Dear Brethren and Friends,

Greetings from San Diego! As we enter the autumn Holy Day season, I hope all of us will be re-energized and inspired by God's awesome plan and our part in it. We picture through these God-commanded Festivals the soon-coming return of Jesus Christ, the banishment of Satan, Christ's glorious 1,000-year reign and the salvation of all mankind. As we do so, we all need to focus more fully on the Kingdom of God. We must NOT allow ourselves to be distracted by the concerns of everyday life. We must not be overcome by the "thorns" of this world that Jesus described in His parable (Matt. 13:22).

The Living Christ is continuing to bless and guide the Work. Our expenses are coming in under budget so far this year and our income is slightly above budget though in order to GROW and increase the impact of the Work we would obviously need God to provide us with greater resources. Even so, a number of our "repeat" television programs during this past summer's rerun season produced more calls and letters per station than they did when first aired! This is very encouraging. And it makes me want to cry out to God even more for the opportunity to go on additional television stations to really reach our peoples powerfully—so they will KNOW they have been warned of the coming Tribulation and "witnessed" to about the coming Government of God to be set up on this earth.

But God, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, seems to be telling us that we need to get better organized and be more totally submissive to Him and to one another before He grants even greater growth. And He is our loving Father. He knows what is best. God inspired the Prophet Isaiah to relate to us, "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways.... For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts" (Is. 55:8-9).

Dear brethren, do we really LOVE one another? Are we "conquered by God" to the extent that we are willing to put up with occasional slights and insults from our brethren—and still LOVE them, PRAY for them and be friendly to them?

If we in Global are to be used by God to powerfully preach Jesus Christ's message to this world—then we must LIVE that message. We must truly "reflect Jesus Christ." For He said, "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:35). As the Living Word, Jesus also inspired the Apostle Paul to tell us, "Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth" ( 1 Cor. 13:4-6).

Put your own name in this passage to see how it applies personally! Do you ,"suffer long" without backbiting and recrimination? Do you avoid ENVY—and make sure you are not "competing" with any of your brethren for attention, for approbation, for promotion or for some office or title in the Church? Do you avoid "parading yourself”—showing off your abilities or good deeds to impress others? Do you ever "lose it" and behave rudely?

Perhaps the most vital key in this "love chapter" is the next verse: "For love does NOT seek its own.”

Can we increasingly come to the place where our total concern is OUTflowing—first to our heavenly Father and then to our fellow man? Through God's Holy Spirit within us, can we focus our attention on giving, helping and SERVING rather than pleasing or calling attention to the self?

Next, Paul writes that true Christian love "is not provoked, thinks no evil." Here most commentaries agree that the alternate translation, "keeps no account of evil," is more correct.

How often in "refereeing" disputes between brethren have I seen at least one of them start recalling virtually ALL of the hurts, slights, mistakes and sins of the other individual—even though unrelated to the present dispute—sometimes going back for years! It's as though the one party had kept a "black book" on the other—making sure, in effect, NOT to "forgive and forget," but to store up, brood over and prepare to someday "get even" with a brother or sister in God's Church!

What kind of "Christian love" is THAT?

Again, have you ever been guilty of such behavior? This approach and attitude is the total antithesis of everything Jesus Christ lived, taught and died for! Each of us must be willing to see, to acknowledge and to REPENT of this kind of attitude to even be in the Kingdom of God at all!

Not just at Passover time—but all year long—we must heed the heartfelt warning of Jesus Christ: "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses" (Matt. 6:14-15).

And dear brethren, as I have indicated we must learn to SUBMIT to one another. For God tells us through the Apostle Peter, "Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for `God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.' Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time" ( 1 Peter 5:5-6).

Are you, personally, "correctable"? Or do you get upset and let your temper flare when a brother or sister in the Church tries to admonish or correct you about something? Do you even "flare up" when a minister of God tries to correct you? And do you really LISTEN to the correction and try to LEARN from it? Or is your mind racing ahead and thinking of various "excuses" for your actions or perhaps counterarguments or accusations to throw back in the other person's face?

This aspect of being submissive is one of the supreme tests of Christian character. In my 48 years of experience in the Church of God, I have seen time and again that this is the "test" that the unconverted person will most often FAIL. For the carnal mind will usually NOT take correction! Especially if that correction comes from another lay member in the Church rather than some "big shot" or someone in high authority.

Each of us has to learn the lesson of being truly submissive to God and to one another. We must learn to "forgive and FORGET." Our lives need to be based on OUTflowing love and genuine concern for our brethren. As the Apostle John wrote, "by this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren" ( 1 John 3:16).

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, if we will heed and truly learn these lessons, then the Great God will cause His face to shine upon us all. He will bless and empower this Work all the more. And we will definitely internalize key traits of Christian character that MUST be developed before the Almighty will grant any of us the TOTAL POWER shared by full members of the God Family!

Brethren, I beseech you to help, encourage and PRAY for one another! Pray also that God will help all of us build this kind of love, kindness and submission in our lives. Let us truly become a warm, welcoming Church that is FILLED with God's Holy Spirit—bearing the fruit of "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness" (Gal. 5:22).

In closing, I want to encourage all of you to prepare for and zealously "keep the Feast" as ALL THE WORLD will be doing in a very few years. Enthusiastically plan for and look forward to the Feast. Joyously anticipate the opening night and opening day services—seeing friends and brethren from far and near, lifting up your voice to God in singing hymns and praises, drinking in of the special Festival messages—and WORSHIPING your Father and your Creator!

We hope to see all of you at the opening night services. Now, of course, some young couples with infants or small children, some of the elderly brethren, or anyone with special circumstances may need to stay in their temporary dwellings on the opening night. We understand the difficulties of extraordinary circumstances. We also understand that unexpected problems may arise for some-last-minute airline delays, bad weather for driving or automobile breakdowns. The more important thing is that we all get oriented, get ready and be there on time for the morning service on the Holy Day!

May God help all of us to move forward with deep love and adoration for Him—and the kindness, mercy and understanding love for each other that truly reflects Jesus Christ. See you at the Feast!

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Because of the upsets and divisions among God's people, many seem to have lost their perspective. They seem to have forgotten that Christ is the LIVING Head of the true Church of God!

Strangely, a number of purported "leaders" of various groups act as though Christ had been "asleep at the switch" from 1934 to 1986. Yet those were the years of the powerful ministry of Herbert W Armstrong. They were the years of the greatest growth in God's Church in modern times—and the years of its greatest IMPACT , by far in preaching the Gospel.

