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 It
would be trite to say authority and discipline are unpopular in
current society; and unnecessary to say this spirit has affected
the church. Hundreds of churches have existed for years without
exercising corrective discipline in a single case — and not
because everyone was faithful. Bring up the subject, and
brethren tremble because we see trouble at the door.
Why
does church discipline have such a reputation? 1) Brethren have
not learned to think objectively — to separate personal
feelings from principles — to lose self in the greater cause
of Christ. 2) Discipline, has been abused, used vindictively
(when we wanted to "tell off" someone), or practice
majority rule. Or, 3) it has been neglected for so long there is
no "easy" place to start. We await some horrible deed
that will shock us all — and we are building an immunity to
shock. Perhaps some churches have acted to SAVE FACE respecting
highly publicized events; or a few may have made a
"flag" of disfellowship —proving
"soundness" by something akin to martial law; but for
the most part we have neglected corrective discipline.
A
comparison of Job 36:10, 2 Tim. 1:7, and 2 Tim. 3:16 — in K.J.
and A.S. versions, will show discipline and a controlled and
instructed mind have much in common.
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Discipline begins as we present the call of the gospel
to an alien. He is "called out of darkness" (1 Pet.
2:9), is taught to crucify the "old man" in obedience
to a "form of doctrine" that he might become a
"servant of righteousness" (Rom. 6:3-7, 16-18). While
not corrective or punitive in the sense of disfellowship, this
hedges about and brings into line in a most positive way. If we
are careful to explain the cost of discipleship (Lu. 14:26-f)
and the necessity forgiving "self" unto the Lord, this
initial "discipline" will spare the need for much
later correction.
1
Jn. 1:5-7 makes the relation of discipline to fellowship very
obvious. "God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
If we say that we have fellowship with him and walk in darkness,
we lie..." The means of forgiveness, hence of fellowship
with God, is provided by Christ; but my forgiveness, my
fellowship is contingent upon my walking in the light. This
involves a humble walk, ever acknowledging my inadequacy, my
need for Him. ("If we confess ...he is faithful and just to
forgive" v. 9.)
Church
discipline, properly viewed, is a part of the mutual assistance
we should expect among Christians in our effort to walk in
fellowship with God.
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