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 Ask
me about the “needs” among our brethren, and you may get an
answer that seems contradictory. “We” need to stiffen up,
take a more firm stand against error, fight the good fight of
faith; and we need to develop more compassion, humility, a
greater respect for others, including enemies.
To
some this is like recommending a soft, musical battle cry; like
trying to teach a dog to fight another dog without growling,
bristling, or showing the teeth. As a battle tactic the “soft”
approach is difficult to maintain— “heap coals of fire” so
we can enjoy watching him squirm — but we have nothing like
this in mind. We are talking about really loving our
enemies— treating them fairly “as we would that men should
do” to us. It seems a contradiction of nature does it not? And
it is that— a paradox.
How
can one be GREAT in the role of a slave (Matt. 20:25-28)? Or
Lord and Master as a washer of feet (Jn. 13:12-17)? How can one
save his life by losing it (Matt. 10:39)? Tell me how one could
become Savior and King by hanging upon a cruel cross??
It
is not difficult for me to
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comprehend the bewilderment and frustration
of the apostle Peter. His confidence that Jesus would not be
slain was rebuked as “Satan” and “thou savourest not the
things that be of God but those that be of men.” (Matt. 16:)
Peter was willing to fight for the Lord, but it was hard to
grasp the nature of the battle to be fought. We have much
the same problem today.
Undoubtedly,
genuine strength begets confidence, poise, and a certain “magnanimity
of soul.” A man rarely barks back at a dog. When the argument
is weak we pound the pulpit; but a solid grasp of truth makes
its own emphasis when directly presented. If we could only
believe in the power of the gospel to the extent we claim!!
What
seems, and probably is a contradiction of fleshly nature, is
wholly in accord with the spiritual nature which God would
develop within us (2 Cor. 10:3-f). Some of “us” need to “stand”
more firmly; some need to trim their volume and their spirits;
but all need to rely more upon God than upon horse and carnal
armor.
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