Yes, Mr. Armstrong "made mistakes.” I personally know that far better than the vast majority of those who are now reading this editorial. But the "fruits"—the RESULTS of Christ working through Mr. Armstrong were very impressive. People by the MILLIONS were hearing or viewing the World Tomorrow broadcast on radio or television. More than eight million copies of The Plain Truth were distributed at the peak of its circulation. And literally tens of thousands of people began to observe the Sabbath and Holy Days and to . understand the overall plan of God as a direct result of Christ working through Mr. Armstrong's ministry.

Jesus Christ guided, inspired and used this man in a very powerful way. And remember that Christ is the LIVING HEAD of the Church! He has not "gone off” somewhere. In fact, He is continuing to guide His Church today. It is Christ who is allowing His people—after 52 years under Mr. Armstrong's leadership—to be fragmented for a while in different groups. He is "testing" each member, individually, to see if he or she will be really zealous and truly honest in seeking out where He is working today.

Although stressful at times, this period of testing is good! It forces people to really THINK.

We must never forget that Christ was—and is—ALIVE. Why has there not been more DEEP RESPECT shown for Mr. Armstrong by the various groups that have split off? WHY have so many tried to "reinvent the wheel"—rejecting the clear teaching on government that Christ revealed through this man? Why are so many refusing to make "doing the Work" the focal point of the Church—and refusing to energetically CRY OUT to our Israelite brethren with the end-time Ezekiel warning?

WHY? Is it because they think Christ was asleep during the long years of Mr. Armstrong's ministry? Do they fail to understand that it was the Living CHRIST who was actually doing that powerful Work? And that He "is the SAME yesterday today, and forever"? (Heb. 13:8).

THINK! The Apostle Paul was inspired to tell us that God "put all things under [Christ's] feet, and gave Him to be HEAD over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all" (Eph. 1:22-23). Note that Christ is the Head over "all things" to the Church! So again, the Living Christ allowed the recent apostasy to occur. For He had, in fact, prophesied many times that this very thing would occur. So Christ was not in any way surprised that this great falling away took place. He knew this would happen. And He intended to use it as a "test" to see if His people would hang on to the basic truths He had placed in His Church through Mr. Armstrong and the senior evangelists who assisted him for decades in establishing and building a really powerful Work.

As ancient Israel tried to do so many times, would those in God's Church of the end time attempt to rid themselves of His form of government and adopt the practices of the world around them? Or would they faithfully hold on to the Sabbath and Holy Days as they were taught? (cf. Titus 1:9). Would they continue to go through the "open door" (cf. Rev. 3:8) of radio, television and the printing press to give the Gospel to the world? Or instead, would their main emphasis be on local activities and interests—making the Church more of a "social club"?

Again, the Word of God tells us of Christ, "And He is the HEAD of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence" (Col. 1:18). So Christ is ALIVE. He is ultimately in charge of all that is happening—directing many things, but permitting others so that lessons can be learned. He inspired these verses in the book of Hebrews: "Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines" ( 13:7-9).

Note that Christ here tells His people to follow the faith of those who have spoken the Word of God to them. Certainly most of us would have NEVER KNOWN about the Sabbath, the Holy Days or the great plan of God except for Mr. Armstrong! Are we following the faith he delivered to us—his approach to God, the Bible, the commandments, prophecy, Church government and doing the Work? Can't we have faith that Christ was ALIVE and using Mr. Armstrong to teach us all these things? Can't we now have '' faith that the LIVING CHRIST will guide and bless us if we continue the 'Work in that same tradition?

If Mr. Armstrong were alive today, he would be 105 years old! But, of course, he is now resting with other men and women of God—until the resurrection! Yet as we think back on the "fruits" of his labor—which includes most of us—it behooves us to pay more attention to how Christ guided him to do the Work for more than half a century. Let us remember him with deep respect. And let us honor the Living Jesus Christ, who "is the SAME yesterday, today, and forever," by carrying on God's Work with ZEAL and FAITH in Him, just as Mr. Armstrong was led to do!

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by Rex I. Sexton

All the men of Israel—perhaps a million or more—were assembled in the Sinai desert. Before them stood the Tabernacle of God, the two-chambered tent made of goatskins inside a much larger tent enclosure held up by a series of poles and rods. The only opening in this large tent enclosure faced East, so the men of Zebulun, Judah and Issachar had the favored places from which to peer inside in an effort to see what was to transpire on this special day.

From their vantage point, they could see the large bronze altar located just a few yards past the opening. Both daily offerings and special offerings were sacrificed on it. Behind this alter, in the middle of the enclosure, was the laver—a large round basin also made of bronze. As the day's proceedings continued, the Levitical high priest would wash himself twice in this large laver.

At the far end of the courtyard could be seen the Tabernacle, also called the Sanctuary. Measuring about 45 feet long, 15 feet wide and 15 feet high, the Tabernacle was divided into two rooms. The first room, taking up two-thirds of the tent, was called the "Holy Place" and contained the table of showbread, the Menorah—a candelabrum to give light—and a small, golden altar for burning incense. Into this chamber the priests went on a regular basis to change the showbread and perform other duties.

The rear portion of the Tabernacle was called the "Holy of Holies" or the "Most Holy Place" and was separated from the Holy Place by a thick veil or curtain of blue, scarlet and purple linen (Ex. 36:35).

Since the Holy of Holies contained the Ark of the Covenant and the covering Glory of God, this veil was a constant reminder that access to the presence of God was blocked to all except the high priest. And even he was only permitted to go behind the veil but one day each year—the Day of Atonement.

However, this was the Day of Atonement, the tenth day of the seventh month according to God's sacred calendar. Perhaps the Israelites, assembled and quiet, thought back to what had taken place on this same day a few years earlier. On Pentecost, the Eternal God had thundered the Ten Commandments from Mount Sinai and the Israelites had made a covenant with Him to keep these commandments. Yet within a few weeks, they had sinned greatly by worshiping a golden calf and indulging in an idolatrous orgy (Ex. 19-23, 32). After breaking the first ones in righteous indignation, Moses returned to the mountain to receive a second set of stone tablets on which God wrote the Ten Commandments. He spent yet another 40 days in fasting and, according to Jewish historians, came down from Mount Sinai on the Day of Atonement, holding the new tablets of the law. His face shone brightly, reflecting the glory of God, while the whole congregation of Israel fasted and prayed (Ex. 34; The Jewish Encyclopedia, 1972, vol. l, p. 281).

