An abundance of options prevails in our lives. To my wife and me, simply choosing something to watch from a streaming video service on Saturday night after the Sabbath has become a chore! I remember when watching something on TV was limited to about half a dozen channels broadcast over the air, and even further limited by the scheduled programming of those stations.  Certainly, we had less to choose from, but it made the process of deciding a whole lot simpler.

“The Paradox of Choice” is the title of a book, published by author Barry Schwartz in 2004. In this book, Schwartz explains how having a multitude of choices in the modern world counterintuitively causes people to be less happy with their decisions. Having too many options turns out to make people less likely to feel that they have made the best decision. Yet still, people gravitate towards shaping their circumstances, so they have the greatest possible set of options to choose from. Ironically, this only works against their best interests. Maybe you can relate.

Adam and Eve began by making a choice that set the course for humankind in the way that many of their descendants would make wrong decisions. They chose the way of worldly wisdom, which is not satisfied with the simplicity of godly wisdom. After eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, their eyes were opened to a multitude of options. The vast majority of those options lead humankind towards the satisfaction of carnal desires, but further and further away from the true joy that comes from turning to God instead.

The book referenced above was written in the past 20 years, being acclaimed for its novel findings about the abundance of choice leading to a life of dissatisfaction. But the Bible revealed this problem thousands of years ago. God warned Adam and Eve that following the path of worldly wisdom, symbolized by eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, would result in death (compare Genesis 2:17) and suffering (compare Genesis 3:16-19). The way of life Adam and Eve chose brought about the current state of the world. And so, today we have choices that interminably grow in number. But they will never lead us to find true fulfillment.

Fortunately, there is a better way. And it does not (necessarily) require canceling subscriptions or living off the grid. God’s Holy Spirit gives us the opportunity to choose differently. The options in life that the world offers will only provide worldly experiences. But God, through His Holy Spirit, helps us to understand that the path to a life of truly deep satisfaction is to simply obey God and love the way of life He provides. The abundance of choices available in our lives will continue to be there, but in a life dedicated to God they do not matter. They cannot provide the kind of satisfaction that a life guided by godly wisdom does.

Solomon had tremendous abundance in his life. He had so much wealth that he could have whatever he wanted that money could buy. Yet, it did not give him the satisfaction he sought. It was all a vain pursuit (compare Ecclesiastes 2:9-11). He experienced the paradox of choice as we do today. In his wisdom, he understood the solution to the paradox. “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). The simple secret to living a satisfied life is to obey God.

We understand that our joy comes from refusing to participate in the paradox of choice. Simplifying our lives by reducing our options might make it easier to choose a movie to watch, but it may not guide us to abound in the Spirit. The true happiness that God provides comes from putting the power of the Holy Spirit to work, giving us godly discernment to judge righteously. Satisfaction comes from a life well-lived, choosing the path that leads to life resulting from godly obedience and wisdom.

A long time ago, when I was in paid employment, I read an article by an instructor in leadership in one of my engineering magazines. She remembered back in her college days that the dean, over a period of several months, had invited all the students to dine with him and his wife. I will quote her words. “He had been doing this for over ten years. After my dinner, I wrote a thank you note. To my great surprise and trepidation, they asked to see me. They wanted to thank me for being the only student ever to thank them for their hospitality.”

This was one in maybe hundreds. In the days of the New Testament, when Jesus Christ healed ten lepers, only one turned back to thank God and show appreciation. In this case, it was one in ten. And that one was a foreigner (compare Luke 17:15-18).

Is thankfulness just a matter of politeness, being tactful, just a nice social custom?

I would like us to see what God says about thankfulness. How important it is to Him. Paul states this in 2 Timothy 3:1-4, “But know this that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God…” Being unthankful is listed among many other serious shortcomings like blasphemers and slanderers.

This shows that God considers being unthankful as a serious matter. Why is this? He knows that our human nature is selfish, trying to get for oneself. With this nature, it is hard to be thankful.

To be thankful, we must stop, look at, and appreciate what we have. But instead of appreciation, human nature generally lusts for more and more. A mind filled with this desire to get more is virtually incapable of gratitude.

God states this clearly in Romans 1:21-22. “… because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools…” It takes humility to be thankful. Human nature, with its greed, selfishness and vanity cannot humble itself in thanksgiving to God.

In Psalm 100:4, we read: “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.” In some of the hymns we sing, based on the Psalms, they begin with “O Give Thanks.” Why?

