What is the cost? Is it only what I have paid? What about the long term effects? Do I care? Much sorrow, strife, and loss of family and property should be included in our calculation of the cost. Are you willing to pay the total cost?

One of man’s principal goals in life is happiness. Happiness can be elusive. Many are seeking happiness in pleasures and entertainment. They seek to satisfy themselves by doing what “feels good.” What feels good may actually be detrimental to one’s character and inner spiritual well-being.

It is natural for man to desire a full, exciting, and rewarding life. Some people find fulfillment in achievement and education. Others spend their time and energy trying to get rich. Still others find a certain thrill in risk-taking. Some are willing to go to extreme ends for excitement. Betting and other forms of gambling are especially alluring to some. The lure of hitting the jackpot or winning large sums of money can be very addictive. Many homes have been brought to ruin by a father or mother who chose to gamble. Hearts have been broken and neglected because someone could not stay away from the bright lights of a casino.

Honesty is the virtue of truthfulness in relating to all the issues of life. Honesty is really a heart matter. It is a fundamental part of the gospel of Jesus Christ. God knows the thoughts and intents of the heart. He regards truth as a most important principle because He is a God of truth (Deuteronomy 32:4). He will surely bless the complete honesty of our heart. Some questions for your consideration: Do you tell the truth when you might be found out, but are less than honest when no one will know?

Purity Love Happy Homes Confidence Lust Shame Fear Broken Homes Loneliness Purity of mind, conscience, and body is a tremendous personal asset, a Christian virtue, and a blessing to mankind. Declining moral values of today cause men and women to accept and indulge in behavior that the Bible clearly defines as sin. This behavior has become an accepted way of life for many people. That which God calls sin is often accepted as permissible. What will be the result of this departure from the beautiful plan of God?

The Bible says: “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh” (Luke 6:45).

There is a way of dress that complements the Christian and his high calling. Paul writes to the Philippians, “Only let your conversation [manner of life] be as it becometh the gospel of Christ” (Philippians 1:27). An individual’s manner of dress is like a window providing a look into his heart. It makes a clear statement of his estimation of himself and reveals who is the master of his life. God’s will is for the human form to be adequately covered, not displayed. The true disciples of Christ have always been known for their modest dress.

For the wages of sin is death. (Romans 6:23) Let us face the facts. The awful monsters—drugs, alcohol, and tobacco—are threatening and destroying that which God created noble and good. Like the tentacles of a mighty octopus, they grasp and draw both young and old into their embrace.