Each year, this same day must surely have reminded the Israelites of their terrible sin and God's great mercy in forgiving them at Moses' request.

In Hebrew, the Day of Atonement is called Yom Kippur—which means "the day of covering over." This term is derived from kapporeth—meaning "cover"—which was also a designation for the seat on the top of the ark. The mercy seat, as it was called, was a massive lid of solid gold that covered the ark and apparently formed one piece with the cherubim that rose from it. On this day, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob , would appear in the Holy of Holies and sit enthroned on His mercy seat! (Lev. 16:2). Imagine the excitement, respect and awe that must have filled the camp of Israel to know that the Eternal God was going to appear in His Tabernacle located just a few dozen yards away from them!

In a short time the proceedings would begin. Yet this was to be a one-man show. Normally Aaron, the high priest, had quite a number of family members helping with the priestly duties. But not today. He had to do everything exactly as God said—and by himself. He had already witnessed two of his sons, Nadab and Abihu, being devoured by fire for having chosen to carry out their priestly duties differently from how God had instructed (10:1-3). And even though Aaron may not have understood that some of what he did on this day pictured what Jesus Christ would do centuries later, he no doubt did understand the gravity of his responsibilities.

As the men of Israel watched in silence, Aaron entered the enclosure. He took with him a young bullock from his own flock, plus two identical goats and a young ram from the congregation—which he tied up so he could bathe and then put on the priestly garments. They were made of white linen and included a wrap-around tunic, trousers, a sash and a turban (16:4).

The white garments symbolized purity and sinlessness. For this human high priest represented our sinless heavenly High Priest, Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle, with its furnishings and rituals, was patterned after God's own throne in heaven (Heb. 8:5). In like manner, the rituals of the Day of Atonement pointed to what the Great God who sat on the mercy seat would do for all of us.

Steps to Atonement

To represent our sinless Savior, it was not enough for Aaron to wash himself and don white apparel. He also had to be symbolically purged from sin—which comes only through the shedding of blood (Heb. 9:22). So his first job was to offer the bullock as a sin offering for both himself and his family (Lev. 16:5, 11). Even though this sacrifice—or any animal sacrifice—could not truly remove sin and put Aaron in perfect alignment with God (cf. Heb. 9:9), it nevertheless served as a reminder that all men have sinned and need God's forgiveness and the covering of their own sin before coming to their Creator.

This public admission by the high priest of his own guilt and the need for an atonement also served as an example for the rest of the people of Israel. All of them should have done some serious soul-searching and self examination as they watched their high priest.

The next step was to choose—by casting lots—which of the two goats would represent the Eternal and be sacrificed as a sin offering for the people, and which one would represent "Azazel" (Lev. 16:9-10 NRSV).

Aaron then took some burning coals from the altar and placed them in a bowl—or censer, as it's called when suspended by chains. He filled this bowl with crushed incense and carried it behind the veil into the Holy of Holies. The thick, aromatic smoke given off by the incense filled the room so that Aaron would not die from the intense brightness of God, who sat on the mercy seat as he performed the rest of his duties (vv. 12-13). The smoke from this incense represented the prayers of God's people (Ps. 141:2; Rev. 8:3-5)—and teaches the lesson that our prayers today should fill the throne room of God in heaven on a daily basis. Every once in a while is not enough!

Entering the Holy of Holies was surely an awesome experience! Think for a moment how terrifying it must have been for Aaron to go behind the veil and into the very presence of the Creator God—shining in brightness and glory so great that the human mind cannot fathom it. The Great God was seated on the golden mercy seat atop the Ark of the Covenant. The large, golden wings of the cherubim stretched out above him on both sides. Perhaps Aaron could see a bright manifestation of God's presence while peering through the thick smoke as he took some of the blood of the bullock and sprinkled it toward the seat seven times (Lev. 16:14). Talk about a heart-pounding encounter!

After this was accomplished, Aaron killed the goat chosen to represent the Lord. He then went behind the veil a second time to sprinkle some of this animal's blood on behalf of all the Israelites. This ritual pictured the blood of Jesus Christ that would later be shed on our behalf to cover our sins—the same blood that we commemorate and thank God for each year as we keep His Passover. Although the Israelites could not actually see what was going on, they well knew as they stood in silence outside the tent that Aaron was making a sacrifice on their behalf. Undoubtedly, their minds were clearly focused on one thought: Their national and personal sins had offended God and required a blood sacrifice for atonement.

Almost 1,500 years later, this same God came to earth as a human being (John 1:14) to become the sacrifice for us all. Acting on behalf of the nation of Israel, Aaron was not permitted to come near the presence of God without the blood of a sacrifice. Acting on our behalf, Jesus Christ was permitted to enter the sanctuary of God's very throne by way of His own blood. As it is described for us in the letter to the Hebrews, "not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption" (9:12). So Aaron's duties on this day pictured an important cornerstone of God's plan of salvation for mankind!

Our Reaction

Seeing, that God has gone to such great effort—and sacrificed so much—on our behalf, what should we do? The book of Hebrews continues, "How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?" (v. 14). This precious knowledge ought to instill in us an even greater desire to follow our Heavenly Father! It I gives us all the more reason to obey the first and greatest commandment "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind" (Matt. 22:37).

The Day of Atonement in many ways contains the same message as the Passover—we are all sinners and I unable to save ourselves. We are to fast on this day and contemplate all that God has done for us by giving His only Son so we could have eternal life. Our sinfulness has been "covered" by the perfect blood and sacrifice of our Savior. And because we have been covered by that blood, we are able to come directly to the throne of God every day in prayer!

“Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.... Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Heb. 4:14-16).

The veil of the Tabernacle—and later the Temple—was a symbol of the sins of mankind separating us from our Creator (Is. 59:2). No man was able to go behind that veil except the high priest, and then only on this one day of the year. But at the instant of Jesus Christ's death, the veil was ripped apart once and for all (Matt. I, 27:51), showing that He had now made it possible for everyone to come into the presence of Almighty God! As we pray to Him each day, we should not forget just what an awesome privilege it is. We must always bear in mind just how it was done for us—despite our sins and weaknesses!

