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Jim's Jots and Tittles. . .

A Christian Nation?

During the 1992 - 1993 school year, I was privileged to attend a conference conducted by the Association of Christian Schools International in Anaheim, California.

It was unique in that representatives from Russia's department of education were present. Since Russia was now an independent country freed from the control of atheistic communism, they were seeking to establish an educational system where God and the Biblical principles of morality could become its cornerstone. They knew that God's word could heal the many wounds that had been created by the ungodly nature of communism.

It is sad that they could not turn to the government of the United States for an example of a nation who incorporated concepts of morality in its education system. It is ironic that these educational leaders would recognize that these Biblical principles would make their country a better place in which to live, but the U. S. has discarded them with a corresponding increase in crime and violence.

Consequently, the five Russian representatives found the answer to their search for godliness in the curriculum of the Christian school. Since that date hundreds of Bibles have been sent to Russia by groups associated with the church of Christ, to be placed in Russian classrooms. The church at Holtville participated in this.

If they realized that godliness would make their country a better place to live, should we not as Christians seek godliness in order to make our lives more acceptable to God?

Notice what Paul told Timothy about godliness in 1 Timothy 4:7 -- "But have nothing to with worldly fables fit only of old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness."

You see, godliness means to follow God's pattern, and to do so takes discipline in one's life in order to prepare for eternity with God. In 1 Timothy 4:8 Paul writes -- "...but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present and also for the life to come."

In 2 Peter 3:10 we are told that when Christ comes, this earth and its works will be burned up. Thus in verse eleven Peter writes that we are to prepare for that day in godliness -- "since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness?"

We, as Christians, must have a true knowledge of God and Christ in order to attain this godliness that connects us with God in this life and the life to come. Peter writes in 2 Peter 1:3 -- "seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence."

How does one practice godliness? 1 Peter 4:19 gives us the answer -- "...entrust your souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right."

The Russian representatives found this made their country a better place in which to live--teaching God's word in the classroom.

Our knowledge of God's word will produce a godliness that makes our "lives" better places to live. As Peter wrote in 2 Peter 1:8 -- "...you will be neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."

—Jim Hunt