|
 The
Latins had a proverb or adage; an "Ol' Edderd's Sayin'"
that could serve well today. "Obsta Principlis" -
"Resist the Beginnings!" It is not a popular
philosophy, and I suppose someone in the objective mood and the
kickative case could use it to slow or stop genuine progress.
But ignoring its warning has produced chaos.
Sometime
in the middle 40-s I was planning a "lecture" program
for the Westside church, Phoenix; and called on Foy E. Wallace,
Jr. to take part. He refused, saying that such meetings served
as a "beginning" for preacher conclaves, that produced
much harm. I felt, then and now, that this was an unwarranted
conclusion, but this cautious "looking ahead"
impressed me.
No
man, no church is free of error. The "early" errors of
individuals and churches are usually "small" with
little indication of their potential power and trouble. With
zeal to "do some good" "help the young
people" "increase attendance" etc., we have an
"area-wide rally", support some "benevolent
project" or serve a few doughnuts and coffee. In the
beginning we certainly do not intend to
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organize an inter-church executive committee,
build a brotherhood benevolent society, or promote a social
gospel.
It
is understandable that we might disagree with some who warn that
we violated Bible principles. Experience, depth of
understanding, even historic knowledge make for differing powers
of evaluation.
But
ATTITUDE is the most valuable, and dangerous element of all. If
we look to "brotherhood practices" for our authority,
or allow self-justification to sway us; these
"beginnings" take root, and become so "status
quo" that we look upon those who reject our digressions as
"Anti's" who have "left the church."
Nothing
is scriptural because "we do something like it", or
"it is no worse than" something else. A thing is
scriptural only if authorized in God's word, specifically or in
principle. We need not expect the beginning to appear a glaring
sin, but unless we RESIST THE BEGINNINGS that are questionable,
the glare will come.
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