In one sense, the entire ministry of Jesus Christ centered on the message of the Day of Atonement. As it is summarized in the book of Hebrews, "therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people" (2:17).

Incidentally, some might wonder why God gave us two Holy Days that picture Christ's sacrifice—Passover in the spring and Atonement in the fall. Passover represents Christ's sacrifice itself. Atonement, however, occurs after the Feast of Trumpets, which symbolizes Christ's return. This day of fasting, then, represents the time when Jesus' sacrifice will finally start being applied to all mankind, beginning with Israel. As Zechariah 12:10 quotes the Eternal, "then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn."

The Final Step

After leaving the Holy Place, Aaron was to bring the live goat to the front of the Tabernacle and lay his hands on it. In a loud voice he would then "confess over it all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions, concerning all their sins" (Lev: 16:21 ). These sins would have included wrong attitudes, such as complaining and rebelliousness, as well as more overt sins, such as adultery, lying and stealing. Hearing Aaron's words, the people hopefully made a commitment to change and do better the following year.

But the Azazel goat itself did not represent the sins of the people. Rather, it was a type of Satan the Devil. "Azazel" is the name of a demon according to Jewish writers (Jewish Encyclopedia, p. 281 ). And according to the apocryphal book of Enoch, Azazel is the leader of evil spirits (8:1; 10:4). This goat's representation of Satan is obvious from what happened next—Aaron was to put all the sins of Israel on the head of the goat , and send him away into the wilderness. Why was this done?

The placing of sin on the Azazel goat and its subsequent banishment depicts what the future holds for Satan. He will be bound for 1,000 years and shut up in a bottomless pit (Rev. 20:2-3). Afterward, he will be cast into the lake of fire (v. 10). The Family of God can then live for all eternity without his evil influence!

But the question is often raised, "If Jesus died for our sins, why are they then placed on Satan?" The answer is simple—there are at least two guilty parties in every sin! Satan is guilty for tempting us—and we have been guilty for giving in to him! But Christ died only for our part in our sins—not for that of Satan and his demons. They well know that they bear responsibility for leading people astray and will be punished for it (cf. Matt. 8:29).

Notice that the goat was sent to a place where it would not come into contact with people: "The goat shall bear on itself all their iniquities to an uninhabited land" (Lev. 16:22).

According to the Jewish Encyclopedia, some historians believe that the creation of Adam and Eve was completed on the first of Tishri, the Day of Trumpets, and that on the tenth of Tishri, the Day of Atonement, God appeared in the Garden and pronounced the decree of punishment. This is called the "Day of Sealing God's Decree" (p. 281 ). It would be the day, then, that Adam and Eve were cast out of the Garden and denied access to the Tree of Life. But the serpent was also sentenced and told that a Savior would "bruise" his head (Gen. 3:15). And so it will be—when Satan's responsibility for sin is finally placed on him by our High Priest, Jesus Christ, and he is at last cast out. This may very likely occur on the exact same day of the year—the Day of Atonement.

Preparing for the Feast of Tabernacles

God's requirement to keep the Day of Atonement shortly before the Feast of Tabernacles is no accident! For one, it pictures what will happen when the Millennium is ushered in. And also, prior to rejoicing before God and learning to fear Him, it is well that we spend a day in fasting and self examination. We need to be reminded that all of the blessings we enjoy—the knowledge of God's Truth, His forgiveness, grace, mercy and the hope we have for the future—have not come by our own efforts, but through our great Savior and High Priest who emptied Himself and came to this earth as one of us. We must be powerfully reminded that He willingly let His blood be shed on our behalf and that He now sits at the right hand of the Father making intercession for us! "For Christ has not entered into the holy places made with hands... but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us" (Heb. 9:24). Recognizing all of this, we will be much more prepared to keep God's Feast of Tabernacles—and much more prepared to enter the Kingdom that it foreshadows!

As the men of Israel watched Aaron perform his duties on that Day of Atonement nearly 3,500 years ago, they learned lessons that would help them during the coming year. As we keep God's special Holy Day now—this same Day of Atonement—we should be learning lessons that will help us for all eternity!

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The Feast is just around the corner! There is probably no event so anticipated by God's people from year to year as the Feast of Tabernacles. We talk about it and make plans for it months in advance. And for many, it's an opportunity to get together with friends and family members whom they don't see very often. The Feast also offers a chance to travel and see faraway, exciting places. And, of course, most of us look forward to eating out in nice restaurants and enjoying a higher standard of living than we can probably afford during the rest of the year. But while these are valid reasons to anticipate the Feast, is that all there is?

Why is such importance attached to this Festival? Is it simply a vacation? How necessary is it for God's people today to observe this upcoming Feast of Tabernacles? Let's examine some biblical admonitions to truly answer the question: Are you ready for the Feast?

The Scriptures give two reasons why God wants His people to appear before Him at the Feast each year. And when we thoroughly understand why God wants us there, we can better examine if we are ready to go. These reasons are found in Deuteronomy 14, which discusses the subject of tithing. Verse 22 addresses the general principle of tithing—that tithes are to be paid on the increase of our labors from year to year. In Numbers 18:21 it had already been explained that God wanted the first tithe of Israel's income to be given to members of the tribe of Levi. Because the Levites worked in God's service, He paid them the tithe of the nation. But Deuteronomy 14 goes on to discuss another tithe—a second tithe (vv. 23-27). This one the Israelites were to consume when they appeared before God in Jerusalem—His designated Feast site at that time.

Through tithing, God sets priorities for us. First we must recognize Him as the Owner and Possessor of everything there is. We do this by paying to Him (through His chosen representatives) the first tithe of our income. But God's instructions regarding the second tithe teach us the importance He places on appearing before Him during His Festivals. But again we ask—why?

Deuteronomy 14 gives the two primary reasons God wants us to travel to the Festival locations He has chosen. "And you shall eat before the LORD your God, in the place where He chooses to make His name abide... that you may learn to fear the LORD your God always.... You shall eat there before the LORD your God, and you shall rejoice, you and your household" (vv. 23-26). First and foremost, we attend the Feast so that we might learn to fear God more deeply. Second, we are told to bestow our second tithe for whatever we desire during this Festival. For God wants this Holy season to be a time of rejoicing for all His people.

Godly Fear

Now why does God want us to fear Him? Though the Bible discusses the "fear of God" quite extensively, many have misunderstood this vital subject. There are those who view God as an angry Tyrant—an idea often reinforced by "hellfire-and-brimstone" preachers. Others believe the opposite extreme—a sort of "nicey-nice" God, a "little Lord Jesus, away in a manger."