God wants to develop holy, righteous, perfect character in those who have voluntarily yielded their lives to Him. God knows human nature. He knows it is filled with, as Mr. Armstrong used to say frequently, vanity, selfishness, lust and greed. God knows that of itself, human nature is not thankful.

Therefore, to help us overcome this selfish nature, God has commanded that we be thankful. Thankfulness gets our minds off self. It acknowledges God’s hand in our lives. We admit we’ve had help. We did not do it all ourselves.

It can be very difficult for people to say thank you. But God tells us, in 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “… in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

So this is the formula for happiness. God expects us to give thanks in everything. In other words, God expects us to find something good in every situation. God wants us to focus on our blessings, not dwell on our problems. In fact, there is a command in Ephesians 5:20, “… giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

There are many things to be thankful for, and I will not mention them here, but being human, we like to think normally that we are sufficient unto ourselves, that we have worked hard to get all we have. Yet when we give God thanks, or even thank other people, we are acknowledging that God and others have helped us and provided for us and that we are not self-sufficient. We are not the big I.

King David understood the need for thanksgiving. He even set up certain of the Levites to thank and praise the Eternal God of Israel. Every morning and every evening also, these Levites were to thank and praise the Eternal. David knew how easy it is to become ungrateful, and this was one of the greatest sins a nation could fall into, so for an example, these Levites formally offered thanks to God twice a day (compare 1 Chronicles 23:30).

In a number of places God says He is not really pleased with the sacrifices the people offered in the Old Testament and the way they were offered, but in the book of Psalms, thanksgiving is called an offering and a sacrifice. God is very pleased with this offering (compare Psalms 116:17).

God knows it goes against the grain of human nature to say thank you. But to say it sincerely shows a person to be humble, meek and thoughtful. Every day God wants us to give thanks for the many blessings we have in life. He also wants us to thank others.

It is recorded that Daniel was a man who gave thanks. He thanked God for giving him wisdom and revealing the secrets of the king in prophecies. He was so thankful, that even when a decree was issued that no one should make petition to any God or man other than the king for thirty days, and if he did, he was to be put to death, Daniel knelt three times a day and gave thanks (compare Daniel 6:10).  He gave thanks even under a death sentence. He was not so concerned about himself that he forgot about God’s goodness. We note later in the book of Daniel that the angel Gabriel told him that he was greatly beloved. This was because of his total character, including his thankfulness.

Would I be able to give thanks under such circumstances? Would you? And yet, God says to give thanks always in all things; so yes, we should be growing in order to be able to do this.

So is being thankful just a social custom, a matter of being nice to people? No. From what we have just read, it is obvious that God wants us to give thanks always because it pleases Him.

Many politicians of this world enjoy a form of political immunity that appears to guarantee them exemption from punishment or impunity. Due to widespread corruption and lobbying, this gives the impression that these rulers can never be held accountable.

As an ordinary citizen, this is difficult to understand. Whether it is the US, the UK, Russia, Ukraine, or Germany, the whole world is corrupt, and pretty much all politicians seem to be concerned with their own advantage or their own position and power, rather than the welfare of the people they swore to uphold when they took office.

At present, one can only shake one’s head at recent Current Events published by the Church of the Eternal God and be deeply distraught about this worldwide political corruption.

Whether it is the affair involving Jeffrey Epstein, which is causing a worldwide uproar, the wars in Russia and Ukraine, Israel and Gaza, Jordan, Iran, Iraq, China, North Korea, and many others – trillions of dollars, euros, and other currencies are being embezzled and senselessly wasted. This embezzlement of taxpayer money not only leads to further tax increases; above all, in God’s eyes, it is nothing less than a serious crime!

But none of those in power take responsibility or care about making a righteous change in their actions, as they all enjoy a certain kind of immunity. In most cases, therefore, no one can be punished for their actions! These are disgusting conditions.

Solomon wrote in Proverbs 29:4: “By justice a king gives stability to the land; but he who imposes heavy taxes ruins it” (New American Bible).

However, the Bible regards goods and money as entrusted to human beings, regardless of whether they come from God or from people. Misuse or waste is considered foolishness and sin, which demand accountability. Read “The Parable of the Unjust Steward” in Luke 16.

Diplomats also enjoy immunity from prosecution in their host country under the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. There are several well-known cases of fatal accidents or even intentional acts that fell under this immunity. The diplomats involved were never held accountable in the host country.

For example, the case of Anne Sacoolas – USA/UK (2019):

Anne Sacoolas, the wife of a US diplomat in the UK, caused a traffic accident in Northamptonshire in which 19-year-old Harry Dunn died. She left the country invoking diplomatic immunity. It was not until years later that she was convicted in her absence in the UK, but she did not serve any sentence in the UK.

