Bible Discussion Thread

Humanism and the work ethic.

As has been brought out by my pastor and is clear from my earlier postings; a society can't last too long in the moral morass we have experienced the last few decades. Whether assessing the political left or the attitude of youth these days we see something foreign to its original concept. That is the lack of a work ethic. "If we don't work we don't eat" ( 2 Thess. 3:10). Our enemies surely must have met if not exceeded their goals in rendering our society too lazy to prevent their own self destruction if by overeating; drug addiction; suicide or other vices at their disposal. There are many other verses supporting the Apostle Paul as a tentmaker earning what he could and not being a burden even to his own detriment in some cases. Would we want someone planting churches over whole regions of the world having to concern himself with finding secular employment today? Not in this country; anyway.

Spiritual wisdom dictates that we also prepare for things to come as wise are commended for it ( Prov. 22:3). The fools of course do the opposite and calamity overcomes them. IF we are Babylon then I expect all calamities to come at one time eventually to this country; and even if not it seems much is overdue. If it weren't for the waste in this country as such a huge consumer of energy we wouldn't have such a need for things. As it is; instead of utilizing resources available and in a complete manner such as the Indians did with the buffalo in the past we are too comfortable with instant measures to provide our needs from the government or food in supermarkets rather than learing survival instincts. What I am saying is that humanism as any idealistic mindset blinds us to obvious contradictions and we of course see this with a general lack of outrage in this country as opposed some others to the plans for world government to take over.

As Christians our focus should be preaching the Word while it is yet day. ( John 9:4).

Hi again, Richard,

I agree that we it is wise to prepare for what may be hardships that may come to us (perhaps very soon). I have taken up canning again for this purpose and hope to do food hydrating next harvest. I am praying for the Holy Spirit to guide me on this matter, as I do not think it is wise to go deeply into "prepping". My goal is to have enough food stored and available to get me through for quite awhile and still have some to share with other. Also, because I take medications for ongoing health problems, I am getting my refills as often as I can so that I will have a supply in case I cannot access health care in hardship times. Also, I have stocked up on first aid supplies. I try to have a good supply of sundries (t.p., paper towels, cleaners, etc) so that I can do what will be needed to clean up and prevent illness.

Another good idea is to stock up on blankets from local thrift shops and store these to have to give to others should we not have power for a while to keep warm. The other things I am acquiring a good supply of is alternative fuel for camp stoves, grills, and BBQ briquettes or wood for outdoor fires for cooking.

I am sure that others may have good ideas also, I would love to hear them. But overarching all of this is our reliance should be on God. The Israelites fled Egypt without a lot of things. God feed them manna and quail in the wilderness and healed their diseases. He kept them safe from enemies and wild animals. He dwelt in their midst in the Tabernacle. He is still the same today. We can be sure that He will do what is right for us at any time. So, we must live by faith. But being prepared for hardship is not a lack of faith, just wise planning. We do not know what God will ask of us as far as witnessing and helping others when such times come.