Loyalty to Christ’s Principles of Living

Loyalty to Christ’s Principles of Living LOYALTY TO CHRIST’S PRINCIPLES OF LIVING
Raymond C. Kelcy Our scripture reading for this morning is Titus 2:11. “For the grace of God hath appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to the intent that? denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly and righteously and godly in this present world; looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a people for his own possession, zealous of good works.” So far as I know, “Loyalty” is a word not found in the scriptures. However, the principle is there throughout. It carries with it the idea of fidelity or devotion. Concerning loyalty to Christ there are many phases. A person shows his loyalty to Christ by rendering obedience to the primary steps of the gospel. He shows his loyalty by worshipping faithfully. He shows his loyalty by contending earnestly for the faith once for all delivered to the saints. But there is a phase of loyalty that means far more than any of these so far as influence on the world is concerned. That is loyalty to Christ in every-day living. It may be that this phase of loyalty has not received the attention it deserves, in our thinking, in our preaching, and, certainly, in our practice. It may be a weightier matter of the law, the significance of which has not been realized by many members of the church. The law given through Moses contained many prin-ciples of living. If one were given the task of discussing in a single discourse all of those principles of living in the law of Moses, he would find it extremely difficult, if not impossible. However, the task would be made much lighter, were he to turn to the book of Micah and find all of the principles of living in that law stated in a brief condensation: “He hath shewed thee, 0 man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8). This passage comprehends the entire duty of man. The code of living set forth by the Christ is far su-perior to that of Moses. Jesus verily taught men how to live. His principles of living have never been equalled. They are held in high esteem by friend and foe alike. But to speak of all the principles of living stressed by the Christ in a single discourse would also be a difficult task. But our text for this morning is an abridgement, an epitome, of the entire teachings of Christ. “The grace of God . . . hath appeared . . .teaching- us to live soberly and righteously and godly in this present world.” This comprehends all that Jesus ever taught. The world notices the daily life of the person who professes to be a Christian. As far as the world is con-cerned, his daily life is the only test of loyalty.

We are living epistles, known and read of all men.
The Goapel According to You
There’s a sweet old story translated for man, 'SHE0K' in the long, long ago. . . .
The gospel according to Mark, Luke, and John Of Christ and his mission below.
Men read and admire the gospel of Christ,
With its love so unfailing and true;
But what do they say and what do they think, Of the gospel according to you?
’Tis a wonderful story, that gospel of love, As it shines in the Christ life divine,
And, Oh, that its truth may be told again In the story of your life and mine.
Unselfishness mirrors in every scene,
Love blossoms on every sod,
And back from its vision the heart comes to tell The wonderful goodness of God.
You are writing each day a letter to men; Take care that the writing is true!
’Tis the only gospel some men will read . . .
That “Gospel according to you.” The power of the church is often sapped by the unchristlikeness of its members. This has caused much criticism of the church and has kept many out of the church. As someone has said, “Yes, the Christian is the world’s Bible, and just now we are badly in need of a revised version.” The failure of members of the church to be loyal to Christ’s principles of living has retarded her progress more than all other Hungs combined.

Some have never seemed to realize that Christianity extends into every realm of a Christian’s life, and affects his behavior at all times. We often hear a person say that he doesn’t have time to be a Christian. His idea is warped. He seems to think that Christianity is something separate and apart from his everyday life . . . something that he must take time off to practice, and then having practiced it, go back to the other things of life. But Christianity is something that is coextensive with every phase of life. It >s something to be nracticed at the same time we are aoing the thousand things that make up life. You are not to take time out while in school to be a Christian, but you are to be a Christian while you go to school. You are not to take time out from your business to be a Christian, and practice the principles of Christianity, but practice them in your business. The principles of Christianity are not even separated from our play and recreation . . . they are to be remembered and observed while we play. Christianity is an everyday life. Many are Christians, or they give that impression, while in the assembly, but when out of the assembly all restraints are thrown away. They are in the sanctuary talking the higher life on Sunday, but in the whirl of business or pleasure living the lower life the other six days of the week. A Christian has a wonderful opportunity and a great challenge before him . . . that of glorifying God and preaching the gospel of Christ every minute of his life, simply by living soberly and righteously and godly before men. The first principle to be observed in daily living, if one would be loyal to Christ in that realm, is: Be true to yourself. This is the first thing mentioned by Paul in his trio of our text: “The grace of God hath appeared . . . teaching us to live soberly.” This concerns our duty to ourselves. Of this word Adam Clarke says, “Having every temper, appetite, and desire under the government of reason, and reason itself under the government of the Spirit of God.” This was the characteristic to which Jesus referred when he said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8). Until this attribute is acquired it is useless to attempt to go farther in applying Christ’s principles of living. The time for me to convert others is after I am converted. If I would live a life acceptable to my heavenly Father, then I must maintain a conscience void of offense. It is better to have the approval of your conscience than the applause of all mankind.