But Scripture reveals a living Creator God who is actively involved in governing His creation. He set laws in motion that regulate not only the physical realm around us, but also our relationships with other people. Most live their lives in utter ignorance of God, His plan and His ways. The results are the misery, frustration and broken relationships that we see all around us in society. As Jeremiah explains, "it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps" (Jer. 10:23). Thus man, apart from God's guiding revelation, is simply incapable of building a society that is truly happy and stable.

Sadly, God isn't very real to most people. They aren't deeply conscious of Him as they pursue their normal, day-to-day activities. Diligently seeking and taking seriously God's will in every facet of life seems ridiculous to most people. Why? Because they don't fear Him. The kind of "fear" the Almighty looks for is in reality a deep awe and reverence for who He is and the infinite power He wields—not stark, raving terror because He scares and frightens us out of our wits!

Our Creator is the MOST real Being in the universe. He has life inherent within Himself that He wants to share with us. But since God isn't real enough to most people, they become virtual prisoners of their own fears and problems. All Israel lay paralyzed with fear because of the taunting challenges of the Philistine giant, Goliath. To David, however, God was far more real than this mere man, no matter how physically imposing he was. So David asked, "Who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?" (1 Sam. 17:26). Proverbs 29:25 explains that the fear of man causes a snare or trap as we go through life, while living in awe of the Creator brings comfort and security.

To fear God means to be more deeply impressed with Him than with anyone or anything else. The fear of God is a motivation to depart from evil ( 16:6). In fact, the fear of God is the essential prerequisite for real wisdom (9:10). Why is this? It's because no one can be truly wise if he is ignorant of the very Source of life and of the laws that were set in motion to govern all aspects of life. If we are deeply conscious of the presence of God and the fact that His laws are living principles, then we will live our lives accordingly. When God is truly real to us, we don't just go through the motions to impress other people. Rather, we live our lives to serve and please our great Creator.

The Feast, then, is a time to stand in greater awe of God and His plan and purpose than ever before. It is also a time to receive spiritual instruction. In ancient times, when very few had access to a personal copy of the Scriptures, God insisted that the Law be read in its entirety every seventh Feast of Tabernacles (Deut. 31:10-12). During the Feast today, God's ministers read and expound from His Word. This is in accordance with the example of Ezra (Neh. 8:8).

Moses emphasized the importance of listening to the Word of God so that we might learn about Him, fear Him more fully and therefore be able to put His way of life into practice in our lives (Deut. 31:12-13). Not only is the Feast a time for adults to be taught, but children were to listen also (v. 12). It is often amazing what even small children pick up from sermons. Families should discuss the sermons and sermonettes and key in on at least one important point from each message. (For more information on how to help your children get the most out of this year's Feast, please read "Calling All Parents-Teachers Wanted," on page 15.)

Tabernacles pictures the time when the Eternal will make a "feast of fat things" for the whole world (Is. 25:6 KJV)—when the knowledge of God's ways will cover the earth as the waters cover the sea ( 11:9). We should use the Feast first and foremost as a time of spiritual renewal. It should be a time when God and His ways become more real to us. We ought to be looking forward with all our hearts to the time when the saints will rule under Jesus Christ. We will then guide all of humanity to reject pagan, decadent customs and values, and to embrace the law of God.

Yet we can't teach what we haven't learned ourselves. The Feast is a time to come out of the world and to more deeply learn lessons of obedience to God. If we aren't prepared to stand in greater awe of the Eternal God, then we aren't yet ready for His Feast. But if we are so prepared, a deeply meaningful Festival lies ahead for us.

Rejoicing Before the Lord

Not only are we told that we attend the Feast to learn to fear God more completely, but as we've seen, we're also told that we and our households are to rejoice before Him. And we're admonished to be aware that we're rejoicing in the very presence of God! Jesus Christ must be with us in our fellowship—not on the outside knocking to be let in as He is pictured with the Laodiceans (cf. Rev. 3:20).

Much of the world's Christianity has traditionally viewed God as being stern and austere. To laugh and have a good time has not been considered very "religious" by many. Yet in the New Testament, we find that Jesus Christ attended parties and other social gatherings. He knew how to properly rejoice. And when we rejoice in a godly manner, we avoid the headaches, hangovers and even worse consequences that often accompany worldly celebrating. To enjoy good food and drink (in moderation, of course) as well as edifying fellowship is very pleasing in God's sight.

Another important aspect of rejoicing before God should be noted here. He says it is to include "you and your household" (Deut. 14:26). In today's fragmented society, the last thing many families would consider enjoyable is going away for eight days and doing everything as a group. Yet, in the World Ahead, which we are picturing during the Feast of Tabernacles, both young and old will rejoice together (Jer. 31:13). While music and entertainment has in recent decades been an increasingly divisive wedge in our society—primarily along generational lines—that won't be the case in tomorrow's world.

During the Feast of Tabernacles thought should be given to providing music and entertainment that's positive and uplifting, and that will contribute to the whole family's rejoicing together. Though the details of Family Day will vary from site to site because of local facilities and opportunities, there is an underlying theme of unity that should pervade all of the sites. Most family rejoicing, however, should come not from Family Day or other organized Church activities, but from individual creativity and initiative.

Look for ways to make the Feast special for your children by planning family activities that they will enjoy. Sometimes this can be done by simply arranging to get together with other families who have children of similar ages. Many of our young people have very limited opportunity to fellowship with others of like mind during the year. Some may even be the only ones in their age range in some of our smaller video groups. So parents should make an extra effort to ensure that the Feast is a time of godly rejoicing for all of our children.

The Scriptures also admonish us that in the rejoicing of our own household, we aren't to forget the widow and the stranger. Many will be attending the Feast by themselves. Others will be there with very limited funds. That's why our rejoicing should include sharing with others. Frankly, the most enjoyable Feasts are giving Feasts.

We are told in the Psalms that there is fullness of joy in the presence of God and pleasures forevermore ( 16:11 ). God wants His people to enjoy life. And joyfully celebrating the Feast is part of learning to live the good life that God desires for us.

Ready, Set, Go!

We should look forward to the Feast. But more than that, it should. be prepared for—both physically and spiritually. And when it at last arrives, it should be celebrated and rejoiced in.

