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 Sometimes
we describe the periodic digressions that affect a church as “Third
Generation Syndrome. “ The first generation recognizes gross
improprieties (though they may not, at first, grasp their full
significance) and the noble ones make personal investigation
into the scriptures. They learn the truth, and seek to teach
others. (Gal. 6:1-f) Tradition — ridden majorities are
adamant; and for conscience sake a “faithful few” are forced
to “begin anew” at great personal sacrifice.
The
second generation develops with the scars and smell of war about
them, “patriotic” slogans ringing in their ears. They get
the “arguments” down pat, in a second- handed sort of way,
but they are wearied by talk of battle, and never really search
out the fundamental principles for themselves. As a consequence,
their teaching is superficial. prejudicial.
So,
the third generation learns the right words to say, can make the
arguments, but neither understands nor appreciates their
importance. It is among such people that the constant factor “drift”
produces disastrous results, and off we go again.
Members
of the church are going to have children, and many of them will
be “brought up in the church.” We can not eliminate the “third
generation” by bringing up our children
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in a vacuum, nor can
we expect new converts of the second and third
generation to have the same appreciation for a specific problem
as do those who have had direct experience with such. Some
characteristics of the second and third generation can not be
avoided; they are the normal problems of life. Lest we despair, remember
that the “noble first generation” arises out of the
third generation.
And,
there are things we can do to combat the ravage of third
generation disasters. (1) We can work hard to maintain a steady
flow of “new blood” into the church. Converts from sin,
rejoicing in their new—found salvation, are eager to learn and
their zeal and enthusiasm is “catching”. No congregation can
long survive if evangelism is neglected.
We
must not neglect teaching “issues” to both new and old
converts alike. If the “issue” did not involve essential
principles of truth. it was wrong in the first place. If it did,
the new convert needs to know the unvarnished truth, exactly as
you would teach regarding mechanical music in the worship, or
any other past issue.
THE
LORD’S CHURCH CONSISTS OF TAUGHT, FAITHFUL PEOPLE, OF ANY
GENERATION.
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