Nov 1993 - Editorial

As the year heads to its close we do well to practise James' Spirit-led advice concerning singing praise if we are happy, and praying if we are encountering times of suffering. Sometimes those who are richly supplied in this world can fail in the matter of praise and become insulated from the problems of their fellow men, or even purposely ignorant of them. This is very evident in the selfish world around us, which is increasingly typified by the expressions "Me too!" and "Me first!" A consistent principle of Scripture, and one which was prominent in the Lord's oral teaching, is the requirement for those who have surplus to help those in need. In physical and spiritual matters sufferings are to be shared, for example:

"Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ" (Gal. 6:2), and if "one member suffereth, all the members suffer with it" (1 Cor. 12:26). The latter is a reality whether or not it is understood and felt.

Many are currently undergoing difficult times, and one instructive activity is to consider again the attitude of our Lord and Master in the temptations He faced. Though He could not sin, His trials and temptations were no less real. We learn that strong crying and tears accompanied these experiences; perhaps many of our readers have known the relief that comes from crying Out to God in distress. Those who have had the benefit of faithful friends in such painful times will be better able to relate to the Lord's words, "Ye are they which have continued with Me in My temptations" (Luke 22:28,29). Christ valued faithfulness and nearness in his apostles, notwithstanding their failings. He looked beyond the rejection and sorrow of current events to a time when kingdom glory would brighten their hearts.

Whether singing or praying is our current need, hopefully this magazine will help us in our meditations along the way as we wait the return of our glorious

Lord. G.M. Hyck~n

unknown | Nov 1993
Editorial