There is much included in a pure heart. You and God this morning know whether or not your heart is pure. But in order that each one may look into his heart and measure it by the principles of living taught by Christ, let us notice a few tests of purity of heart.
And the first test is: “What are your thoughts?”

I do not mean to ask what your thoughts are at this very moment, but what are your thoughts in moments of leisure? When you are alone and you have time to meditate, upon what are your meditations? “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” The law of Moses sought to regulate the life by demanding external conformity to law, but the gospel of Christ would first purify the heart and in this way regulate the conduct of men. That is one great advantage of the gospel over the law. This matter of right thinking is one of Christ’s principles of everyday living. He said, “Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts.” It seems to me that this is nowhere more forcefully emphasized than in his declaration, “Except you be converted and become as little children^ you cannot enter the kingdom of heaven.” One of the greatest attributes of a little child is purity of life and speech. It do'es no evil and it says no evil. And the reason for this is, it thinks no evil. Yes, out of the heart are the issues of life. And Jesus said we must become as little children. Certainly this is one childlike trait we must imbibe if we wish to enter the kingdom of heaven. We can become the master of our thinking or we can become its slave. One cannot be enamored of worldliness and live a chaste life. Happy is the person who has conquered his thinking to the extent that it rigidly follows the divine program for the mind set forth by Paul in Php_4:8 : “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” If one would live soberly he must think soberly.

It is hardly necessary to make this next test after making this first one for we are told, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” If one’s thinking is right it follows that his speech will also be right. Our speech is a vital test and it is a matter in which most of us are very careless. I have recently interviewed several persons who were not Christians. The question I asked was: “What is the first thing you notice about a person who claims to be a Christian ? What is the thing whereby you judge the reality of his profession?” They all answered, “His speech.” Yes, friends the world judges us to a great extent by our words. We should always be certain that they are full of grace and seasoned with salt. Paul admonished in Ephesians 4:29, “Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth.” It is impossible for the same tongue that is used for idle and corrupt speech in everyday life to hymn acceptable praises to God in the assembly. “Doth the fountain send forth from the same opening sweet water and bitter? Can a fig tree, my brethren, yield olives? Or a vine figs?” (James 3:11-12). Some have derived consolation from the statement made by James, “The tongue can no man tame.” But there is no consolation there. He doesn’t say, “The tongue can no man control.” There is a difference in taming a thing and controlling it. We may not be able to tame the tongue, but with a strong will power and a desire to be loyal to Christ, we can control it. Since we entered the war we have seen hundreds of posters warning against loose talk. These posters portray the disastrous results of careless words. A horrible picture of the enemy is drawn. He is pictured with an attentive and hungry ear. On the posters are words of this nature: “Watch your words! The enemy is listening!” I wish today that it were possible to make a gigantic banner and wave it aloft that every Christian might behold it. Upon it would be emblazoned the warning: “Watch your words. The world is listening. Christ is listening. Don’t betray him by cheap talk!” Upon this banner also would be these passages: “Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned” (Matthew 12:36-37). There is power in words. Words move the world. Right words, rightly spoken, have the power to move the world for Christ.” So, “He that would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile.” (1 Peter 3:10). If one would live soberly, he must speak soberly. This word “soberly” and its kindred words have a prominent place in the New Testament. In the book of Titus the words “sober-minded” occur four times. This is the book in which our text is found, “Teaching us to live soberly.” One meaning of this word is “serious.” If I am sober-minded, I am serious, sincere^ earnest. In other words, there is no pretending or hypocrisy in the person who lives soberly. So, here is another test that we must apply this morning. Are you in earnest . . . actually in earnest about living for Christ and glorifying God? Are you serious about this matter of being loyal to Christ? Does it occupy first place in your heart and in your life? Doesn't the fact that a person is earnest about a certain thing have much to do with molding your attitude toward that thing? Certainly it does! In Christianity this is an essential attribute. We must reflect earnestness. I have seen people who made a joke of religion. Whatever they had to say had no good effect. But we are all ready to listen to the sober, the serious, the earnest person. Christ’s teachings regarding this trait do not insist that we must be of a gloomy and sad countenance in order to be sober-minded. The Christian is to reflect happiness and joy. But at the same time he is to let others know by his behavior that Christianity is an important thing with him and that he is in earnest about it.

