The Italian Memorandum

“So we do not lose heart…”

(2 Corinthians 4:1,16)

In ministry, we see people every week that have either lost heart, or are about to lose heart. In the King James Version of the Bible, this matter of losing heart is expressed in an equally fitting idiom—“we faint not” (2 Corinthians 4:1,16). Paul’s reason for his Christian fortitude lies in answer to the question raised in 2 Corinthians 2:16—“Who is sufficient for these things?” The “these things” of 2:16 refers to the significance of what Christianity is all about even in the face of painful experiences (see 2 Corinthians 2:4; 14-15).

Notice some specific reasons for not losing heart (that is, our belief system/whereby we are established, 2 Corinthians 1:21), as expressed in 2 Corinthians 1:

1. God is aware of and a comfort to our personal struggles (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

2. Personal pain serves a larger purpose (2 Corinthians 1:5-7)

3. Our reliance is not in ourselves, but in God (2 Corinthians 1:8-10)

4. Prayer is our privilege (2 Corinthians 1:11)

5. Joy goes beyond personal pain, and taps into faith in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:24)

It certainly is strange that, “In a full heart there is room for everything, and in an empty heart there is room for nothing” (Antonio Porchia, Voces, (1968). “Widen your hearts also” ( 2 Corinthians 6:11-13).

-Robert M. Housby

A very wise person once said, “Never use a meat-cleaver to swat a fly on a friend’s forehead.”  I think I’ve found an application for this adage.  There are some sensitive issues that should be dealt with in a sensitive manner.  One of those issues is that of modest, appropriate dress.  The elders (where I preach) have asked that I address this particular issue ….  In an attempt to honor that request, I ask all our Christian ladies to consider just a few thoughts.

Ladies, Christian men struggle with what this old corrupt world throws at us.  As men who belong to God, we want to see women as He wants us to, as real persons – and as sister.  However, the devil and the world want s us to see you as just bodies, sexual objects for our cheap gratification.  But Christ wants us to honor your heart and spirit as well as your physical beauty.  This is no easy task in a society that floods us with sexual images.

In view of this struggle, sisters in Christ, I would ask a favor of you on behalf of your brothers here.  Before you come to worship next Sunday morning, please look at yourself in the mirror.  You are beautiful – God made you that way – and I am glad He did.  As you look into the mirror, examine your heart and ask yourself and the Lord two questions:  First, ask yourself; “Does the way I’m dressed this morning encourage men to see and know me for my body or for my heart and spirit?”  Second, ask God; “Lord, does the way I’m dressed this morning help my brothers focus on You, during worship, or does it distract them from You?”  I respect your relationship with the Lord and trust that you desire to seek His will for you.

This issue of cleaning our minds and hearts is our issue as men, and we should take responsibility for it.  I hope we’ve learned from Adam that blaming women for our sin only makes it worse.  At the same time, I just wanted to remind you ladies that sometimes men need your help.  I trust that you want to do that and that you will be careful that your mode of dress helps move us in the right direction.

                 -Johnny Hester, via Shady Acres Church of Christ Bulletin, Sikeston, MO

“The God of heaven will give us success”

(Nehemiah 2:20, NEB)

There is a great need in our world to redefine “success.” Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet” (Matthew 5:13).

The world continues to define success along the lines of the big-four. It is not strange that Jesus addressed all four in his, Sermon On the Mount (Matthew 5-7).

1. Money (secular security) – “You cannot serve God and money” (Matthew 6:24).

2. Power (achievement/advancement) – “Your kingdom come, your will be done” (Matthew 6:10).

3. Beauty (external endowments) – “Therefore do not be anxious, saying…What shall we wear? For the Gentiles seek after all these things”

4. Athleticism (talent) – “On that day many will say to me, Lord, Lord, did we not…and do many mighty works in your name?” (Matthew 7:22).

Humanistic success, as grounded in the big-four, may cause one’s peers to oooh and ahhh! But, the God of heaven is not impressed. For, this kind of “success” is a “success” without God, and/or without God’s plan. May we come to learn that, “The God of heaven gives success” (Nehemiah 2:20).

-Robert M. Housby

“…he will be blessed in his doing”

(James 1:25)

In our experience, most people want to believe that God cares for them and will bless them. This notion is based upon a concept of the God of the Bible—for the God of the Bible is known as a blessing God (see Psalm 129:8). There is a sense in which God blesses all men, as it is written—“…For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust” (Matthew 5:45). However, there is another sense in which only particular people are blessed. This is a hard saying for idle, busybodies. For example, the biblical work-ethic, as commanded by the apostle Paul, reads—“If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living” (2 Thess. 3:10-12).

In the Epistle of James, James clarifies that one’s behavior determines whether he/she will be blessed or not blessed (James 1:25). Furthermore, one’s Christian view–that is, what source of wisdom (sophia, 3:13-18) one is operating with, will determine whether they get this message or scorn it (4:1-2,6). God’s blessings are predictable, according to data from James:

1. Blessings are conditional (James 1:25).
2. Blessings come to the steadfast (James 1:3,12).
3. Blessings are not conditioned upon belief alone (James 2:14-26; especially note 2:14).

Yes, God does long to bless you—not only with his sun and rain, but also, with his Son and Reign (Colossians 1:13)!

-Robert M. Housby