About Persecution

Posted on March 17, 2003 by Danny Glover

By Jack Glover

Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable. For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly. For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God. (I Pet. 2:18-20)

Peter directed that admonition to his brethren scattered among Gentile nations. It was important that they set the proper example before the Gentiles. He had instructed them to “[put] aside all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander” (verse 1), and to seek growth in Christ by desiring the milk of the word (verse 2). They (both Jews and Gentiles) were a chosen generation and were to keep their manner of life honest before the Gentiles.

Among the good, correct attitudes to be displayed, Peter said, are respect and honor to various government authorities and their brethren, and a fear of God. By doing this, the Christians of the first century would “put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.” After those instructions, Peter then wrote the words at the beginning of this article.

What kind of reasoning prompted Peter to teach obedience to “froward,” or severe, masters? Actually, Jesus had taught something similar in the Sermon on the Mount: “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. … For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?” (Matt. 5:44, 46-47)

Persecution takes many forms. Many of the first Christians faced death or other physical hardships. We seldom face such things today, but we do face dealing with good and bad actions by others. The boss may be unreasonable; fellow employees often ridicule or seek unfair advantage; friends become enemies; and brethren do not follow the instructions to lay aside guile, hypocrisies and evil speaking. With little thought, this list could increase. Christians often struggle with how to deal with this type of persecution. We do not necessarily face it because we are Christians, but our reactions to it show what kind of stones we are.

The point made by both Jesus and Peter is that suffering for your own fault brings no reward from God. Sin always has consequences. Suffering for our lack of love or wrong actions are simply the consequences of sin and deserve no reward. We should expect it and take it patiently, even if the one causing the suffering is a perverse, unreasonable master or enemy.

However, suffering for doing what is right and good does bring reward from God. We may not see the reward immediately, but God will reward our suffering for good. Peter even had the nerve to say that we should be happy about this type of suffering (I Pet. 3:14, 17; 4:15-17). And Paul added in one of his letters to Timothy: “It is a trustworthy statement: ‘For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him; if we endure, we will also reign with Him; if we deny Him, He also will deny us” (II Tim. 2:11-12).

A certain amount of suffering or persecution will come to all Christians, some more than others (II Tim. 3:12). How we deal with that persecution, and with those who are responsible for it, is vital to our salvation.

Christians do not have the privilege of revenge (Rom. 12:19-20). There are times that we simply have to endure the suffering, ridicule, unjust treatment, lies, gossip and lack of love by brethren and the world. We should expect these things from those who do not love God or subscribe to His principles, but it hurts much more when it comes from those in the church, who are supposed to know better. Nevertheless, it will come, as it always has (I Tim. 4:10; Philip. 1:29-30).

Developing the ability to endure suffering does not come easy. For most of us it will be a lifelong struggle. But remember that God is on our side and that spiritual endurance has its eternal reward. “Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right” (I Pet. 4:19).

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The Mugwump Way

Posted on February 3, 2003 by Danny Glover

By Danny Glover

When I was young, my grandfather told me a corny joke about the mugwump. I now know that mugwumps were the politically independent folks who bolted the Republican Party in 1884, but back then Grandpa actually had me convinced that a mugwump was a bird — the kind that sat on a fence with its “mug” on one side and its “wump” on the other. I liked the joke so much that Grandpa calls me Mugwump to this day.

We both chuckle every time he uses that nickname, and I proudly wear it in this life as a childhood term of endearment from a fun-loving grandparent. The moniker is not one I want following me to the hereafter, though, because the last thing I want is for my Father in heaven to judge me a man who sat on the fence between good and evil, looking toward the light but never quite willing to fly away from the darkness of the world.

The Bible narrative is replete with stories of spiritual mugwumps, and those stories serve as a warning of harsh judgment to come for all who travel that noncommittal course.

Lot’s wife was perhaps preeminent among the fence sitters. “God remembered Abraham,” Lot’s uncle, by sending two angels to save Lot and his family from the fire and brimstone about to rain on Sodom and Gomorrah. The angels’ warning was unequivocal — “Escape for your life! Do not look behind you” — but Lot’s wife just could not take flight from the sin cities without one last glance. She paid the ultimate price, instantly becoming a pillar of salt (Gen. 19:12-29).

Judas, too, perched himself atop the treacherous mugwump divide. Jesus chose him as an apostle because he was qualified for that office (Luke 6:12-13), but Judas is remembered as “the son of perdition” (John 17:12) and the “devil” who betrayed Christ (John 6:70). Judas felt remorse when his actions condemned Christ. Yet even then he ultimately chose the wrong flight path, selfishly killing himself rather than being moved to repentance by a “godly sorrow” (Matt. 27:3-9).