Yes, this is the important. . . the fundamental thing. I must be loyal to the principles of Christian living in my own heart. I must be able to maintain my self-respect, to look myself squarely in the eye.

I have to live with myself and so,
I want to be fit for myself to know.
I want to be able as the days go by,
Always to look myself in the eye.
I don’t want to live wuth the setting sun,
And hate myself for the things I’ve done.
I want to deserve all men’s respect,
And here in the struggle for fame and pelf,
I want to be able to like myself.
I don’t want to look at myself and know,
I can never hide myself from me.
I see the things others may never know,
I can never fool myself and so,
Whatever happens I want to be,
Self-respecting and conscience-free. And now for the next test in this examination on self-loyalty. Are you loyal to your convictions ? Convictions must never be compromised, even in the interest of friendship. Our Master asks for an undivided heart and we have no right to betray him under any circumstances. How loyal are you to convictions? Of course, you know when I ask this question I do not mean here and now, but how loyal are you to convictions when with the other crowd? You remember one time Peter acted one way when in one crowd and in an entirely different way when in another. He was severely rebuked by the courageous Paul. How loyal are you to sacred convictions when you are a thousand miles away from everyone you ever knew and when the bright lights of the big city beckon you to come on and compromise just this one time? Do you compromise then? When we think of loyalty in the midst of unfavorable surroundings, we always think of Daniel and tne Hebrew children, and, of course, Joseph. Am I a Joesph or a Daniel under such conditions? Or am I a Judas Iscariot or a Benedict Arnold? Thank God there have always been men and women in every age of the world wtw defied their surroundings and maintained purity of heart.

I heard a speaker some time ago tell of an experience that he had had with his own son. It touched my heart and I tell it to you with the hope that it will touch yours. They had lived for years in a neighborhood near a family that was quite wealthy. This family had a son the age of his own son. One time this boy invited his son to a party. He was glad of the opportunity to go. So he went and found many of his friends there and many others with whom he had wanted to associate. Everything went well until later in the night they began to roll back the rugs and clear the floor making ready for the next part of the program. This preacher’s son called his friend over to one side and said, “I must go home now.” And even though his friends begged him to stay and others laughed at him for being so peculiar, he went home long before the party was over. His father was in bed when he arrived home, but he asked him how the party was and what kind of a time he had? as parents so often do. He told his father of the enjoyable time he had but that it had been necessary for him to come home before the party was over. “Why did you have to do thai?” his father asked. And ne said that when he was told he arose from bed right then and there, knelt by the side of it, and thanked God that there are still boys and girls who will not sacrifice convictions for anthing in the world.

It is true that many limes we cannot see any visible results of our fidelity, but there are results as surely as you live. Besides it is a question of loyalty. Young people, never let anybody laugh you out of your con-victions! We have all felt the power of social pressure and the tendency at times to compromise, but in a Christian’s warfare the first field of battle is his owm life. If he fails there he cannot expect to win in other fields. In order to secure and maintain this punty of heart which is the basic principle of Christ’s code of living, we must make great sacrifices at times. However, the testimony of history, as well as the testimony of revela-tion, is that most of the, valuable things do require sac- rific. It may be necessary, figuratively speaking, to pluck out an eye or to cut off a right arm. This is Jesus’ way of saying that the things of life that are dearest to our hearts must be severed if they hinder us and threaten to keep us out of the kingdom of God. The grace, of God hath appeared teaching us to live soberly. The second thing ft teaches us is to five righteously. And if we do live soberly we shall find it easy to live righteously. “To thine own self be true, and it must follow as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”—Shakespeare. The Christian is one whose inward and outward life conform to the doctrine of Christ. Living soberly has to do with his inward life. Living righteously has to do with his outward life. It concerns his duties toward his fellowmen.

Benjamin Franklin said, “Don’t judge of men’s wealth or piety by their Sunday appearance.” It is true that faithful church attendance and upholding the faith are essential to Christian loyalty, but if you would get a true insight into a man’s character, observe his daily living.
Go into his home. Observe how he treats his family. Is his home known in that community as a Christian home ? What kind of language does he use in his home ? What does he read ?

Enter his shop and see how he treats his employees. Do his business associates recognize him as a man of God? Ask his customers how he treats them. Listen to his language in moments of trial.

Listen to him as he talks to his friends on the street. What are the subjects of conversation? What kind of stories does he tell? To what kind does he listen?

