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 Twice
in the same day, from different sources, I heard this comment: “I
really didn’t like some of his ways, but he is the one who
pulled this church out of it’s slump.” These are strange
words — not because they are so improbable, but because there
are so few people who will give credit to one against whom they
have some personal criticism.
Ranchers
will keep a mean tempered bull, not because they like his
disposition, but because he builds the quality of their herd —
and that is why they bought him in the first place.
A
Research Laboratory will maintain an eccentric scientist, “putting
up” with many strange whims, because that one-track mind of
his produces the brain storms which keep that company in the
lead.
But
churches will “fire” preachers and expel overseers for doing
the very things most needed, and for which they are best
qualified to perform. Scores of preachers are dismissed
to appease someone’s meaningless grouch; for every one
dismissed because he wouldn’t study and work hard at the job
he was supposed to accomplish. Why is this so??
Well,
the mean tempered bull is supposed to up-grade the herd. His
effect is
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upon cattle, and as long as the rancher can
stay out of his way — so the effect is not a maimed horse or
rider — the bull is tolerated. The eccentric scientist, or
absent-minded professor, who produces the desired effect in lab
or class room, and has no adverse effect upon those in control,
is allowed to continue. But the preacher, elder, teacher who
affects ME had better watch out.
Here
is the core of the matter. We do not mind OTHER people being
taught or affected — just stay off of MY toes. Do not question
MY conclusions, nor ask ME to change. it is so very hard for us
to be truly objective, accepting Christ as our standard or “mark”
(Phil. 3:14) and really appreciate what others may do to teach
us more about Him, or bring us to follow Him more closely.
All
men are imperfect — the scholar has his purple moods; the
speaker, his mannerisms; one man is blunt and another is
polished to a fault. We must learn to think in terms of GOD’S
WORK IN GOD’S WAY —- how does this man’s work
contribute to or hinder the purposes of GOD? Then, we will hear
more of this “strange” commendation of a man for his “God
service,” and we may even learn to like him.
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