And then there was Demas. The apostle Paul once ranked him as a “fellow-worker” with the likes of Luke, Mark and Aristarchus (Col. 4:14; Philemon 1:24) but later complained that Demas had deserted him, “having loved this present world” (II Tim. 4:10). Demas clearly did not understand that “if any one loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (I John 2:15-17).

Like other birds, mugwumps tend to flock to the fence. The Israelites, God’s chosen people, never could quite decide whether they wanted to serve God or mammon. The eye of that nation was so bad that its whole body filled with a great darkness, and God eventually turned to the Gentiles (Matt. 6:22-24). The church at Laodicea faced a similar fate for its apathy toward all things religious, earning this rebuke from Jesus: “So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth” (Rev. 3:16).

The grandchild within me will always smile at the image of the silly mugwump sitting on a fence. But I pray that the soul within me will always strive to be more like those “birds of the air” described by Matthew — those that neither sow nor reap nor gather in barns (Matt. 6:25-26), but rather trust in their Father and feast on His “true bread out of heaven” (John 6:32).

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Another Year

Posted on December 30, 2002 by Danny Glover

By Jack Glover

I’m not certain, but I don’t think I have ever made a New Year’s resolution. Many do make them, but few keep them. It seems that the end of the year causes us to reflect on our accomplishments, and failures, with a desire to change or improve upon our failures. Why is that so? Perhaps it is tradition, or it might be a convenient time, but whatever the reason, we always talk about or make those resolutions.

The years exist because God set that order in creation (Gen. 1:14). Man’s years on the earth also are limited (Psalms 90:10). No man knows when his death will come or the existence of time will end (James 4:13-14; II Pet. 3:10). These scriptures reveal the importance of time and our use of it. Paul emphasizes this further when he encourages us to redeem the time, meaning we only have one chance to use it (Eph. 5:16; Col. 4:5). Obviously, man needs to take account of his life more than at the beginning of the year.

Am I discouraging New Year’s resolutions? No, I am not discouraging our reviewing the different aspects of our life at this time of year, but I am encouraging a more frequent review. Job said, “My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle, and come to an end without hope.” (Job 7:6). The spirit of man can be separated from the body at any moment, bringing death (James 2:26). Paul issued the warning that we should “examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith (II Cor. 13:5).

The importance of being prepared when we are called from this earth cannot be overemphasized, but our being prepared will be determined by our works while here (II Cor. 5:10). The most important resolution one can make in life is to obey God, but that must be a continuous resolution, not something we think about once a year (Heb. 3:13).

So let each of us make the decision to live a life daily that is based upon God’s instructions. If we give diligence in our study (II Tim. 2:15), and strive to correct our faults as we recognize them, there will be little need for resolutions at the beginning of each year. None of us know if we will have the beginning of another year.

Let us understand as the wise writer Solomon said: “There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven” (Ecc. 3:1). Let us use the time God gives us wisely, and give thanks daily to Him for life and the blessings he gives (Eph. 5:20).

Happy New Year!

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Celebrating Christ Every Day

Posted on December 16, 2002 by Danny Glover

By Jack Glover

It’s that time of year again. You know, the time when we talk about joy, love, being kind to our fellowmen — all the things Christ taught. Perfect strangers wish us a merry Christmas (Cristes mæsse, literally, Christ’s mass), or happy holidays. Families travel miles to assemble with Moms, Dads, brothers, sisters, Grandpas, Grandmas and many other relatives.

We think about the poor and those who are lonely. We especially care about the happiness of children. We listen to some wonderful music and songs that bring good feelings. Special movies and TV shows fill the airways. It is a hectic yet wonderful time of the year, and it’s all because Christ told us to celebrate his birthday, right? Wrong.

What is wrong with remembering Christ on Dec. 25? Nothing — if we remember Him the same way the rest of the year. We should remember Christ, but we need to do it every day of the year, not just one special day.

Most would say, what is wrong with setting aside a special day to remember Christ, and especially the day of his birth? Nothing, if Christ had taught that He wanted people to do so, but he did not. Christ emphasized His death and our special observance of it on the first day of every week (Matt. 26:26-29, I Cor. 11:24-25, Acts 20:7).

