Final Remarks

[At the end of the tape containing the message Mr. Baker gave at his wife’s funeral, and which also contains “The Virtuous Woman”, he gave some remarks worth remembering. These are of a most practical nature concerning the walk-life in Christ.]

Now folks, I would like to make some final remarks on this tape. We have given you our thoughts on the first side of this cassette concerning the things that Mae knew and believed, her faith and her faithfulness.

Having lived together for over 62 years; we worked together, we thought together, we prayed together. In fact it was a togetherness all the way through. I’ve sometimes spoken of her as being my better 15/16th, and I’m not joking. I feel that a great part of me is gone. And I hope that is the attitude of husbands and wives who listen to this tape, and who are endeavoring to live a good Christian life!

I have many times marveled at Mae’s perfect poise, her faith, her assurance as she went about her duties, as she studied, or when times of trial came, was there cool and ready to do her part. And that is as it should be, of course.

Now I would like for folks to go over these things we’ve been discussing, especially on the virtuous woman in Prov., and see if we can get ourselves and others to do these things, “that we might be to the praise of His glory.” These things are important in the sight of God. I know there are people who think they can be saved, then do as they please. Well that is true, but they’ve got the cart a little bit before the horse. They’re thinking in fleshly terms, that they can be saved and still do things according to the flesh. You can’t do that! The things that you please to do must be in the spirit. And if you are truly saved, Christ in you and you in Christ, there won’t be any problem. But just as sure as you follow after the things of the flesh, you’re going to have problems with that.

And so in the case of husbands and wives; husbands are to love their wives, and wives are to obey their own husbands (not the priest or preacher or anybody else) that is a close relationship. Remember that Eve was the only woman born from man, taken out of man. And there’s a lot you can say about the relationship there. Adam and Eve were one flesh. And we’re told that today also, that man and wife are one flesh (Eph. 5:31). And Paul has given examples in his writings about one hand not agreeing with the other and so on. Supposing one foot wants to go one way and the other foot the other way? Now that is like husband and wife, they should walk together. I can’t lay it on too thick!

And so in the case of husbands and wives; husbands are to love their wives, and wives are to obey their own husbands (not the priest or preacher or anybody else) that is a close relationship.

We're living in a day in which there is so much greed and fleshly things, all of that, that these relationships are about forgotten in many circles. Oh yes, we have them here and there, wonderful examples, but you don't find them out in public places particularly, and you don't find them in the sports column or entertainment section. And you don't necessarily find them in church, because a lot of church people are simply fleshly. So don't expect anybody to be spiritual and have all of these things (as in Proverbs 31:10-31, and so on) simply because he belongs to a church. That isn't enough, he has to belong to Christ. And in Christ we are able to do all these things that we have been talking about.

I'm rambling, I know, but these things are so important, and in my experience I have found them very satisfying. In fact I can rejoice now, even though I have lost Mae, because I have something yet. I have memories, good memories of things. I have the results of her labors, and so can rejoice. I was just thinking a few days ago about some of the problems we had and how easily we got heads together, and agreed, and solved the problems -- problems that were more easily solved by two than by one. And that is true in the family. Husband and wife should have their conferences together, put their heads together, and come to an agreement about things, and decide just how to carry them out. And they will find with a little practice at that, things will go smoother, and that they will have more joy! So let's see then if we can get ourselves and others to do these things, “that we might be to the praise of His glory.” These things are important in the sight of God.

[This concludes the TFT tape recorded by Mr. Baker on 5-15-86. On it were these topics: “Proverbs 31:10-31, The Virtuous Women”, “Ephesians One Highlights”, and “Final Remarks”. The other side of this tape was recorded at the funeral of Mae Baker, 4-19-86. Mr. Baker gave that day one of his most memorable and heartfelt messages on, “Mae's Testimony and Life”. He opened with the following remarks.]

I took this position today because I wanted Mae to speak to you, and this is the only way I could do it. She has always been a quiet helper, in the background, always ready to talk and sympathize with people….