Or Raymond Davis – USA/Pakistan (2011):

Davis, officially declared a diplomat, shot and killed two men in Lahore, Pakistan. The US invoked diplomatic immunity. Davis was released after paying financial compensation (“diyya,” blood money in Islamic law) and returned to the US without being punished in Pakistan.

These are just two examples of many! This immunity, behind which politicians and diplomats hide, is officially not unlimited. In most countries, it “can” be lifted by parliament if there is a serious suspicion of a criminal offense. However, the problem is often not immunity itself, but corruption, lobbying, and a lack of transparency, which in most cases lead to impunity. And as the saying goes, “Birds of a feather flock together!”

God knew that these abuses would come into the world. The following Bible passages prove it.

David wrote in his Psalms, “No king is saved by the multitude of an army; A mighty man is not delivered by great strength” (Psalm 33:16).

And Isaiah declared, “Woe to those who decree unrighteous decrees, Who write misfortune, Which they have prescribed To rob the needy of justice, And to take what is right from the poor of My people, That widows may be their prey, And that they may rob the fatherless” (Isaiah 10:1-2).

The time will come when everyone has to give account for their actions – if not in this life, then at the latest at the Great White Throne Judgment.

The Bible, the Word of God, is infallible and absolutely correct. It condemns corruption, abuse of power, and lies in the strongest terms and in fact gives warnings about the consequences. False rulers are often hypocrites and perpetrators of injustice, but the people should look to God, stand up for justice, and not participate in lawlessness.

Micah wrote down what God expects of people: “He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8).

Even if politicians enjoy immunity from prosecution, one thing is as certain as the sun rising every day: There is no immunity before God!

God’s answer for all people is actually no secret, except that most people do not want to know about it, especially today’s politicians.

Paul wrote at least three times that all people will one day have to give an account.

First in Romans 14:10-12; then in 2 Corinthians 5:10; and finally in Hebrews 4:13, where it says: “And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”

Solomon confirms these words in Ecclesiastes 12:14. And Christ admonishes us in Matthew 12:36: “But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.”

It would be an illusion to believe that we will never have to give account for our actions which we commit in this life.

(Initial translation: Daniel Blasinger)

In Matthew 5, Christ discusses the beatitudes, beginning with the importance of being humble in verse 3.  To be in the Kingdom of God, we MUST have a spirit of humility, also defined as a lowliness of mind, which is an attitude expressed from the heart, not just an outward behavior. One may be able to fool everyone else by putting on an outward show of humility, but still have a heart full of pride and arrogance, along with hypocrisy.  This is very dangerous because God knows everything, and we can’t hide anything from Him.  

The behavior that Christ describes in Matthew 23 about the Pharisees is the opposite of humility, and also the opposite way that Christ lived, for the Pharisees presented themselves hypocritically to be “seen by men” (Matthew 23:1-12).

Christ says that whoever is the greatest should be the servant of the others. If we put ourselves above others, we will be put down. But if we humble ourselves, we will be honored.  We are to conduct ourselves in our lives by being a good example, not just to ourselves, but also to God. That is what we ought to be doing.  We have to be diligent in all we do, diligently keeping God’s Law, for it is our future that is at stake. 

Humbling ourselves is a must, and we are constantly growing in wisdom, learning throughout our lives in how we handle certain situations, especially when it comes to people who have NO knowledge of the Truth.  We may be confronted by people in the world who think they know everything, but they are mistaken (1 Corinthians 8:2). True knowledge is linked to humility and a willingness to learn, by loving God and obeying Him, for He reveals to us our understanding.  

Our humility is put to the challenge when we are confronted by people who assume what they believe is correct, for example, when someone wishes us a Merry Christmas, when someone expects us to congratulate them because they have just joined the military, or that their baby has been baptized, or that God loves us no matter what we do, etc.  Our patience in our responses is also put to the test.  In certain instances, silence is the best response, which can prevent worthless arguments. However, when we do respond, we must be wise in our answers (compare Ecclesiastes 3:7; Proverbs 17:28). Additionally, we should pray to God, and He will guide us (compare Luke 12:11). 

On the other hand, we don’t want to be going around thinking that we know everything either, persuading people to believe what we do, for example, by going door to door, passing out literature at public places where people don’t ask for it, throwing our pearls before swine by giving our precious knowledge away to those who don’t understand and don’t care (compare Matthew 7:6). 

