Dear Reader
“Let your light thus shine before men, so that they may see your upright works, and glorify your Father who is in the heavens” (Mt.5:16).
The decline of ethical standards in the world today is very obvious. There are no special bifocals required to see the fast deteriorating moral conditions that are leading to the inevitable doom of this present civilization.
The moral pollution is in every shape and form, but the complacency of Christians to this degeneracy is even more distressing. How often our own personal ethics give no validation to the fact that we are “salt” in the midst of corruption and “light” in the realm of darkness! It is true that we are in the world, but it is also true that we are “not of the world.” The Christian is commanded not to be conformed any longer to the pattern of this world (Rom. 12:2), and the life-style of the believer should stand in marked contrast to that of the world. Governed by the Word of God and directed by His Spirit, we are to “live soberly, righteously, and Godly in this present age” (Tit. 2:12). What code of conduct do we as young Christians display?
Is it honesty, integrity, and trustworthiness? Are we taking our responsibilities seriously and are we willing to be held accountable instead of blaming others (Gen. 3:12-13 and Jn. 18:8)? Do we display honesty in our dealing with one another as brothers and sisters in Christ and in our dealing with those of the world who are watching us? The lack of these qualities will ruin our ministry to one another and our witness. These are important qualities that should characterize us as we strive to be a representation of our blessed Lord. The Lord Jesus is the great example! We see these features in Stephen, Daniel, Timothy, Joseph, Ruth and in many others who were manifested as epistles of Christ known and read by all men.
It is by our actions in small matters that the world judges us, not only by the amount of our knowledge of scriptural principles, but by our application of them in our daily lives.
Thank you for your overwhelming support and encouragement. It is our prayer that the Lord uses this issue to help you to grow in Him.
Yours in our soon coming Lord,
Emil Nashed
Please send your questions and comments to:
Toward the Mark
C/O Wayne Christian Assembly
60 Smith Lane
Wayne, New Jersey 07470
Attention: Emil S. Nashed
