God has made man upright but he has sought out many inventions. To fear God and to keep His commandments is all that is required of us. There is no end to the writing of books. In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. When we are abiding in Him He will furnish us with all we need to know in order to please God.

The Western emphasis on the acquisition of knowledge for knowledge's sake is a food offered to idols. He who would bless his children will place a greater value on their knowledge of the Lord than their knowledge of the facts of the universe. If they will fear God and keep His commandments they will fulfill their whole duty in life.

The advent of the personal computer is making it possible for children and young people to acquire vast amounts of knowledge. In the present hour this input of knowledge is not being balanced with a corresponding emphasis on biblical values. Because of this the next generation of people will bring down the wrath of God on their countries because of their shameful behavior.

The desire for power and prestige. The desire for power and prestige is the primary motivation of many believers, both male and female. It is truly a satanic impulse. Why should we seek to govern or be more important than our brothers and sisters in the Lord?

We can notice in the governments of the world the lying, stealing, and other sins that occur as people seek to dominate other people, to be the most powerful, the most important person. This is true also among Christians, particularly in a denominational setting. There are believers who are excellent in political maneuvering. They strive until they obtain an important office in the denomination.

Many such officers and administrators are hard-working and do an excellent job of keeping an organization running smoothly. The problem is not that some people are administrators, it is the love of power and prestige. Instead of the job being a joyful serving of the Lord and other people the role of the administrator becomes associated with maneuvering for position in order to be important and to dominate one's associates.

But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: (Matthew 20:25-27)

For a brother to seek to be superior to, or more important than, or to dominate another brother in the Lord is not of the Kingdom of God. It is food offered to an idol, a demon-god.

All that is required of each one of us is to find his appointed role in the Kingdom, to perform it faithfully, and to be content.

To be continued.