God has a specific requirement from His called-out ones.  Our commission is to preach the gospel through our messages, literature and other material, that is accessible on our websites, where anyone has access to it, and those who have an eye will read the literature that is presented, and those who are interested will contact us for more information. We do our part and God does the rest. 

Moses is mentioned in the Bible as the most humble person, but there were still times when he didn’t do things that God wanted him to do. And because of that, he wasn’t able to enter the Promised Land.  Moses took credit for himself when he struck the rock in the wilderness and water gushed out, and, due to his failure to give glory to God and his doubt that God would provide, he was punished for it (Numbers 20:12).  

However, God was with Moses, and Moses saw firsthand how God intervened time and time again.  Moses should have remembered that, and that there comes a time when God’s patience runs out.  If God has a specific purpose for each of us, which He expects from us, a decision that we also have made to live righteously, to overcome our weaknesses, to come out of the world, then God WILL help us, to be there for us, and He will continue to bless us. 

If we choose to disobey by not overcoming our weaknesses, then the time will come when God will have had enough.  “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them” (Matthew 7:19-20).  

This is serious, brethren!  We need to make sure that this doesn’t happen to us because it has happened to many others in the Church, and it will continue to happen in the Church of God. We must have our priorities straightened out by glorifying God and by putting Him first in our lives with humility and trusting in Him – in ALL things.

When men and women put themselves forward in political elections, if successful, they take on great responsibility.

The law of the land is already there, and they not only must uphold those laws, but they will be required to enact new laws, if deemed necessary.

Law is vital in any civilised society to avoid anarchy; most people will accept that, although we do hear of elected politicians who break the law and suffer the consequences.   Others just break the law, hoping to get away with their infraction.

When it comes to the Law of God, mainstream Christianity in general dismisses this as not being necessary, since it teaches that Jesus has done it all for us!  How blessed are we in the Church of God to know that we DO have to keep God’s Law!

Law is a vital part of life, whether people like it or not.  

And then there is the law of unintended consequences.

The Tutor2u website gives this definition: “The law of unintended consequences refers to the idea that actions or decisions can have unforeseen and unintended consequences, often in ways that are not immediately apparent. This can occur because complex systems often have multiple interconnected parts, and a change in one part of the system can have ripple effects that are difficult to predict.”   They give a number of examples, two of which are as follows:

1. The minimum wage: A policy to increase the minimum wage may be intended to help low-wage workers, but it could also lead to unintended consequences such as businesses reducing their workforce or raising prices to offset the higher labor costs.
2. Prohibition: The prohibition of alcohol in the United States in the 1920s was intended to reduce crime and social problems, but it had many unintended consequences, including the growth of organized crime and an increase in the consumption of illegal and potentially dangerous alcoholic beverages.

There are many examples on the internet. One was about India’s vultures, and it read as follows:

“In the mid-1990s India’s population of vultures began to die in droves. At first it was thought the animals were being killed off by a mysterious disease, but the culprit was eventually identified as an anti-inflammatory drug called diclofenac that was being administered to sick cattle.

“As the vultures scavenged meals from the cows that didn’t pull through, they consumed small quantities of the drug. A vulture’s stomach acid is capable of dissolving anthrax and cholera bacteria, but the slightest trace of diclofenac causes their kidneys to fail. In a matter of just a few years India’s vulture population plummeted from 40 million to just 100,000 birds.

“In India cattle are raised almost exclusively for dairy rather than meat, so when the beasts die their carcasses are left for scavengers. When the vultures all but disappeared, food was in plentiful supply for the millions of feral dogs that roam India in packs. More dogs meant more humans being bitten, and this in turn led to an increase in fatalities from rabies.

“The Indian Government banned the use of diclofenac in 2006, but the damage may prove to be irreversible. Despite the efforts of conservationists several species of vultures remain critically endangered.”

There were quite a few unintended consequences in that story.  

Bringing this right up-to-date, we read on thewoof.org how recent events in the USA have had such awful unintended circumstances for those animals which cannot look after themselves:

“One of the administration’s executive orders focuses on intensifying immigration enforcement, leading to an uptick in deportations and detentions. This surge has resulted in numerous pets being abandoned or surrendered when their owners are detained or deported.

“Animal shelters, especially in areas with large immigrant populations, are witnessing an influx of these displaced pets, stretching their already limited resources. The Guardian highlights cases where pets are left behind due to sudden deportations, emphasizing the emotional and logistical challenges faced by both the animals and shelter workers.”