Go with him on a vacation tour or a fishing trip. How does he conduct himself on such occasions?
What are some of the principles of Christ’s teachings that should affect our behavior toward all men? In the home, in business life, in social life, and in our daily contacts with all men? For this sutdy I have selected three passages which use the expression, “all men.” These seem to cover Christ’s teaching on this phase of loyalty. In Galatians 6:10 we have Paul’s admonition to “do good unto all men.” Jesus taught by life and example that the only life that counts with God is a life of service to others. He said, “He that would be the greatest among you, let him become the servant of all.” We need to learn this lesson today. The. greatest in the kingdom of God is the humble servant, who, though unrecognized by men for his service, is content to do what he can. The greatest man or woman in this congregation is the one who makes no attempt to be prominent and popular, but who watches for opportunities to serve others. We sometimes talk about wTho the greatest preacher in the brotherhood is. The. greatest preacher in the eyes of God is the one who is the great est servant. In the midst of our struggles for recognition, it might be wTell tor the Christ to come into our midst, gird himself w7ith a towel, and wash our feet. It might be well for him to set a child in our midst and teach us again that the road to heaven is paved with humble service. Not only are we to do good to all men when oppor-tunity presents itself, but we are admonished to watch for opportunities. It is easy to do good to those who love us and who are kind to us. It is sometimes easy to do good to those we have never even seen. But Jesus’s teaching goes even further than that. He tells us to do good to our enemies ... to those who have done evil to us, who have persecuted us, and who have despitefully used us. Loyalty to Christ demands that we return good for evil. It is better to receive many injuries than to give one. Are we practicing this principle of doing good to all men ... of watching for opportunities of service? “Serve the Lord with gladness” may be read on many scrolls on many walls of church houses. However, this is not merely to be associated with the church house, prayer meetings, and the Bible school. Read again the story of the Good Samaritan. We have vested it with a certain halo as though it were removed from life’s common tasks. It is an illustration of how we may serve the Lord by doing unto others as we would have them do unto us. In the judgment Christ will say: “Inasmuch as ye did it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye did it unto me.”

Only recently I read an article which described quite vividly the ordinary person’s conception of true religion. It told of a young lady on a train who had received news of the death of her only brother. She was talking with a preacher who happened to be on that same train. In discussing the subject of religion, she said, “Our boss never mentions religion, but all of us who work for him feel that he practices the genuine thing.” She then told the preacher how kind and considerate her boss had been to all of his employees and how specially kind he had been to her when he learned of the tragedy. Yes, friends, in time of need the real friend isn’t the one who asks if there is something he can do. The real friend is the one who sees that there is something he can do. Such a person as that adorns the doctrine of Christ. Thank God there are many Good Samaritans yet, who, in the rush of business and pressure of commercial life, still find time to be merciful. And . . .

“The quality of mercy is not strained
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath; it is twice blessed;
It blesses him that gives and him that takes.”
—Shakespeare.

Jesus said “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Matthew 5:7). A man may be a churchgoer and yet the hungry may go unfed, the sick may go uncared for, the stranger may be turned away in the cold, the disconsolate and the downtrodden may receive only a passing glance, of scorn. The one burdened with sorrow needs sympathy, the one against whom the sharp tongue of scandal has been pomted needs consideration; the one falsely accused needs assurance. Our next passage In which the expression “all men” is found is Romans 12:17 : “Provide for things honest m the sight of all men.” The same thought is expressed in 2 Corinthians 8:21 : “Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.” And 'in 1 Peter 2:12 : “Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles, that whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works which they behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.” So, in order to live righteously, it is necessary to lice honestly. An article in one of our papers recently asked the question, “How long has it been since you heard a sermon on the dreadfulness of lying?” Lying is a dreadful thing. We sometimes lose sight of just how dreadful it is in the sight of him who cannot lie. Some have the idea that they can get by so long as they falsify in little matters, such as purloining in business, telhng little so called “white lies,” or cheating on an examina tion. But those who desert truth in trifles will not be trusted by the fjord in matters of greater importance. Loyalty to Christ in the little things prepares for service m greater realms. Then there are those who seem to think that it is all right to practice dishonesty as long as it concerns something big, such as a Railroad Company or the National Government. They are not truthful when paying incomes taxes and things of that nature. But in the sight of God, lying is lying, and he says, “All liars shall have their part in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone.” An honest life, day in and day out, counts for God. It leads men to Christ. Besides being the best policy, honesty is the only policy that will give you happiness, guarantee you the respect and confidence of all men, and give you the assurance of a home in heaven. There is no man so bad but that he secretly respects the honest man. The third passage that mentions our duty to all men in our righteous walk is Romans 12:18 : “If it be possible, as much as in you lieth, be at peace with all men.” This, too, is a principle of living stressed by the Master. He said, “Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9). The implication of Paul is that it will be difficult at times to be at peace with all men, but the Christian is willing to make great sacrifices to obtain this precious possession. He may have to agree with his adversary quickly; it may be necessary for him to travel the second mile; he may have to turn the other cheek; he may have to give his coat and cloak also; he may have to suffer reproach for the name of Christ without mur-muring and smile in troubles; he may have to exercise patience, forbearance, and longsuffering; but these are all principles stressed by Christ in his code of living. To be peacemakers we must “be kind one to another, forgiving each other, even as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32). However, the Christian does not desire peace at any price. With him it is first purity and then peace. But as much as in him is, he preaches peace, practices peace, and promotes peace among others. He endeavors to “keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace,” he follows after the things that make for peace and the things whereby he may edify others,” and he prays that “we may live a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty” (Romans 14:19; Ephesians 4:3; 1 Timothy 2:2). His King is the prince of peace, his message is the gospel of peace, and he, himself, is a living example of peace, for he has obtained it from Christ who is our peace (Ephesians 2:14). He realizes that “the kingdom is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17).

