Author: Bryan Gibson

Weekly Bulletin
November 26, 2023

Better Things
by Bryan Gibson
We like to compare things—this team is better than that team; this restaurant is better than that one, etc. In some cases, we’re just expressing an opinion or a personal taste; we really don’t have enough information to be certain. But if God says one thing is better than another, there’s no room for argument. God does make statements like these, primarily in the books of Psalms, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. These are extremely profitable to us, because they help us set our priorities; they help us to see what is truly important. Let’s take a look at some of them.
Many things are better than riches—the law of God (Psalms 119:72); knowledge, wisdom, and understanding (Proverbs 3:13-14; 8:10-11, 19; 16:16); a good name (Proverbs 22:1; Ecclesiastes 7:1); and virtues such as righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness (1 Timothy 6:10-11). Moses certainly understood this, because he chose the riches of God over the riches of Egypt (Hebrews 11:24-26).
The poor man, who has the above things, is better off than the rich man who does not (Psalms 37:16; Proverbs 15:16-17; 16:8, 19; 17:1; 28:6; Eccl. 4:6). Don’t envy the rich man too much, especially if he’s had to sacrifice these better things to acquire lesser things.
What you have now (materially speaking) is better than what you hope to have one day (Ecclesiastes 6:9). Sometimes we can’t enjoy what we have now for thinking about what we would like to have. Why keep postponing happiness?
It is better to trust in God than to trust in man (Psalms 118:8-9; 146:3-7). Lots of folks discover this the hard way, after they’ve been led astray. Sadly, others won’t learn this lesson until it’s too late.
It is better not to make a promise, than to make a promise and not keep it (Ecclesiastes 5:2-5). Too many broken promises and there goes our good name. God is clear: don’t make promises you can’t keep.
A love that rebukes is better than a love that ignores faults (Proverbs 27:5; Ecclesiastes 7:5). Friends who love us enough to correct us—that’s what we need. Jesus said, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten” (Revelation 3:19).
Ruling your spirit is better than ruling a city (Proverbs 16:32). We tend to glorify the physically strong; God does just the opposite. It takes more strength to conquer oneself than to conquer others (it actually takes HIS strength to conquer self).
It is better to go to the house of mourning (a funeral) than the house of feasting (a party), for it is in the house of mourning that we learn the most valuable lessons (Ecclesiastes 7:2-4). It’s hard to go there and not think about the brevity and uncertainty of life.
The end of a thing is better than its beginning—so be patient (Ecclesiastes 7:8). This certainly applies to childrearing. Sometimes we give up too soon, when we don’t see any immediate effects of our teaching and discipline. Hebrews 12:11 should help us here: “Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” And of course it also applies to prayer—sometimes we have to “wait on the Lord” (Isaiah 40:27-31).
Two are better than one, so value your friends, your marriage companion, your family, your fellow-Christians (Ecclesiastes 4:7-12; Song of Solomon 8:7; Proverbs 17:17; 27:9; 31:10-12). Imagine life without the love and support of others. Not a pretty picture, is it?

“But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them” (Hebrews 11:16).

Contact Information
	P.O. Box 680872 / Prattville, AL 36067
	(334) 868-0801
	prattmont@gmail.com / prattmontchurchofchrist.org

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The Prattmont Church of Christ is just what the name suggests, a church that belongs to Christ. We are not a denomination; we are simply a group of Christians trying very hard to practice the teachings of our Head, Jesus Christ. The New Testament offers a complete pattern for what each local church should be like—its organization, its worship, its work, etc. We are committed to following that pattern. We cordially invite you to attend our services. We would also welcome any comments or questions about this bulletin.

TIMES OF SERVICES:
Sunday
Bible Classes………...9 A.M.
Worship 10:00 A.M.
Worship/Bible Study..5 P.M.
Wednesday:
Bible Study 7:00 P.M.