Did the Trump administration even consider these consequences in their race to impose draconian measures that have been compared to Nazi Germany in the 1930s?   Probably not, but if they did, it would show how little regard they have for the welfare of God’s creatures.   Galatians 6:7 is clear: “…whatsoever a man sows, that he will also reap.”  Those involved will be held accountable for not only these appalling actions but all the others that are currently being foisted on the human race with no regard for the welfare of some of God’s creatures.

BBC News reported on 12th April 2025 that “An animal sanctuary has said it is bracing itself for ‘another tidal wave of rescue cases’ if Donald Trump’s trade tariffs put extra financial pressure on UK pet owners.

“Woodlands Animal Sanctuary in Holmeswood, Lancashire, said existing cost-of-living pressures had made the past winter much busier than previous years, and that its cattery was full by March.

“The sanctuary said 90% of the animals it had taken in were given up by owners who could no longer afford to keep them or who were facing eviction from their homes.”

There are so many problems in the world today, and decisions taken on another matter, in another country, can have devastating effects elsewhere. 

Animal welfare is just one of them, but it can be heartbreaking to consider that because of the law of unintended consequences, decisions taken about one issue can unexpectedly affect those which completely rely on man for their existence.

There seems to be, so much of the time, very little kindness in the world today, and the treatment of animals is right up there with so many other examples.  Kindness is a godly quality, mentioned many times in the Bible, and one that can be most ignored.   And recent events where people are arrested without regard for the welfare of the animals affected and left behind is just one of so many actions that would come under the law of unintended consequences.

We can learn from this so that when we make decisions, we consider every facet that that decision will bring about.   This is especially true in our spiritual lives which must be of paramount importance.

When Jesus returns and sets up the soon-coming Kingdom of God, decisions will then be made on a godly basis with every consideration taken into account when action is required, and the law of unintended consequences will not be applicable!

Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong’s favorite Scripture was Psalm 133:1-3, which reads:

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard, The beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments. It is like the dew of Hermon, Descending upon the mountains of Zion; For there the LORD commanded the blessing—Life forevermore.”

We cannot have this kind of unity unless we are like-minded; that is, think alike and being on the same page.

Paul gave us this admonition in Philippians 2:5: “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus…”

When the mind of Christ is internalized in our minds, there is harmony. The competition is gone and the focus is turned to accomplishing the task given to us by God. The spotlight is not on us but on Christ and our Creator God, with the desire to fulfill His Will in our lives.

It’s not just the mind of Christ in our minds, but the mind of the Father also.

In John 17:19-24, Christ says this in His prayer to God the Father:

“And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth. I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word;  that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one:  I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.”

It is really incredible that God and Christ live in our minds through the Holy Spirit, but to what end?

Their Spirit in us does not force their Will upon us, since we are free moral agents. What They do is to influence our thinking to make proper judgments and decisions. They also open our minds to spiritual truths and spiritual understanding of Scripture—not just the understanding of what is written in the physical sense, but a deeper spiritual understanding of the intent of Scripture, which is a tremendous blessing, allowing us to grow in biblical knowledge.

In order to maintain this status, we have to be faithful in the study and meditation of the Word of God, lest we forget through neglect. We must make certain that this close relationship with God is maintained.

This knowledge should act as a catalyst to be zealous in our study and meditation of God’s Word, the Bible.

Flesh and blood cannot enter the Kingdom of God, as we read in 1 Corinthians 15:50-53: “Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.”

The only thing moving forward into the Kingdom is our minds preserved by our human spirit which, combined with the Holy Spirit of God which had been bestowed on us, will be placed in a new spiritual body given to us by God. Let us ensure we remain faithful to the end to receive eternal life in God’s Family.

We are taking a very unique position in this world—not voting in governmental elections nor joining the military and participating in its wars, just to name a few examples. Why is this so?

The short answer is very simple. This is not God’s world. It is Satan who deceives and rules mankind, and he is a murderer, a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44). He rules over all human kingdoms and governments (Luke 4:5-6). As Satan delights in lies, so do his human instruments (Psalm 62:4). And this is why the world is, as it is, which Hosea 4:2 describes so vividly: “By swearing and lying, Killing and stealing and committing adultery, They break all restraint, With bloodshed upon bloodshed.”