“For the grace of God . . . hath appeared . . . teaching us . . . that we should live soberly, and righteously, and godly.” Soberly, concerning our own hearts; righteously, concerning our duties to others; and godly, concerning our duty to our Maker. May I say that the person who lives soberly and righteously is a long way toward being godly? Jesus declared, “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father.” He was a personification of every divine attribute. To be godly, then, is to follow in the steps of Jesus. He left us an example that we should follow in his steps. It is said that we become like the objects of our devotion. Hence, if we walk with God, we become more and more godlike each day. We are partakers of the divine nature, new creatures in Christ . . . having crucified the old man, we have been transformed by the renewing of our minds. Someone has said, “Strive to be the greatest man in your community and you may fail; strive to be the most godly and you may succeed.” With Christians the question is not, “How may I be popular or great?” but “How may I be godly?” With them the question is not, “What is popular?” or “What is convenient?” but “What is right?” Yes, we should strive to be such that the world could look at us and say, “There is a body of people living, yes. actually living the Christian life.”

Sometimes we hold a sheet of music in our hands and say, “It looks as if it it might be good.” But when it is handed to the competent musician, and when that which the composer intended is brought out, only then do we understand its attractiveness. The beauty of the rose has been the subject of many an able pen, but no description, however beautiful, can do justice to the living flower. Christ’s principles of living are like that. They are beautiful on the printed page, but they are not; . . . they cannot be ... as attractive there as when seen in a noble life. An older preacher said to a young preacher, “My son, let us go to the city today to preach.” The young man was glad of this opportunity to accompany this great man of God. They went to the city and they walked and they walked, up one street and down another. Finally, they returned home. The young preacher said, “You forgot, sir, that we went to town to preach.” “My son, we have been preaching . .. every step we took. We have been observed. It is useless to walk to town to preach unless you preach by your walk.” And may I say, too, that this sober, righteous^ and godly life is the only truly happy one. It is the only one that will enable you to find yourself and God. You remember the story of Sir Launfal and his search for the Holy Grail. He did not find God in far away places of adventure. It was when he divided his last crust of bread with that lonely leper that the soul of the beggar stood lip before his eyes and he stood before him glorified. It was in the path of obedient service that he found God, and it is there that you and I too shall find him.

Somewhere, sometime, I heard this story. A group of soldiers had returned home after battle. They were entertaining their friends by telling cf their thrilling adventures. Some of them were showing medals. Others were displaying trophies, and others other things. There was one young man who was rather quiet. He told no thrilling stories and he had no trophies of battle. Some were wondering what he would say. When his turn came to speak, he arose and said this: “My friends, I have no trophies. I have no medals. But I bear in my body the marks of many battles. Here are my scars of service.”
Friends, when we stand before Christ, he will not look us over for medals, degrees, and diplomas, but for scars of service.

If thou, my Christ, today Shouldest speak to me and say,
What battles hast thou fought for me?
Show me thy scars; I fain would see Love’s deep victory;
If thou shouldst speak, my Christ My leader and my King,
And bid me lay my wounds in sight,
The scars borne just for thee in fight,
What love scars could I bring ?
—James Hastings.