Greetings everyone,
Executive Office
Here is Mr. Meredith's announcement regarding "Headquarters' Relocation Research":
"The San Diego Headquarters staff has been researching possible relocation sites for 2003. Mr. Meredith explained our situation in his June 24 member letter announcing the July fast. Several locations are under consideration, and a full report giving cost and benefit comparisons will be presented during the Council of Elders meeting, August 26-28. On their recent trip to Minneapolis and the Michigan Living Youth Camp, Mr. and Mrs. Meredith visited one of those locations under consideration: Charlotte, North Carolina, where some encouraging doors may be opening. He also directed Mr. Richard Ames and Mr. Rodger Bardo (our research consultant) to visit the Charlotte area (this past Sunday through Tuesday) and research several promising properties. Their research is continuing, and they will include their findings in a report to be presented to the Headquarters leadership in the next few days and later to the Council of Elders. Please continue to pray for God's guidance and blessings on our relocation research and the upcoming COE conference."
Youth Activity
Mr. and Mrs. Meredith and my wife returned from the Living Church of God youth camp Monday evening. According to their personal experience, the camp was a resounding success this year. I want to publicly thank all who served on the staff—church members who sacrificed their time, young adults who served as workers and the ministers who worked long hours serving while there. The camp experience is not only a "camping" experience. It is organized as a training experience, with emphasis on Christian living. The members of the staff put in long days—and some nights—seeing that the campers are properly cared for and included in the program. I know from personal experience that it is a very demanding task. Thanks again to all who served!
Feast of Tabernacles
For those attending the Feast in Lancaster, PA, the last day you may make reservations at the Lancaster Host at our reduced rate of $75.00 per night is August 21st. After this date, rates go up to $135.00 and rooms will be very hard to obtain. Phone: 800-233-0121.
Also, those who would like to sing in the choir/children's Choir or perform special music at Lancaster should contact Mr. David Chornomaz at: 203-723-7592; [email protected].
Conclusion
Recently the host of the Jeopardy TV shows decried the hypocritical trend of the entertainment media persons (including newscasters, who are viewed as entertainment) to say on the one hand that the blatant immorality they portray in films does not corrupt young viewers, while they claim on the other hand great influence for "good causes" that they endorse.
What is the standard by which we may judge public statements of TV, movie, and other entertainment "stars?"
I believe the first standard of judgment is the "Hypocrisy" rule. As defined by Webster's dictionary, hypocrisy is: "The feigning of qualities and beliefs one does not actually possess or hold, especially a pretense of piety or moral superiority."
Some may justify themselves by claiming that they are not feigning qualities and beliefs of piety or moral superiority—as their lives attest. However, when they presume to speak publicly on social and moral issues, their personal lives become an issue.
The prophet Isaiah wrote, (Isaiah 5:20) "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!"
In addressing some hypocritical religious leaders Jesus said, (John 8:38, 41-48):
John 8:38 "I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father. 41 Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, we be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God. 42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me. 43 Why do ye not understand my speech? Even because ye cannot hear my word. 44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. 45 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not. 46 Which of you convinceth [convicteth] me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? 47 He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. 48 Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?"
These hypocrites could only insinuate that Jesus was born of fornication, was a Samaritan and was demon possessed. Their scandalous accusations were made in an effort to discredit Jesus—consistent with Isaiah's prophecy—and, they employed the tactics of the devil because they were of the devil's attitude and accusative spirit.
It is understood that the accuser is very often the guilty party—hence my mother would often say when one of her children would report some wrongdoing to her, "Fox is finder, stink lays behind her." Translated, that means: "I assume that you, the accuser, probably did what you are accusing your brother of doing."
While we are pointing out the hypocrisy of the world, the greater challenge is to see our own hypocrisies and to change. As personal coach Jim Warner said, "Solitude is often the hardest discipline, because none of us want to be with someone we don't love, namely ourselves."
Have a great Sabbath, and travel safely.
Carl McNair