The Ron Paul Institute published the following insightful article on July 14, 2025: “Those who understand the philosophy, history, and economics of liberty can explain that it is not just that some government officials lie. Instead, all governments lie, and the more important the issue the bigger the lie. In fact, the modern state is built on a series of lies…”

This assessment is so true! That is why converted Christians must not have anything to do with the lies of this world. Exodus 23:7 warns us: “Keep yourself far from a false matter.” Some might say, but a little lie is accepted, if we prevent thereby great mischief, and their rationale justifies to vote for the ”lesser evil.” God’s answer is two-fold. He tells us in 1 John 2:21: “… you know… that no lie is of the truth.” And in 1 Thessalonians 5:22: “Abstain from every form of evil.”

As true Christians, we ought to understand that “Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD” (Proverbs 12:22), and we must not have anything to do with spreading lies or supporting them in any way. We ought to remember that God will “destroy those who speak falsehood; The LORD abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man” (Psalm 5:6). In fact, all liars will end up in the lake of fire (Revelation 21:8)—unless they repent of their evil ways.

The following famous Q&A has validity: “Q: How do you know that a politician is lying?” “A: When he moves his lips.”

We are literally surrounded by and bombarded with political lies. But our false sense of patriotism and nationalism might cloud our minds and sear our conscience. The most recent debacle of the Jeffrey Epstein matter has clearly manifested the fact that we have been lied to. But we have also been lied to in regard to the government’s current immigration policy. We were told that only illegal aliens who are hard-core capital criminals would be detained and deported, and only a few “casualties” or “collateral damage” might be affected in the process. As we know now, that was a blatant lie from the outset.

For instance, The Miami Herald wrote on July 15: 

“Hundreds of immigrants with no criminal charges in the United States are being held at Alligator Alcatraz, a detention facility state and federal officials have characterized as a place where ‘vicious’ and ‘deranged psychopaths’ are sent before they get deported… Mixed among the detainees accused and convicted of crimes are more than 250 people who are listed as having only immigration violations but no criminal convictions or pending charges in the United States… Nationally, nearly half of detainees in ICE custody as of late June were being held for immigration violations and did not have a criminal conviction or charge…” 

The Los Angeles Times wrote on June 29:

“A Times analysis found that 69% of those arrested… had no criminal conviction and 58% had never been charged with a crime.”

58% to 69% is quite a high figure for “collateral damage.” So, far from focusing merely on illegal aliens who have been convicted of capital crimes, as it had been originally promised, the current government goes after aliens without papers, legal tourists and other aliens who are here legally, green card holders, birthright citizens, and now even naturalized American citizens.

We, in God’s Church, must have nothing to do with or support or justify in any way the lies of the government… no matter, in what context they are being uttered.

One of the biggest lies this world, under Satan’s influence and deception, is promulgating is the idea that we must fight in war to defend our country, and that only through military strength can we achieve peace. I addressed this worldwide lie in an Editorial, dated March 7, 2003, titled, “War or Peace—Which?”, where I wrote this:

“The Bible tells us that Satan has deceived this whole world (Revelation 12:9). It is Satan, the author of war, who has caused man to think that destruction can produce construction — that war can result in peace. Man wants peace. But, man does not know how to achieve it… 6000 years of human history of pain and misery have proven that our wars do not bring peace, but that they only result in more wars… God’s way of peace and Satan’s way of war are total opposites. 

“… we can be used by Christ as His ambassadors of peace. We are to represent His government, His kingdom, His rulership — and as such, we cannot be participating, neither in word nor in deed, in this world’s ways of war… man has chosen Satan’s way of war, destruction and death — and as a consequence, man is now facing the distinct possibility of eradicating all human life from the face of this earth.”

Yes, as God’s true children, we must be “putting away lying,” while speaking “the truth” with our neighbor (Ephesians 4:25), without giving “place to the devil” (verse 27). We must not lie about peace and war, and make God a liar when He says that He will end all wars and teach all mankind the way to peace.

A famous German songwriter, Reinhard Mey, sang a song in 2003 with the title, “It is time.” In this song, he describes a dead soldier who believed in the lies of his government. One verse states:

“If humanity falls for lies again

Then it can happen that soon no one will be alive anymore,
No one to bury the billions of dead.

Yes, they also lied to you in the same way,
Just like they still do with us today…”

Christ warned in Matthew 24:22: “And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.”

Let us make sure that we belong to the elect–always “speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15), while not falling for the lies of this world, but abhorring and abstaining from them in every form.

And that is why we do not vote in governmental elections and why we do not join the military nor fight in the wars of this evil lying world.

In my business of industrial recycling, I handle items that are traded through the scrap metals market. Recently, due to an increase in stolen commodities being sold in the Denver, Colorado, area, very strict laws covering identifying anyone selling things like scrap copper, brass or aluminum have been enacted.

