John-was a member of a club, and for a considerable time felt it quite right to be so; he looked upon it as a prudent provision for his wife and family, in the event of his illness or death.
However, after some time, John began to be exercised in his mind as to his position, That word in 2 Cor. 6, “Be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers,” was brought home with power to his conscience. And, moreover, he began to feel that it was very much better to trust in the living God than in the fund of a club or an association. Wherefore, after much thought and prayer, he sent in his resignation. He did this, not with any thought of condemning other people, but simply because he could not, with a good conscience, continue to be a member of a club.
John was, of course, much blamed by his friends for his imprudent step. Even many of God’s people think it quite right to join a club or an association. But John felt that he must, at all cost, obey the word of his Lord. Let others do as they would, he felt that he must walk with God; and he was right.
Some severe remarks were made upon John. Some said, “It’s all very well so long as John is able to work; but wait till sickness comes, and we shall see what will become of his faith.”
Well, it pleased God to allow sickness to come upon poor John. He was laid aside from work for some time, and all his little stock of money was spent. It was Saturday evening, and there was neither money nor food in the house.
This was a trying moment. John’s wife felt keenly to see her children in want, and in the course of the evening she went out to a provision shop, and got some things on credit. She returned with her apron full, and her husband asked her where she had been. She told him. “Well, my dear,” said he, “I am very sorry to have to grieve you; but I cannot go in debt, for the word of God says, ‘Owe no man anything!’”
You must take these things back to Mr.—, and thank him for his kindness in trusting us; but say I cannot go in debt.” He further added, “Tell him we shall send for the things again.”
In about an hour after, a person, who knew nothing of John’s circumstances, but who had heard of his faithfulness to the truth of God, called, and gave him ten shillings, so that John was able, as he had said, to send for the things again, not now on credit, but in the way of God’s appointment.
How important and how beautiful is obedience, in all things, to the word of God! The selfsame word that says, “Be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers,” says also, “Owe no man anything.” John obeyed both these holy precepts. He did not reason; he did not attempt to qualify or accommodate the word to his notions; he simply obeyed; and God blessed him in his deed, as He ever does and ever will. “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me; and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.” “If a man love me, he will keep my words; and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” John 14.