The scriptures relate the story of Christ’s birth in Luke 2. That account includes no instructions to celebrate His birth or any teaching concerning the day of His birth. All conclusions that we can read today concerning His birthday are speculation; none are from the Bible or have a biblical basis.

The story of Christ’s birth is a beautiful account of the fulfillment of prophecy and the scheme of redemption that was in the mind of God from the beginning (Eph. 3:9, II Thess. 2:13-14). It is an account to be studied for the facts available there. It should never be minimized, but it contains no authority for the religious celebration of His birth. Christians must do all things by the authority of this very Christ (Matt. 28:19, Col. 3:17).

It is not acceptable for man to devise his own laws (Matt. 15:8-9). As beautiful as the story of the birth of Christ is, and as much as it seems good to man to celebrate it, there is no authority to do so. Christians must function by the authority of the One for whom they are named.

The many religious functions of Christmas fall into the category of those mentioned in Matt. 15:9 because they are the creations of man, not mentioned in the Bible. Man must not presume what God or His Son desires. Not celebrating the birth of Christ may seem ridiculous, foolish and harsh, or overly narrow-minded to some, but it is a path that must be followed if we are to serve God with authority.

Yes, it’s that time of year again. But I’m wondering why we only seem to think about these happy, kind greetings and concern for others during this limited time. Did not the One whose birthday many claim to celebrate teach that this was to be a way of life, every day. Check Matthew 5-6.

So I wish the best for all during this season, but more importantly my wish is for your obedience to the Christ during all seasons. Only that obedience will bring true happiness and the eternal reward (Heb. 5:8-9).

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The Heart Of Man

Posted on December 2, 2002 by Danny Glover

By Danny Glover

Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men (I Cor. 1:25).

Those words of Paul came to mind recently when The Washington Post published a story about a controversy involving the brains of terrorists. When four members of the Red Army Faction killed themselves in the 1970s, German officials ordered their brains removed and studied to determine what short circuit of the mind might have led the terrorists to kill more than 30 people in shootings, bombings and kidnappings.

The story made me think about Paul’s teaching on wisdom because the idea that terrorism or any other sin has its genesis in the brain is the wisdom of men. The “foolishness of God” as revealed in the Bible, on the other hand, makes it quite clear that the corruption or the purity of a man is evident not in his head but in his heart, which is a metaphor for the soul.

That truth is evident as early as the story of the flood. God destroyed man because He saw the great wickedness and continual evil in “every intent of the thoughts of his heart” (Gen. 6:5). After the flood, furthermore, God promised never again to “curse the ground on account of man, for the intent of man’s heart is evil from his youth” (Gen. 8:21).

The anointing both of Saul and David as kings of Israel show that purity also begins in the heart. God sent the Spirit of the Lord to change Saul’s heart upon his anointing (I Sam. 10:6, 9). And when Samuel suggested that David’s eldest brother, Eliab, was a more fitting king than David, God told Samuel: “Do not look at his appearance or the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (I Sam. 16:7).

Many other stories convey the same ideas. Esau vowed “in his heart” that he would kill his brother, Jacob, for cheating him out of his birthright (Gen. 27:41). God hardened Pharaoh’s heart to accomplish His will for Israel (Ex. 4:21). And Abijam stumbled as king of Judah because “his heart was not wholly devoted to the Lord” (I Kings 15:3).

Solomon made the point best in one of his proverbs: “As in the water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects man” (Prov. 27:19). And in New Testament times, James added that temptation is the result of our own heartfelt lusts. “Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death” (James 1:14-15).

The brain does play an important role in spiritual development. It helps us attain the purity of heart we need to stay faithful. Paul emphasized that point when he told the Philippians to think on the things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute, excellent and praiseworthy in order to find the peace of God that guards hearts and minds (Philip. 4:7-9).

Yet while scientists have learned much about man by studying the brain, and may learn even more, their quest to find the trigger to terrorism and other heinous crimes is misguided. The cure for sin cannot be found in our bodies; it can be found only in Christ, for “in Him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace, which He lavished upon us” (Eph. 1:7-8).

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Difficult Questions

Posted on November 18, 2002 by Danny Glover

By Jack Glover

When the Queen of Sheba wanted to prove the wisdom of Solomon, she asked him “hard questions (I Kings 10:1). One of the earliest events in Jesus’ life also involves questions. “Then, after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers” (Luke 2:46-47). And Paul declared himself happy to answer before Agrippa the charges against him “because you are an expert in all customs and questions among the Jews” (Acts 26:3).

