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(continued from previous page)
 It
is not our intention to be hypercritical (the F.F. article is a
thought-provoker) but this and many other common concepts of
unity and how to achieve it need reexamination. Maturity in
unity, as in all other Christian endeavors, is not perfection in
the absolute. Christ's desire and prayer that we be one "as
thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee;" is no different
than "Be ye holy, for I am holy" (1 Pet. 1:16), or,
"Be ye merciful, even as your Father is merciful" (Lu.
6:36). None of these ideals will be achieved absolutely in this
life. But misconceptions regarding human perfection are greatly
overshadowed by fallacious alternatives.
Substituting
"brotherhood conclusions" for the perfect inspired
word is one error. Richardson wrote (Memoirs of A. Campbell)
"A sect is characterized by a marked stagnation of
religious thought. The theological system of each party
surrounds it with fixed boundaries which afford no outlet to
free investigation." When we think we have everything
worked out, and our conclusions are equivalent to
"truth," we are truly a sect.
Another
equally erroneous concept, and perhaps more deceptive, for its
followers think they are promoting God-approved love and unity,
is sometimes called "unity in diversity." We are
reminded of human imperfection, and told that since God knows we
can not be absolutely one, we must fellowship (have
sharing relationship, support and encourage) that which we
believe to be error. Proponents even cite Rom. 14: although that
passage denounces any who "condemneth himself in that which
he
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alloweth" (14:22-23). Romans 14: urges
patience with one whose knowledge is weak (1 Cor. 8:7-f) but
insists each must do what he does because he fully believes God
wants him to so act (vs. 5-8,12). Being considerate of a weak
brother does not mean refrain from teaching him, or finance and
encourage his error.
The
inspired will of God is presented to the human mind with clear
indication that man is capable of understanding it (Jn. 20:31;
Lu. 1:3-4; 2 Pet. 1:15; 3:1-2). But we must be aware of our
imperfections and ever "search the Scriptures"
"prove all things." While it is true that no man knows
all truth, it is equally true that all truth is available, and
no man is acceptable before God who is satisfied with his level
of learning, and no longer tries to learn all that God
has said. "Unity of the spirit" is achieved in the
common endeavor, not in some sectarian idea of right.
Brethren
can never be one until they communicate with one-another in a
common search for truth. We must desire to be one (not
satisfied with "our church" party). We must realize
that Christian perfection is found in an attitude — the
"follow after-reaching- forth-press toward the mark"
mind that Paul had (Phil. 3:12-15). Some will be willing to
study with you who are not true brethren; but genuine brethren
are happy to learn and share their knowledge of Gods word.
We are ONE at it' s best when we stand mutually humble before
the throne of God, genuinely trying to serve Him. Party pride
(Jn. 12:42-43) is Satan's most powerful tool against Bible
unity.
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