislikes when it isn’t necessary. They seem to think they must comment on everything and they come across as a critical, overbearing know-it-all. That usually doesn’t benefit anyone. Doing so just opens the door for criticism, debates and divisions–things we all could live without.–HDS

David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346

INTEGRITY
“Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.”–Prov. 19:1
Integrity is one of those things that is greatly needed but rarely found, which is a terrible shame! While we don’t have any reason to expect it from the world it is the duty of every Christian. Even unbelievers seem to know that. That’s why they are so quick to call us hypocrites when we fail. Sadly we give them plenty ammunition, and it generally shows up in what we call “the little things”. Many times we see it in the way in which we relate to our brothers and sisters in Christ– where you would least expect it.
As a pastor I have a front row seat where I am forced to see it over and over again– although I would rather not. It’s obvious because it has to do with things like manners, common courtesy, respect, etc.–things expected in school, on the job, at social events, etc. The same people who rise to the expectations in those places often refuse to show the same respect in church. They come and go and do as they please without consideration for others, even those in authority. They don’t give their best while they are there, no notice when they are absent, and no explanation when leave. They wouldn’t do it at work or in the courtroom, but don’t see it as important in the church, although we are commanded to be blameless.
It’s a shame that they aren’t more concerned about their testimony. What we do, for good or bad, has a great affect on others. Your example can be more powerful than a sermon or song. Just as Daniel’s character opened doors to a life of usefulness, being a person of integrity can give you great opportunities to be used of God. May God deliver us from hypocrisy and duplicity and help us to have a Christ-like spirit in all we do! God help us to truly live up to the title of “ladies” and “gentlemen”.–HDS
 
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346

THE PERFECT PLACE
“And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”–Luke 24:47
We live in a troubled world and there’s not a lot we can do to change it– except where we are. I didn’t say there’s nothing we can do. We can do things like send missionaries to far away places, etc. But for the most part we are limited to the reach of our touch or the sound of our voice. And we ought to do as the old song says, “Brighten the corner where you are”.
That raises a question, “Where are you?” Are you on a sick bed, visiting a patient in the hospital, at the funeral home, dead broke, etc.? Are you at school, on the job, or in the home? Is there not something you could do to bless those around you? We can almost always find someone within arms length that could use our help. Some have the idea that nothing of note can be accomplished unless they are in a better place, travel the globe, give large sums of money, find fame, or influence lots of people. However, the fact is we can do great things right where we are. Remember, it is God, not man, who determines what’s great and what’s not. And He expects us to minister where we are and how we can. Sometimes it’s the so-called little thing,s that mean the most. A smile, hug, handshake, or a kind word can make a big difference in someone’s life.
We should never underestimate the importance of ministering to just one person. We never meet an unimportant person. Christ died for all, so our concern should extend to all. It’s not our job to decide who is important and who is not. Those you think are the least deserving of kindness probably need it the most. We need to stop with the excuses and do as God commands which is to do good to all men. He doesn’t expect us to do what we can’t and He doesn’t excuse us from doing what we can. God puts us in contact with people for a purpose. God forbid that we ignore them.
Some try to excuse themselves from duty by saying circumstances aren’t as they need to be, and that keeps them from doing what they should. There’s no excuse for that. Such a ministry doesn’t require great talent, wealth, extreme effort, or great intelligence. The only thing required is love. That is the grand motive that moves that moves us to action. Without love, Paul tells us, we are nothing. With love we cheerfully reach out to meet the needs of others and to please them. And that is well pleasing to God!—HDS

David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346