Questions are a part of Bible study, but we must learn to follow some guidelines. Paul, for instance, warned Timothy not to “pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation rather than furthering the administration of God which is by faith” (I Tim. 1:4). Timothy lived when great emphasis was placed on historical tales and family lineage, some of which was tradition. Although such information had a place in the Jewish religion, that is not to be so with Christians. The church must emphasize edification, not things that cause divisive questions.

We learn the Bible by asking questions. But we only learn if we ask reasonable, logical questions, the answers to which are revealed in the scriptures. We are warned to avoid “foolish and ignorant speculations” that cause strife (II Tim. 2:23) because there is nothing to gain from asking philosophical questions that have no revealed answers. Many people today want to make Bible study difficult by asking questions that men can answer only with their wisdom, and we have been warned of that danger (I Cor. 1:19-21).

What is it about man that causes him to make the simple difficult? Paul answered that question when he told Timothy that such men are “conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain” (I Tim. 6:4-5). Pride makes men want to emphasize their supposedly great knowledge. Like the Athenians, they are only interested in “telling or hearing something new” (Acts 17:21). That attitude often causes men to wrest the scriptures like those condemned by Peter (II Pet. 3:15-16).

We all have questions, and that is good. But let us be satisfied with what the scriptures reveal on any subject, and if nothing is revealed, let us be satisfied with that, too. We should be careful to heed the warnings against foolish and unlearned questions. If we confine our time to what we can easily know, without speculation, our study will be more beneficial.

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Living In Love

Posted on November 11, 2002 by Danny Glover

By Jack Glover

God taught Christians to be loving people. “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35).

In this verse, Jesus uses Himself as an example of how we are to love one another. We are to love in the same way Jesus loved us. This command is repeated in John 15:12-13, where we are told, “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” In both His teaching and His example, Jesus was love.

Some of his teachings were to:

Love often is advocated these days but seldom practiced as the Bible teaches it. Everyone thinks they deserve the love of others but, based on their actions, apparently do not believe they are obligated to love others. We excuse our unkind and critical remarks against our brethren with the thoughtless comment “that’s just the way I am” instead of striving to grow in love (Eph. 4:15-16).

Christians are not to love occasionally, when convenient or desirable, but are to “walk in love, just as Christ also loved you” (Eph. 5:2). It is to become a way of life, with Jesus as our guide. We are to be “of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose” (Philip. 2:2). We are to “increase and abound in love” (I Thess. 3:12).
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Fear

Posted on October 14, 2002 by Danny Glover

By Jack Glover

The fear of man brings a snare, but he who trusts in the Lord will be exalted. (Prov. 29:25).

I don’t like being afraid. Call me a chicken, but I’m not into things that promote fear, even if it is the Halloween season. Many times, the source of fear is evil, real or imagined. That is why unscrupulous people can play on our fears for gain or other purposes.

I was only three years old when World War II began. I don’t remember much about it, but I do remember the blackouts. Even in the hills of West Virginia, when a blackout was called, all lights went out. For a three-year-old, and probably for adults, that was a scary time. “Is a formation of bombers on the way?” people thought. No one knew; families were just told to turn out the lights. Looking back, there was little for us to fear, but we did not know it at the time.

Times have changed. Now we live in a nation that is no longer protected by two oceans. Missiles and planes can reach us, and we have people living among us who plot to destroy us. Should we live in fear? How do Christians conduct their lives in such times?

If we look at the scriptures, we see that Christians have always lived in perilous times, often under harsh governments. Both the religious and temporal governments persecuted the first Christians. “Now Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest, and asked for letters from him to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, both men and women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.” (Acts 9:1-2).

Yet the answer they gave showed that their circumstances did not control their actions. “‘But so that it will not spread any further among the people, let us warn them to speak no longer to any man in this name.’ … But Peter and John answered and said to them, ‘Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.'” (Acts 4:17, 19-20).

Does this mean the disciples never felt fear? Of course not. Fear is a natural emotion. Peter followed Jesus to His trial but was afraid to confess Him (Matt. 26:69-75). Joseph, who claimed the body of Jesus, kept his discipleship secret because of fear (John 19:38). Nicodemus came to Jesus by night (John 3:1-2). Sometimes early Christians failed to handle their fears well, just as we do.

Are Christians to support truth and righteousness at all times, even in the face of danger? Jesus said, “Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.'” (Matt. 10:28). And Peter, having matured much since his denial of Christ, added: “But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled'” (I Pet. 3:14).

