WE have no sympathy whatever with that discouraging character of ministry which ever blames the saints for this, that, and the other. What is needed in these days where all are more or less wrong is to help, cheer, encourage, and strengthen one another's hands. Occupation with evil defiles. There are certain religious periodicals almost wholly devoted to the exposure of "Modernism" and other evils. It may be necessary occasionally to refer to evil persons and evil things. But an undue occupation with sin has a defiling effect. Walk with Christ; hear the Shepherd's voice; that is your safeguard (see John 10:2727My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: (John 10:27); 1 John 2:2424Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. (1 John 2:24)). Occupation with good strengthens, purifies, and secures the company and fellowship of the God of peace (Phil. 4:8,98Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. (Philippians 4:8‑9)).
Individually we have to find our way through a scene of ruin and of failed responsibility, where all have gone wrong, but it must be a path of holiness (2 Tim. 2:1919Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. (2 Timothy 2:19)). Now there is an unhappy spirit of fault-finding abroad. Controversy and quarreling too are rife. We would most affectionately and earnestly press upon all believers, especially upon the young, to cultivate a pure and fervent love to all believers, to own frankly all that the Spirit of God has wrought in them, and also what He is working by and through them. Own the good and let alone the evil, only of course see that you are not identified with it. Our danger is to find fault, and disparage the person and work of another. A courteous manner towards superiors, loving respect and reverence for the aged, and kindly consideration for the poor and suffering, are beautiful features of Christian character; which, with our hearts on Christ and our hands full of work, we desire to see increasingly cultivated.
Honor, love and obey those who have the rule over you in spiritual matters, and shun the democratic spirit abroad, which says, "I am as good as another." The truth is neither you nor I are as good as another. We ought to see the good in others and the evil in ourselves, and that is how we can esteem others better than ourselves (Phil. 2:33Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. (Philippians 2:3)).
Servants of the Lord men of grace and gift seem an especial target for busy tongues. Of course, servants of the grace and glory of Christ make mistakes. Who does not? But, oh! in secret wash the servant's feet. Do not make too much of every blunder or mistake you think or say he has made. Remember you are localized and so can avoid much that a journeying Evangelist or Teacher is exposed to. He comes in contact with all characters. Unwillingly often, complaints are poured into his ear; his heart is made the depository of numerous griefs, sins, and sorrows amongst the saints. His advice and counsel are sought in almost every case of local and personal difficulty. Do be patient, gracious, and kind therefore even to an erring servant. The tendency is to find fault and magnify every trivial mistake, and crush and humble the servant. Depend upon it, he has trials you know nothing of; so rather cheer him on, extend warm sympathy and love. Pray much for him, and give now and again a cheering word and a kind deed.
Servants on the other hand, should be most careful in their conduct, words, and ways. More is justly expected from them than from the mass of the saints. But in these times the path is an extremely difficult one, and the relation of the servant to the saints oftentimes strained through lack of a little "oil". Grace and forbearance are needed on both sides, and the mutual cultivation of a spirit of love and brotherly fellowship. To all we would say, Avoid the continual fault-finding and criticizing of each other's persons and ways now so unhappily prevalent in the Church of God. We cannot afford to dispense with each other, even with the least esteemed (1 Cor. 12:21-2321And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. 22Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: 23And those members of the body, which we think to be less honorable, upon these we bestow more abundant honor; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. (1 Corinthians 12:21‑23)). It will generally be found that it is more easy to criticize than to do the work on which we are passing our lynx eyes.
Probably the writer needs this word of exhortation more than the reader. May reader and writer pray for each other that Christ may be glorified in us both.
Walter Scott Regrettably, the message of this tract is still needed. We pray that its reissue, around 100 years since it was first written, will be blessed by God to grant a prayerful regard for fellow-christians and ban from our minds any narrow or mean thoughts that are unChristlike.
Often those who spend their days in critical gossip at the back of meeting rooms and gospel halls as well as any other place of Christian worship are those who do the least work. A renowned American evangelist was once told of his style of gospel work, don't like the way you do it.' to which he replied, 'What are you doing?’ ‘Oh! Nothing.' 'Well, in that case', he replied, 'I do not like the way you are not doing it!'
Let us spend no time in criticism, which is a form of self-exaltation, but rather, in a spirit of self judgment, let us set a good example of devoted work with spiritual power and steady continuance in good works. May the Lord grant us grace and power to serve Him acceptably.
ENC
‘Love won another'