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 “Opinionated brethren are split into
‘splinter’ groups.” “There are ‘legalist’ among us.” “Many church members are hypocrites.” Well, do not expect
me to deny these charges, nor to rush to the defense of opinionated brethren, legalist or hypocrites. If I take
the announcements a bit more calmly than some of our “angry young men” expect, it is not because I am unconcerned.
It is just that these same problems were found in the first century church, and faithful brethren have been working
on the problems for many years; and I am more concerned
with assisting brethren to better understand and practice the way of the Lord than I am in protest slogans.
Radical propaganda
relies heavily upon the word “Hypocrisy” and “Traditional” to leave the impression that any facet of society
which has weathered the years, and whose continued success is a standing rebuttal to “revolution,” must be
bad. Such an unrealistic spirit may have been unwittingly adopted by critics of the church. But a catalogue
of errors and divisions, however lengthy, does not justify another party, based upon an erroneous concept of “fellowship”—
even if it flies a flag called UNITY.
I’ve done my share
of combating a sectarian spirit among brethren, and plan to continue such. But oftimes
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brethren are unaware that
they have drifted into a sectarian concept of “church;” and they are worshipping God in the only way they have
been taught, and-as sincerely as their capacity allows. If we see faults, we will not help them by rash charges.
Instead, we might work up sermons to explain more clearly the true meaning of worship. We might lead them to a
better understanding of “church”, but could never drive
them there.
Teaching must proceed from the
known to the unknown; the familiar to the unfamiliar. One may reach people with familiar terminology—even that
of the King James version—who would be alienated by other words. Is one’s pride of scholarship (?) more important
than saving souls?
People often respond to what we expect of them. If I approach a study convinced that what I. say will make people angry, I may have a fight
on my hands before I can get away. But if I assume that they want the truth, and concentrate on giving them a fair
demonstration, I may reach some. My attitude will greatly affect theirs.
Put briefly, we must demonstrate respect for divine authority, and the love for God and brethren we would like to see in
others.
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