Editorial: "Know Any Christian Apple Packers?"

 •  2 min. read  •  grade level: 9
 
Recently, when visiting dear brethren who operate an apple orchard and packing facility, I was told of an apple grower who, having been routinely cheated by dishonest packers, asked the above question while seeking a new packer.
Because apple growers are paid according to the quality of their fruit, an unscrupulous packer, by purposely under-grading the produce, pays less than fair market value, while pocketing the extra money.
Though not a Christian himself, the grower had some sense that if he could find a packer known to be Christian, he could expect to be treated honestly.
He obviously identified Christianity—not with words—but with high moral standards of conduct.
Though the Bible contains many examples of saints whose lives, being above reproach, rendered bright testimony to the holiness of God, let us reverently and with hearts bowed in worship consider some of the testimony rendered by the only perfect Man who lived on this earth—our Lord Jesus Christ. “Behold My servant, whom I have chosen; My beloved, in whom My soul is well pleased” (Matt. 12:1818Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall show judgment to the Gentiles. (Matthew 12:18)). “And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well” (Mark 7:3737And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak. (Mark 7:37)). “All bare Him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth” (Luke 4:2222And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph's son? (Luke 4:22)). “The officers answered, Never man spake like this man” (John 7:4646The officers answered, Never man spake like this man. (John 7:46)). What a glorious pattern for us to follow! May we take heed to the admonitions given us by the Spirit through the Apostle Paul: “Walk as children of light  .  .  .  proving what is agreeable to the Lord  .  .  .  and do not have fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather also reprove them.  .  .  .  See therefore how ye walk” (Eph. 5:8,10-11,158For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (Ephesians 5:8)
10Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. 11And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. (Ephesians 5:10‑11)
15See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, (Ephesians 5:15) JND).
Ed.