God has given His Festivals to Continually remind us of the plan He is working out. And He wants us to eagerly anticipate these great celebrations that represent the various stages of that plan. God Himself anticipates His plan's fulfillment. As we look forward to the Feast of Tabernacles and what it pictures, we are focusing our hope. Studying Bible passages and Church literature related to the Feast and meditating on what we read helps to whet our appetites. Discussing the upcoming Feast with family and friends adds to the excitement.

But again, not only are we to look forward to this time—we must also prepare for it. God shows how important our celebration of His Feast is by requiring that we set aside a second tithe of our income to keep it. Proper preparation should also include budgeting this second tithe, arranging time off from work or school, making travel plans and housing arrangements, getting clothes ready, etc. Physical preparation is important. But it should go hand in hand with spiritual preparation, which has even greater importance. Planning ahead to have a sharing, giving and thankful Festival is a good way to guarantee success.

Finally, the Festival is to be celebrated, both physically and, more importantly, spiritually. It is a time for remembering. what God is doing in our lives. It is also an important time to be thankful for God's blessings and for the wonderful calling He has given us.

With our family and friends, we are coming before our Creator to celebrate what He has done, what He is doing and what He will do—not only for us, but for the whole world.

Are you ready to learn to have deeper reverence for God? Are you ready to celebrate and rejoice before your Creator for eight days? If so, then you are ready for the Feast of Tabernacles 1997. See you there!

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For most of us, our thoughts are now focused on the fast-approaching Feast of Tabernacles. Will we enjoy the Feast site we're traveling to? Will we be reunited with close friends or family members we haven't seen for a long time? Can we take advantage of some exciting activities that we just aren't able to afford at other times of the year?

And, of course, our spiritual focus revolves around the lessons of the Feast. What responsibilities will we be given in the new Government of Jesus Christ, our Elder Brother? What will it be like to rule this earth for the benefit of the human beings alive at that time?

And such thinking is appropriate—not just as we approach the Feast of Tabernacles, but at all times. Why? Because government is an elemental theme of the Bible. Government is a primary focus of the Gospel that Christ preached (cf. Mark 1:14). And if becoming members of the very Family of God is our destiny (cf. 2 Cor. 6:18), we must follow the path of divine government to attain it. For proper, godly government establishes the parameters of behavior that let al1 people live peaceably together and achieve their greatest potential.

One of the Bible passages that Dr. Meredith has repeatedly brought to our attention in articles and sermons this past year is found in Paul's first letter to the Corinthians: "Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unrighteous, and not before the saints? Do you not know that the saints will judge the world?..." (6:1-2). There it is! This is referring to God's Government—established on this earth during the Millennium. This is referring to the resurrected saints of God helping Him to rule the world. And what do we see as one of the most vital functions of our millennial responsibilities? Judgment.

Yet the exercise of godly judgment is by no means reserved solely for the future—for we are to be practicing it right now Paul continues, "...And if the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life?" (vv. 2-3).

In Matthew 23, we find a crucial statement made by our Savior to the scribes and Pharisees: You have neglected the "weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy and faith" (v. 23 KJV). We will examine the context of Christ's confrontation with the Pharisees later in this article. But for now, we should realize two key points: 1) although everything in God's law is important, judgment, mercy and faith are weightier or even more important; and 2) these are not merely suggestions, but rather the weightier matters of the law—meaning we are COMMANDED to put these godly virtues into practice in our lives.

With this article, we begin a three-part series examining, in turn, each of these "weightier matters" of the law. We start with righteous judgment.

What Do We Judge?

The first question we might have is: Just what do Christians judge, anyway? After all, it's not as if we're serving on juries or sitting on the Supreme Court. But in a sense, the things we decide—the things we judge—are more important than the issues before worldly courts.

They may undertake grave matters that impact physical nations, but Christians must evaluate circumstances that affect eternal life!

One area that each and every one of us must evaluate and judge is the doctrine we are taught. At some point during the last several years, most who are now reading this article had to pass judgment with respect to some very difficult and painful circumstances within the Church of God. Jesus Christ has established a ministry that spiritually feeds God's people (cf. John 21:15-17; 1 Cor. 12:28). Nevertheless, it is the responsibility of each Christian to evaluate what he or she is taught. For the i Bible also tells us that there would be false ministers, teaching false doctrine. "For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works" (2 Cor. 11:14-15). We see, then, that ministers in Satan's service can masquerade as true ministers of the Church of God. In fact, these false prophets "come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves" (Matt. 7:15).

Obviously, Jesus Christ does not want any of His sheep to be led astray by Satan's servants. So how are we to be protected from the "ravenous wolves"? We find part of the answer in the very next verse: "You will know them by their fruits." And, of course, this requires judgment. You must evaluate the doctrine you hear to make sure that it complies with Scripture (cf. Is. 8:20). You must evaluate the particular Church you are in to make sure it is doing the Work of the Living God. You must perceive whether or not those who teach you manifest the fruit of the Holy Spirit (cf. Gal. 5:22-23).

Now a word of caution should be given at this point. Not all Christians agree on every fine point of doctrine. There are many subjects for which God has not given us complete details. But we shouldn't disagree on the foundational points of our faith. Therefore, let's not "go off the deep end" if we hear something new during a sermon. But we must determine that it doesn't contradict the very basis of Truth that we have already proven from the Bible!

Judgment in Relationships

We also need to render judgment in our relationships with other people. It is inevitable that conflicts will arise between individuals or groups of people. Some have personalities that tend to limit contention with their neighbors. Others seem almost to invite it. But no matter what natural social skills we possess, we will still have to resolve conflicts and disputes from time to time.

Many of us dread these situations. But we needn't. For the Bible gives us ample instruction on how to deal with disagreements and offenses. If we use the Scriptures as our guide, coupled with right and proper judgment, we should be able to live in peace with our brethren and neighbors.

In Matthew 18, perhaps one of the most neglected and misapplied sections in all the New Testament, we find what Christians should do when they have a personal dispute with other Christians. "If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear you, take with you one or two more, that `by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church" (vv. 15-17).

