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 In
a certain community a group of neighbors “got together” for
a purely social event, Someone went across town and borrowed a
large punch bowl from which to serve a cooling pink lemonade.
Later, when a daughter became a bride, the punch bowl was again
borrowed, for the reception. A few more parties — with the
borrow, take home problems — and some one hit upon the idea of
“chipping in” for a community punch bowl, property of all.
The
church had nothing to do with the matter, but since many of the
social group were members of the same congregation some one
suggested the punch bowl be left at the church building,
accessible to any and all. An out-of-the-way storage spot in the
basement was found, and for years the bowl was carried in and
out, serving well its innocent place in the social affairs of
the neighborhood.
No
one knows who first called it the “church punch bowl“, but
such a “natural” was bound to come. Of course many knew
better, and repeated corrections were made, but the error
persisted. Even church members, who had not been “in” on the
original purchase, thought the bowl was part of the church
property (as the chairs, song books, and communion service).
Some approved the idea, others doubted the wisdom of such a
course, and a few made a mental note of this “proof of
digression” which they would hurl against the elders when the
“right” moment arrived.
It
is not hard for me to believe that the time could come when some
would charge the elders with “social drinking”
because of
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this “church
punch bowl” in the basement. That would be no problem for
those who can make a “sleep in” out of the Arlington Bible
study of current issues. It is equally possible that, when the
elders realized the misunderstandings that were arising, and
requested the removal of the punch bowl from the church
building, some would charge them with believing the building was
“holy” or “sacred”.
“Hind-sight”
tells us the bowl should never have been left in the church
building in the first place. “Foresight” is not always so
clear. Many who think they have such marvelous foresight
today (they would never allow a punch bowl in the building) are
actually using accumulated hindsight that comes from our current
social-gospel problems. They may be actively engaged in a
practice now, that twenty years from now will appear extremely
dangerous.
The
most obvious lessons from this “church punch bowl”
illustration are (a) the importance of “little” things “Obsta
Principiis” — “resist the beginnings.” The little foxes
that spoil the vineyards. (S.of S. 2:l5) We should also learn
(b) that announcing “This is NOT a church affair” does not
greatly weaken the impact of association. Plan a social
event in the “business meeting”, announce it from the pulpit
or in the bulletin, have it on the church property. and spend
twenty minutes telling the people it IS NOT a church
affair. You will not get it across to some now — and your
explanation will weaken with time. We are children; Father help
us grow up!
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