The identification process involves a personal signature on an electronic screen. However, also included is a statement which begins with, “I swear and affirm that I am the legal owner of the property…” Of course, I could not verify in this manner due to what Jesus instructed in Matthew 5:33-37 regarding not swearing. As a result, I won’t be able to do my business in this particular city.

Typically, choosing to affirm is an acceptable alternative to swearing in such matters. In this case, though, the scrap company was operating under a county-wide mandate and could not accept just affirming. This is a company I have conducted business with for almost forty years. Fortunately, I do have other areas to sell my material.

My experience illustrates what Jesus said of those who follow Him:

“‘I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world’” (John 17:14-16).

In small ways and sometimes in big ways, we are reminded that being a Christian means that we don’t fit in this world, its governments, businesses or religious practices. Sabbath and Holy Day observances set us apart. Refusal to join in military service, not voting or being involved in political elections, rejecting jury participation and following biblical guidelines for such things as marriage, foods we eat and don’t eat, keeping God’s weekly and annual Holy Days and rejecting this world’s pagan holidays, or simply how we conduct ourselves in society at large, are among some of the ways in which we are, and must be, different.

The lesson I take away from my recent experience is that we can unexpectedly come face to face with challenges that may test us to stand up for the Truth and to reaffirm that we are indeed “not of this world.” At times like this, it is helpful to be reminded of what Paul wrote:

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ…” (Philippians 3:20).

Recently, my 14-year old son joined me at the non-profit transportation company that I run. He will be working as an apprentice on a part-time basis over the summer school break in our vehicle maintenance department. It is difficult for younger teens to find meaningful work, and even more so in the areas of the skilled trades. However, with the arrival of electric buses and charging controls, automotive trades are rapidly requiring skills honed at the gaming stations of a new generation.

The Cambridge Dictionary defines an apprentice as someone who has agreed to work for a skilled person for a particular period of time and often for low payment, in order to learn that person’s skills. For example: Michelangelo was apprenticed to Ghirlandaio in Florence for three years prior to setting out on his own. While it is hard to imagine him as anything less than a master of art, architecture, and science, the fact is that we all begin at a common point of knowing little and needing to learn and grow in skill and proficiency. For most of us, this begins in the first tottering days of preschool, and continues on through university and beyond.

Additionally, in recent years, there’s been a noticeable shift in the career aspirations of younger generations.  Skilled trade careers are experiencing a resurgence in popularity. This has also been highlighted on social media platforms.

Young tradespeople are sharing their day-to-day experiences, inspiring a new generation to consider careers in skilled trades over traditional college routes. There is a young electrician who has over 1.1 million online followers, and she posts on various tasks. She illustrates the technical skills involved in her job and also shows young followers that hers is a fulfilling and lucrative career path.

Consider the metaphor of being an apprentice in our journey as true Christians. We must understand that as true Christians we are all apprenticed to the Father and Jesus Christ. As the apostles before us, we must study the Scriptures to better understand the importance of Paul’s words in Romans 10, 14-15 (New International Version throughout): “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’” Continuing in verse 17: “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.”

These verses illustrate the importance of listening and learning from those who were sent and understand more than we do.

Jesus Christ was also an apprentice to the Father in Heaven as we see in John 8:29: “The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him.” But Jesus was also an apprentice in the human sense as a carpenter alongside His human father, Joseph. We see this when Jesus was preparing for His ministry and preaching the Word in the synagogue. He was not treated as a master and expert in the Scriptures, but rather, as a carpenter’s son. This was not to denigrate Jesus for being a carpenter, but this trade was simply not considered on par with the Pharisees of the day. The leaders of the congregation illustrated this in Mark 6:3: “‘Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?’ And they took offense at him.” They took offense because they did not see Jesus as a teacher or an equal, but rather as a young upstart.

Yet, while He was honing His craft as a carpenter, He was also preparing for His own ministry. He studied the Scriptures and quoted the prophets and books of the Old Testament on many occasions. Even as He was dying on the cross for our sins, Jesus quoted a portion of Psalm 22:1: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Jesus learned at the Father’s side and lived His life by obeying the commandments and preparing for His public ministry.

He also was, and is: The Master, as we read in Luke 16:13: “No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.” The supremacy of Jesus Christ is unmatched and forever will be. He is Lord and Master of the Creation, and our coming King of the New Jerusalem.