We should pay particular attention to what these verses do say, and to what they do not say. First, notice that we are dealing with sin between brethren—often in the form of disputes where someone has been wronged. One of the ways in which these verses are incorrectly applied is to follow their instructions in matters that are not personal disputes. For example, we shouldn't approach someone in this way if we are not involved (cf. Prov. 26:17). That is, if we observe someone else's conflict as a third party, we should not try to apply the Matthew 18 formula unless we're invited to do so by those directly involved. Another example would be the case of a lay member or minister spreading heresy in the Church. This is not a personal sin, affront or dispute between yourself and the other party. Rather, it potentially involves the whole congregation—maybe more than one congregation. In such a case, one's first course of action should be to involve the ministry—if, of course, you are certain of your facts.

This last point ties in with the other widespread misapplication of Matthew 18. So often, we fail to confront other brethren when there's a real problem. We may tell all of our friends. We may tell the ministry (even if the matter does not involve the exceptional circumstances detailed above). But for some reason, we have the greatest difficulty approaching our brother or sister in Christ and handling the offense or the dispute as Jesus taught us to!

Yet the benefits of properly handling disputes in relationships are many. Potentially, you can turn someone away from improper conduct, and thereby will have "gained your brother." Moreover, settling disputes privately and amicably will most often lead to greater bonding and friendship—perhaps even building a strong relationship where none existed before. Involving the ministry, as we've seen from the passage we just examined, should generally be the last resort. Far better to resolve conflicts between the involved parties alone. For "he who covers a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates the best of friends" (Prov. 17:9; cf. 10:12). And perhaps the greatest benefit of all is that which we have already mentioned—following this practice and exercising godly, righteous judgment is important training for our future positions as kings and priests!

Four Keys to Righteous Judgment

If we are to judge the problems that arise among us as members of the Body of Christ, how can we best go about it? Since the Bible has so much to say on the topic of judgment, an exhaustive treatment of the subject would yield a lengthy book with far more information than the confines of this article permit. But understanding the following four keys to godly judgment will give us a good start toward properly exercising this basic quality of God's character that's so critical to Christian growth.

1) Judge yourself first. Have you ever heard a fellow Christian say, "I'm going to talk to so-and-so because he offended me... or perhaps sinned against me"? Such a statement may well be true, and, if so, the action contemplated is the very essence of what Matthew 18 tells us to do. The only problem is that so many of us begin at this point, whereas we should start the process a little closer to home.

When we believe we may have been wronged by another, the first step is to humbly examine ourselves. We all know to do this in preparation for observing the Passover (cf. 1 Cor. 11:28). But we must not neglect to do so during the rest of the year. For, as the passage continues, "if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged" (v. 31). Just as we judge our overall conduct and growth in faith in the context of the Passover, we should likewise judge our conduct within our personal relationships.

Sometimes, a dispute between brethren is a simple and straightforward matter. One party is 100% right, the other party is completely to blame. But that isn't normally the case! Because interpersonal problems often have a number of variables, usually both parties share in the blame, at least to some extent. We must determine to what degree, if any, we are responsible for whatever dispute we are in. If we admit our part to our brother and ask his forgiveness—even as we point out that we believe his own behavior needs to change—we'll have a much greater chance of successfully resolving the problem.

And sometimes we are far more to blame than we think. Jesus asked, "Why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, `Let me remove the speck from your eye'; and look, a plank is in your own eye?" (Matt. 7:3-4). This is quite a humorous image—a man with a huge beam of lumber sticking out of his own eye trying to pull a tiny splinter from his friend's eye. Christ's answer: "Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck out of your brother's eye"! (v. 5).

2) Try to see your brother's point of view There's a Native American expression that contends, "You cannot really know your brother until you've walked a mile in his moccasins.” There's a lot of wisdom in this proverb. For so often people in conflict are looking at the situation through very different eyes. An individual's past experience sometimes has everything to do with how he perceives events.

One example might be a person who is viewed as mean, cold and uncaring. Perhaps he repeatedly passes you by without a warm greeting or gesture and leaves Sabbath services without talking to anyone at all. Someone might be offended by this behavior and believe that the individual was purposefully ignoring him and being rude. And that's certainly a possibility. But it's also possible that this brother in Christ is painfully shy. It may be that his past social contacts have been negative and hurtful, and that he's learned to respond this way defensively. If so, he'll have plenty to work on to improve himself so as to serve more effectively. But we wouldn't be helping this individual or ourselves by leveling accusations of his acting with intentional rudeness if he were, in fact, doing nothing of the sort. Everyone would end up being hurt even more.

The answer is to try to understand what motivates someone whom you think has wronged you in some way. Proper judgment in this area can avert misunderstandings and embarrassing mistakes. We in the Church have long feared the concept of "relativism"—and with good reason, since so many have tried to subvert the Truth of God by claiming that nothing is absolute. We have rightly judged that God's laws are absolute and that Jesus Christ is "the same yesterday, today, and forever"! (Heb 13:8). But let us also have the good judgment to realize that many human relationships and problems are relative. Not when they involve transgressing God's law—but certainly when they involve no more than a difference of perspective. Try to find out what makes your brother "tick.” Try to first put yourself in his shoes. You may find out that he hasn't wronged you so much as that he's merely viewed the world in a different way!

3) Get the facts. Jesus Christ tells us, "Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment" (John 7:24). This instruction underscores a very real weakness that so many of us have. How easy it is to instantly become judge, jury and executioner in one's own mind when hearing of someone's problems with another. Haven't we all fallen into that trap at least on occasion? But such a "rush to judgment" can come back to haunt us when we later discover that the party we hadn't yet heard from sees the situation differently.

If we are legitimately involved in another's dispute (cf. Matt. 18:16), we must be fair and impartial. We must not let our counsel be swayed because one party has greater status than the other: God is not a respecter of persons (Acts 10:34 KJV), and neither must we be. Likewise, we must be sure to get both sides of the story—in fact, all sides of the story! The Scriptures give us wise counsel in this regard: "He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him.... The first one to plead his cause seems right, until his neighbor comes and examines him" (Prov. 18:13, 17).

4) Seek God's will. It's very important when involved in a conflict to make sure we are not acting out of self-interest or to promote some private agenda. Jesus Christ said, "I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me" (John 5:30). If Christ Himself did not seek and promote His own will in judging, how much less reason have we to do so?

There are a number of ways to draw closer to God and to discover His will. But the primary method is to prayerfully study the Bible. The Holy Scriptures are God's own instructions for us. They teach us God's law and therefore define the broad concepts of right and wrong human behavior. Moreover, they provide the foundation for applying these concepts to individual situations—the very essence of righteous judgment! The Bible does not merely contain God's laws, but also hundreds of applications of these laws to common situations. Such applications are called judgments (cf. Lev. 18:5).