Are the cares of life, and dangers, which come from war, governments, terrorists and other daily activities, going to cause us fear? Indeed they will, and it is right for Christians to be concerned about such things. We are instructed, “First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.'” (I Tim. 2:1-2).

In the past, Christians in our nation have had little to fear from either other religions or nations. We pray this will continue, but other great nations have fallen because of sin and their rejection of God, by disobeying His commands, while professing His name. Pray that all will follow God’s will. “A wise man is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is arrogant and careless.” (Prov. 14.16).

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God’s Way Of Child-rearing

Posted on September 23, 2002 by Danny Glover

By Jack Glover

I expect many of you have heard of, or seen, the child abuse that recently took place in Indiana. A mother was captured on a store security camera punching and shaking her little girl after taking her to the car. As I write this, the mother has surrendered and is facing some serious charges.

By the mother’s own confession, the case in Indiana involves a woman clearly out of control and engaged in sin. The Bible does not advocate child abuse and instead demands the opposite: parental nurturing and love.

The father is told not to “provoke your children to anger” (Eph. 6:4) lest they “lose heart” (Col. 3:21). Mothers are instructed to “love their children” so that “the word of God be not blasphemed.” Parents, furthermore, should see their children as God sees them: “How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them; they will not be ashamed when they speak with their enemies in the gate” (Ps. 127:5).

When the disciples tried to stop the children from bothering Jesus, He rebuked them and instructed them that the kingdom would be made up of such (Luke 18:16), meaning that we adults need to learn their good characteristics. Yes, children are a blessing.

But they are children, and the Bible teaches that they also need instruction in order to develop into adults. That responsibility falls upon the parents, especially fathers (Eph. 6:4), and it includes — or actually is — discipline.

The scriptures tell us that “no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby” (Heb. 12:11). God instructs parents to “train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame. And that even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right” (Prov. 20:11, 22:6, 22:15, 29:15).

The obvious conclusion from the scriptures is that parents must discipline, teach, chastise and instruct their children without being abusive. The problem is we live in a nation that becomes more liberal and permissive each day. What if some someone with a video camera decides to report the parent who is using proper discipline because the man or woman behind the camera has decided that any “use of the rod” is abuse? That attitude is apparent with policemen, teachers, hotel desk clerks, storekeepers and others who might condemn even the God-sanctioned use of physical discipline.

Many in our nation think any kind of physical discipline is abuse and are quite willing to “turn you in” for proper child discipline or condemn you if you advocate that others discipline their children. It’s just another trial for those who love their children and dare advocate that God’s way is right.

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A Week To Remember

Posted on September 16, 2002 by Danny Glover

By Jack Glover

Where were you on Sept. 11, 2001? That question was asked many times this week as the nation — and the world — remembered the first anniversary of the worst terrorist attacks in history. Naturally, people gave many and varied answers. They expressed about every emotion known to man as people related where they were and how they felt upon hearing of the destruction and loss of life.

Like others, I know exactly where I was. Because of multiple sclerosis, my mornings are not my best time, so after taking a handful of medication, I’m usually trying to sit in some position of comfort, waiting for the spasms and pain to ease, watching CNN, and studying. I saw the aftermath of the first plane hit and then saw the second hit. Then came the news of the Pentagon and Pennsylvania crashes and the tower collapses. And I kept hearing God and prayer mentioned.

My mind turned to the horrible news many were going to hear about their loved ones and then to James’ statement: “Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away” (4:14). I also thought of a like statement by Solomon: “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth” (Prov. 27:1).

How quickly our lives can change. How many people left their families Sept. 11 with a casual “see you later”? How many had plans to see a child’s school event that evening? How many left wife or husband without a kiss or “I love you,” not thinking anything about it until the opportunity was gone?

This kind of tragedy shows us what James meant when he wrote, “Instead, you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that'” (4:15). God needs to be a part of our plans, an actual living, functioning part with whom we communicate often. We all need to involve Him more — by praying without ceasing, for one thing (I Thess. 5:17).

And since I heard so many talking of God and prayer on Sept. 11, I wondered why we call on and speak of Him in times of tragedy but don’t want to talk about Him at other times, like in our schools. Would it be acceptable to pray in school if a terrorist crashed an airplane into it? I was made to wonder why so many people seem to think that God is just a God for bad times. The Bible says, “And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight” (I John 3:22).

Yes, it was a terrible time for America on Sept. 11, 2001, and worse yet for the many who lost loved ones in the attacks. May we all learn from it that we never know what the next moment holds and make profitable use of the present.

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