Tried-and-true Truths

Tried-and-True Truths

Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me—a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 1:13

These days it seems that every business is trying to come up with something newer, better, and faster. This may work with computers, but with some things—like farming—the best is achieved through tried-and-true methods, as one Amishman shares:

In the past, our European forefathers faced formidable obstacles, too. In spite of their hardships, they became known for their resourcefulness as farmers, developing new and better methods in agriculture. They were thinkers and trend-setters, not blind followers of the crowd. I am convinced their initiative still lives in their descendants—but not by outdoing the big time farmers at their own game, or by adopting their goals. Not at all!

Rather we need to return to the time-proven principles of past centuries, and apply them to the agriculture of today. We must not be afraid to try a “new” idea, improve it, develop its potential, yet also in the context of “a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty” (1 Timothy 2:2, [KJV]).

Instead of relying on big machinery, a million dollar investment, and mass production, our strengths must be in a good work ethic, family togetherness, integrity, church fellowship, a simple lifestyle, and the blessings of God.

Many of us follow principles passed down by our ancestors, but the best ones to follow are those passed down by God-followers in the Bible: “Work brings profit, but mere talk leads to poverty!” (Proverbs 14:23). “The wicked borrow and never repay, but the godly are generous givers” (Psalm 37:21). “Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce” (Proverbs 3:9).

What time-proven principle could you share with someone today?

Dear heavenly Father, I thank You for not leaving us to our own devices but instead for guiding us to Your truth.