Paul tells us, "Be diligent ["study" KJV] to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Tim. 2:15). The more we study and apply the Scriptures, the more we'll be able to exercise righteous judgment.

Lest You Be Judged

We have seen the importance of righteous, godly judgment. We have examined how to be better judges. But it is equally important for us to understand when not to judge. Jesus tells us, "Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you" (Matt. 7:1-2).

Obviously, this should not be understood as a blanket statement condemning all manner of judgment and evaluation. We've just seen how we ought to judge certain matters. Therefore, we need to find out which matters are subject to our judgment and which are not.

We should recognize that one area in which we cannot judge is the innermost motives and thoughts of others. God alone "searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts" ( 1 Chron. 28:9). And yet, this can be a problem in the Church today. Many were reawakened spiritually when faced with the recent apostasy. They zealously came to Global, eager to once again hear the Truth. Others were just as appalled by the heresy they witnessed, but reacted to it differently. Many of them prayed and fasted that God would correct the problem from within. As matters became increasingly worse, more and more of them joined our fellowship. In fact, that process continues to this day.

Brethren, neither response is necessarily right or wrong. Righteousness in this case would be measured by one's willingness to follow the will of God as he understood it. And yet, Dr. Meredith has repeatedly corrected us since some who came earlier apparently feel superior to those who came later. Can we see that to take such an attitude presumes to tread on the very realm of God? For it is He alone who searches men's hearts.

Likewise, we must never judge in the sense of condemning another. Because God alone knows the innermost thoughts, only He can determine if someone has ultimately rejected salvation (cf. Heb. 10:26-27). Paul warns us in the book of Romans, "Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge [to condemn] another you condemn yourself' (2:1).

I heard of a conversation between some of the brethren during the early days of Global that will serve as the most flagrant example I know of such improper judgment. One young lady who began attending wore her hair in a somewhat shorter, more athletic style than most of the other women. It was not a question of some extreme fashion at all—her hair was merely somewhat short. A few of the young men criticized the length of her hair, one of whom went so far as to say she could not enter the Kingdom of God unless she repented of her hairstyle! I sincerely hope that this fatally flawed judgment was simply an isolated incident that will never again be repeated in our fellowship. But it does underscore the need for us to think more deeply on our responsibility to judge with righteous judgment.

Yardstick Religion?

There is another form of improper judgment in the Church of God today. Simply put, it's judging those things that fall outside the boundaries of right and wrong. Is there someone in your congregation who appears to be more interested in the skirt length or hair styles of the brethren than in the welfare of those who wear them? Is there someone who will be more likely to make a sarcastic comment to a young man who didn't shave that day than to ask him how he's doing? Did you ever get the impression that some member was personally "taking attendance" at Sabbath services or Bible Study—unofficially of course? That he or she was more interested in knowing who was absent than in fellowshipping with those who were there?

I sincerely hope that none of us knows such people—that none of us are such people! And yet, we know that some have fallen into these or similar traps. But can't we see that—barring some outlandish extremes—neither hairstyle (including dyeing one's hair), nor failing .to shave every day, nor even missing Bible Study constitutes unrighteousness? Christianity is NOT a "yardstick religion"! It is measured by the fruit of the Holy Spirit that's produced by a begotten son or daughter of God—not by the number of notches one's skirt rises above the knee. There are extreme cases, of course—immodesty, rebelliousness or spiritual laziness—that would indicate a spiritual problem and that do require judgment. But we have some few among us who would judge anything and everything—not just extreme cases.

And improper judgment isn't limited to the topics mentioned above. Some judge others for immunizing their children, for watching television, for not eating organic foods, for seeking medical attention: (even taking aspirin!) and for not observing the Sabbath exactly as they do themselves.

But frankly, those who judge in this manner do so at their own peril! Jesus condemned the practices of the Pharisees more than those of any other sinners. In Matthew 23, He says of them, "For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men's shoulders" (v: 4). Isn't it the same situation when we judge others on matters that we have no cause to—no "right" to? Christ died for our sins, not for our fashions. Now just to be crystal clear, I will repeat that certain matters of fashion—statements of rebellion, indecency, etc—do constitute sin. But most do not! There are some who would seemingly have everyone dress in the business attire of the 50s. But what this really boils down to is personal preference—it should be obvious that 50s' fashion is neither righteous nor unrighteous. If someone doesn't want to wear today's styles, then he or she shouldn't. But we have no authority to bind that decision on others.

And consider the effect that improper, unwise judgment could have on someone new among us. When we judge in this manner, we are hardly putting our best foot forward: We will generally be perceived as unfriendly, meddling, perhaps even self-righteous. Would you i want to be the cause of someone new or weak in the faith leaving our fellowship? How would you feel if you were the reason someone missed out on the first resurrection and didn't join the Family of God until the second?

Our Savior has some harsh words for those who offend his littlest children: "Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea"! (Mark 9:42).

Let's go back to Christ's statement about the weightier matters of the law. In this section of Matthew 23, beginning in verse 13, Jesus castigates the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy. They scrupulously and fastidiously tithed on all their material increase—even on "mint, anise and cummin," the very least of their agricultural produce (cf. v. 23). Now it's important to note that Christ did not condemn this action. On the contrary, later in the same verse He indicates that they should have done so. His condemnation, rather, is that the Pharisees, who were so meticulous in a relatively less important area of God's law, were seemingly ignorant of that which was much more important. The Pharisees were "majoring in the minors"!

Are any of us doing the same today? Do we place such great importance on some facets of the way of life God has revealed—which are important!—while at the same time failing to grasp those things that are of even greater importance? I hope that most of us do not. And for however many of us who do, the solution is simple—repent before God, humbly seeking instruction from the Bible and perhaps counsel from the ministry. Remember that the mind of Christ is a mind of balance. The more we take on the thoughts of our Savior, the more balanced we will become!

Developing righteous, godly judgment is one of the most important aspects of taking on the mind of Jesus Christ and preparing to be kings and priests in the World Ahead. Let's remember the four keys to proper judgment, and resolve that, to whatever extent we may have done so, we will depart from unrighteously judging our brethren and placing unnecessary burdens upon them. There could be no better time than now—when we are all looking forward to the Kingdom of God—to put into better practice the very things we will actually be doing in that Kingdom. Let us all learn to judge with righteous judgment!

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