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 Disturbed
men are no new phenomena among brethren. A study of religious
journalism will reveal there have always been “Voices of
Concern” by men who are upset by what they see, and want to do
something about it. Their clamor makes us aware that all is not
perfect, we are pressing toward the mark, active minds
are at work.
A
small percentage of these disturbed men will think they have
found “new” material, or are Don Quixote's, Saviors of the
church. Some will become iconoclasts, swinging destructive axes
in all directions. Many are sincere but immature, having a
childlike utopian spirit, wholly incapable of dealing with
reality. Yet, mature saints will try to be objective, test each
point by Cod’s word, and try to profit by this free-thought
process.
What
disturbs me at this writing is my reflection upon what has
happened to the “disturbed men” of the past. Where are they
now? Is their present position indicative of the disposition or
frame of mind that triggered their earlier activities? Plainly,
did they become what they, knowingly or not, set out to become?
Some
former “Voices” have lost all faith — are complete
atheists. Were they struggling with themselves at the time they
challenged brethren on other matters? Did
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they blame others for turmoil within
themselves?
Many
have taken secular jobs and are building earthly treasures. Were
they unwilling to do the Lord’s work, and trust Him for daily
bread? Was the longing for Country Club status the real “itch”
that had to be comforted? Calling others “hypocrites” can be
a cover for a real hypocrite.
Certainly,
not all disturbed men have ulterior motives. Some simply quit
the canned sermons of earlier years, and were amazed at the
truth they found when they really began to study the Bible. But
these do not blame the brethren; they go to work preaching and
teaching the truth.
Some
find, after several years of trying to preach, that this is just
not their dish. Their desire is very admirable; and now that
they recognize they can’t preach, they go right on being
faithful saints, encouraging those who can.
Still,
I am disturbed by the wreckage of once faithful Christians, now
scattered upon humanity’s shore. A college professor, or
successful business man may not seem like a “wreck” to you,
but if he is one less worker for the Lord, I am disturbed.
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