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Duty of Man continues Elder Philip N. Conley

So, if there are people in this world that are not good at all, how could we fix any esti-
mation or value to someone (honour them) as is our duty to do? Excellent question!
Consider the steps and conduct of the Master. Though He will one day judge them in
righteousness and banish them from His glory and blessings to utter ruin, He still

gives them "types" of honour here.

One example would be found in Matthew 5:45. In the Sermon on the Mount, Christ

encourages His disciples to do good to others, particularly emphasizing those that are
evil. Why? Even our Father sends natural blessings and honours unto the unjust as
well as the just. They get sunlight every day, rain in due season, and can live in
nations that are blessed by the providence of Almighty God. No doubt there have
been goats a plenty living in America since her founding a couple hundred years ago.

Yet, they have enjoyed the liberties and privileges that we as God's faithful believe
come to us by God's blessing. If God can so give natural honour and goodness to
these men, so can we. If in need or having lack, we should be ready and willing to

provide the blessings we can should the opportunity arise.

"Love the brotherhood." Though we should be faithful and honourable to all people
and live in peace as much as possible with them (Romans 12:18), there should be
something special about certain people in this world. Peter here calls it the brother-

hood, and the term is synonymous with Scripture's reference of "brethren" or
"brother." These are considered our kin, and in respect to Christ, the kinship goes
beyond and further than natural ties and bonds. The brotherhood should be the most

special people on earth. Paul showed this contrast in Galatians 6:10 when he exhorted
the brethren to do good to all men but especially the household of faith. While we
should be willing to distribute and help our fellowman when he is in need, how much
moreso should we do with the brethren?

To put it in the form of a natural illustration, I love children, and though people prob-
ably think I have lost my marbles from time to time, I like talking to the babies, tod-
dlers, and young children particularly at church. Sometimes they laugh at me, some-

times they draw up at my ugly countenance, but I still enjoy it. However, with other
people's children, I am more reactive in my approach to them. If they want to ignore
me, that is fine. If they want to interact, that is fine too. I try not to press it. However,
with my own children, I take a very proactive approach. If I call them, I expect them
to answer. If I talk to them or ask them something, I expect a response. Why? They

continued