Consider now the role that Timothy played with the apostle Paul. Paul became a mentor to the younger man. He realized that Timothy had the calling from God and substance to become a minister of God’s Word and began to train him for what lay ahead. We see this in 2 Timothy 3:10-12: “You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted…”

Life entails apprenticeships in many ways. I could not have been a city manager without first serving as a deputy for many years and learning the intricacies of leading a city. Doctors and lawyers train for years prior to handling cases of their own.

King David realized that his son Solomon was not quite prepared for leadership in 1 Chronicles 29:1: “Then King David said to the whole assembly: ‘My son Solomon, the one whom God has chosen, is young and inexperienced. The task is great, because this palatial structure is not for man but for the LORD God.” David was praying for and preparing to hand the kingdom to his son Solomon. He had trained Solomon for leadership, but now trusted that God Himself would finish the task.

We can also go back to the time of Moses when God instructed Moses to take on Joshua as an apprentice. We see this described in Numbers 27:18-21: “So the LORD said to Moses, ‘Take Joshua son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay your hand on him. Have him stand before Eleazar the priest and the entire assembly and commission him in their presence. Give him some of your authority so the whole Israelite community will obey him.He is to stand before Eleazar the priest, who will obtain decisions for him by inquiring of the Urim before the LORD. At his command he and the entire community of the Israelites will go out, and at his command they will come in.’”

In our physical world, an apprenticeship typically involves our work life or vocation. In the more important spiritual sense, becoming an apprentice with God and Jesus Christ is more akin to an enduring discipleship with Jesus. We must show up for this training and take our responsibilities seriously. There will always be the distractions of work, family, and hobbies, but think of this opportunity to train under the very best Master ever—not simply once in a lifetime, but forever!

Here in the United States, the country will celebrate the 4th of July. This day commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776—when the United States declared its intention to break away from Britain and become its own nation. 

One of the founding ideas by the men who wrote the Declaration of Independence was their conviction that everyone had individual rights, along with equality and the concept of democracy. Over the last couple of hundred years, this nation has enjoyed freedoms and rights which most other countries in the world have not experienced. God blessed the United States because of His promise to Abraham who had throughout his entire life displayed the righteousness, faith and confidence in God.

While we have freedoms today, these freedoms are slowly but surely being taken away. This is because the United States at large and the other English-speaking nations have all but rejected God. They are not following after God and His Commandments as their forefather Abraham did. They all make excuses and refuse to truly obey God because they have used this idea of Freedom wrongly and are reaping the consequences that God has laid forth in Scripture. 

As Christians who uphold the Truth and attempt to live by the Words of the Bible, we need to realize that we are NOT free to do whatever we please. Unlike the world at this time, we are being judged by the standard of keeping the Ten Commandments and, by extension, showing Godly agape love. 

What is fascinating to me is that the world is seeking freedom, and if they could truly understand and see, they would find that true freedom comes from obedience to God’s Ways which, when followed perfectly, produce true love, peace and freedom. 

Paul wrote in Galatians 5:1, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.” This whole chapter goes on to iterate true freedom and what its effects are. Essentially, it boils down to using God’s Spirit which provides the best way to obtain true freedom. 

One of the things that I admire about the Apostle Paul was his undying love for the people in the Church. He spent a lot of time and effort attempting to help these people. In 1 Corinthians 9:19-23, he talks about how his freedom was used—not for himself but for the good of everyone else: “Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings” (New International Version).

That is the ultimate use of one’s freedom—to spend one’s self for the good of others. Christ Himself stated that this is the highest example of love that any of us can give (John 15:13: “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends”). Christ also did this in laying down His perfect life for us and took on our sins. While we may not lay down our lives in the way that Christ did, we have opportunities to lay down our lives in greater service for the good of those who are in the Church—a selfless approach that brings true freedom. 

As we live our lives and grow in the use and application of God’s Spirit, we should begin to see that these ways of thinking and acting are not even for ourselves or others, but for the opportunity to glorify God and honor and show love to Him. This is exactly what Christ was pointing to when He said that the greatest two commandments are to “…love the Lord your God with all your heart… and love your neighbor as yourself” (compare Matthew 22:37-40). One of the most important things we must realize is that our freedom is not to be used in self-serving. Paul wrote to the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20: “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit [which] is in you, [which] you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” 

Our freedom is a beautiful thing. But we must realize that our freedom required a price—the death of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:18–19). With this in mind, we can and should continue on in living this new life that we have been given so we can bring honor and glory to God as is fitting, because this is part of what we have been called to do (Ephesians 2:10). 

True freedom can and will ONLY be found through submitting our lives more and more fully to our Creator and Sustainer.