In The Master's Service

SHALL NOT TEACH

Elder D. P. Bridgman — From "Good Will" Feb. 1957

There are many things God’s children are taught to do as well as many they are taught NOT to do. When we study the word of God we often overlook many important things the Bible teaches us that we SHALL not do, while there are others we never fail to notice. Everyone will notice that it teaches we shall not kill, but some folks do kill just the same, and maybe some of this killing is done by children of God. I will ask one question Is it not reasonable to feel that if it is right to obey Him in one instance, it is equally right to obey Him in another instance? We read from the word of God like this: "And they shall not teach every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest." Heb. 8:11.

Now listen, dear brother, do you or your loved ones teach people to know the Lord? If you or they do teach this, you can readily see that you are disobeying the commandment of God. Is that what your Bible class is for? Is it not to take small children and teach them to know the Lord, and in this way lead them to Christ? Is it not a fact that all over our land, over the air and from the pulpit, we find men and women teaching folks to know the Lord, and to believe, obey and be baptized that they might be children of God? If so, it is very plain to see that everyone who is thus teaching is violating the word of God, just as they would disobey should they commit murder or do any thing else He says they shall not do. When He teaches one not to do a thing that is just what He means. We understand that He is God and changes not, and if this is true we know that He has not changed since He inspired the man to pen down these words.

God has all power, all knowledge, and is everywhere present and no where absent; He also knows just what each one needs and when they need it, and is able to give them just what they stand in need of. In verse 10 of this 8th chapter of Hebrews, He plainly says, "I will put my laws into their minds, and write them in their hearts: and I will be unto them a God, and they shall be unto me a people." He has reference to His family and no other in the above expression, and that is the family that will live with Him after this life is over. Then why will people worry so much about things that God forbids them doing, when He has so plainly told us in His word that He WILL do them, and we know that He cannot lie but will fulfill every promise He has ever made.

Then we read in verse 12 of this chapter, "For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more." Is not this a glorious promise from God, dear friends? Yes, it is indeed. There are many ways in which we can serve God by doing the things He commands us to do, and many other ways to serve Him by leaving undone things He tells us not to do. So if you desire to serve God just read in His word what He has taught, us to do as well as the things He teaches us not to do, and you will be busy all the while in doing and in leaving undone. You will then find a sweet feeling inside that will afford you more real peace of mind, more real joy, peace and happiness than you ever had before.

I certainly have no other thought in mind as I write these few lines than your personal good, your personal gain, and if you love God and desire to do good in His name I have a sweet hope that I will live with you some day in that city called Heaven. Dear Friend, will you please think on these things.