Our Forgotten Calling

Table of Contents

1. Our Forgotten Calling - a Sequel to "Our Low State"

Our Forgotten Calling - a Sequel to "Our Low State"

As to the subject before us, there are some who deeply feel the need of the power of God's Word to humble us as we are seeing the enemy's aggression among ourselves. Some of the evidences are shocking. The luxuries and fashions of this wicked world have so much conformed us that our heavenly calling has become well nigh forgotten. "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God." Rom. 12:2.
We seem to have lost the sense of what is becoming to our special charge of being gathered to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, the holy and the true. No doubt there is ignorance with some, due to the lack of instruction, but what is too apparent, and far worse, is forgetfulness coupled with indifference! It is this stupefying lukewarmness and heartlessness for Christ that has crept in among us. Do we not feel this in our own hearts?
As to Our Calling
How soon we forget! "They soon forgot." Psa. 106:13. "How weak is thine heart." Ezek. 16:30.
If asked, What is the gospel? many Christians could tell how God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son to suffer for our sins, to die in our stead, and to shed His blood to cleanse us fully and forever. But, if asked, What is our calling? we fear that this is a question that would embarrass many, and they would show that of this they know very little. Why does the Apostle Paul repeatedly say, "Know ye not?" Is it not because they should have known? And so many times he says, "I would not have you ignorant." Surely the new nature is never "willingly ignorant" (2 Peter 3:5).
We find that it is the Apostle Paul who especially has written to us much as to our calling, our "heavenly calling" (Heb. 3:1).
Most of us know what line of work engages us in order to make a living. We may speak of it as our vocation, profession, or just our job. In this we are generally intelligent and diligent, and we should be.
Our Heavenly Calling
At the early age of twelve our blessed Savior could say, "Wist ye not that I must be about My Father's business?" Luke 2:49. The young man Timothy was exhorted, "Occupy thyself with these things; be wholly in them... continue in them." 1 Tim. 4:15, 16; J. N. D. Trans.
Now, dear ones, do you know, that you have not only been called, but have been "chosen" in Christ "before the foundation of the world"? "Called us with a holy calling... according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began." 2 Tim. 1:9. Also in Rom. 8:28-30: "Them who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son... Moreover,... them He also called; and whom He called, them He also justified." We have been "called into the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord." 1 Cor. 1:9; J. N. D. Trans.
It is a "holy calling," and we ourselves are "holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling." Heb. 3:1. Furthermore, "God hath... called us... unto holiness" in our daily practice (1 Thess. 4:7). In the richest unfoldings of His grace, as found in Ephesians, we are blessed "with every spiritual blessing in the heavenlies in Christ," "accepted in the Beloved," and seated "in the heavenlies in Christ Jesus." Can we be indifferent to all this? Surely it becomes us to "walk worthy of the calling wherewith ye have been called" (Eph. 4:1; J. N. D. Trans.), and also to "know what is the hope of His calling" (Eph. 1:18). "Called in one hope of your calling" (Eph. 4:4). Very soon this "Blessed Hope" will take place "The calling on high of God in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 3:14; J. N. D. Trans.). "Oh! That will be joyful," eternally joyful! Christ will "descend from heaven with a shout" of joy, bidding us "Come up hither," for there is "our commonwealth... in the heavens" (Phil. 3:20; J. N. D. Trans). We are "heavenly (ones)" and "shall bear also the image of the heavenly (One)." 1 Cor. 15:48, 49; J. N. D. Trans. Do we not well then to consider our calling (1 Cor. 1:26)?
It was from this most blessed and lofty state that the church had fallen. Very much like ourselves, the Corinthians had settled down in the world, were "reigning as kings," "walking as men," "carnal" and forming parties. This downgrade continued until the dark ages, when there arose those courageous protesters, Luther, Zwingli, Calvin, Knox, Wesley and Whitfield. Through them there was the recovery of the simple gospel as well as emancipation from ecclesiastical tyranny a great victory indeed. But the heavenly calling of the Christian, which sets him entirely apart "from this present evil world" (Gal. 1:4), was by them virtually omitted. Then the followers of these men of God soon formed rival organizations, called denominations with their various names, creeds and governments, ignoring 1 Cor. 1:9-13, as to sects. There was the Church of Scotland, the Church of England, Dissenters, Pilgrims, etc.
As these man-made organizations became unbearably formal, God opened many hearts and eyes to see how far had become the departure from what is explicitly written in His eternal Word. They left those human institutions and were gathered by the Holy Spirit to the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, simply as members of His one body. This was according to the pattern found in the Scriptures. It was through sovereign grace the recovery of a small remnant, answering to Philadelphia (Rev. 3:8, etc.). It commenced in the late 1820's, with "a little strength," a little power of the Holy Spirit; but worldliness and divisions have since then crept in.
"How Has the Gold Become Dim!"
It might be worth our while to compare some statements made by an outside observer about a century ago (Sept. 1870), to see how far we have drifted. It is surely a deserved rebuke to our present state. So it reads: "Such spiritual and Christ-exalting literature... gracious men who sigh and cry for the abominations... with freedom to use with power and precision... in a day of self-indulgence... at the cost of all that flesh holds dear, have dared to stand... pure and simple in doctrine, and worship and practice their hearts having the fresh fuel of Scripture continually... are so well acquainted with their Bibles... They rally around Christ alone... testimony in the power of the Holy Spirit... have so enjoyed the feast of grace and truth, and had such sweet soul-filling fellowship with the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ."
They felt their own weakness and nothingness, as Mr. Darby said: "We own our bad and low state... and take our place where... the blessed Spirit can... bless us." He also said, We are "witnesses of the weakness and low state of the Church," and that our "Testimony (is) to a heavenly and rejected Jesus... a distinct witness to the heavenly
Called from above, and heavenly men by birth,
(Who once were but the citizens of earth),
As pilgrims here, we seek a heavenly home,
Our portion in the ages yet to come.
We are but strangers here, we do not crave:
A home on earth, which gave Thee but a grave
Thy cross has severed ties which bound us here,
Thyself our treasure in a brighter sphere.
In 1877 Mr. Darby gave this warning: "Brethren are in a critical moment; if their... devotedness be made good... they will stand, if not, I do not see what good they are." Another has said: "If we have shared in any way in the blessings of Philadelphia, we share in the dangers of Laodicea." Laodicea springs out of Philadelphian light but has not Philadelphian power—it is lukewarm, self-satisfied, heartless toward Christ, unconcerned! "Want of heart" is the worst of all ills." "Knowest not?" means oblivious, "blind!" The corruption of the best thing is the worst! How great is our need of grace from on high to be deeply stirred and exercised by His searching Word, so that the love of Christ will rewarm our hearts and enable us to overcome this prevailing lethargy! Samson "awoke out of his sleep" too late (Judg. 16:20).
The tendency of these wretched hearts of ours is to disregard God's gracious calling. Lot preferred to settle down in the well-watered plain so that he might thrive in his cattle business. He gave up his pilgrim tent-life and dwelt in a house, unequally yoked with a mere professor. He had two unchaste daughters and became a prominent official in Sodom. Although vexed continually, he was loath to leave! He was thus a poor example for the two and a half tribes who likewise had a mind of their own to settle down short of the promised land, because they too had "much cattle" and put their own business first!
In the Days of the Judges
"There arose another generation... which knew not the LORD... they would not hearken... they turned quickly out of the way which their fathers walked in... they ceased not from their own doings, nor from their stubborn way." Judge 2:10, 17-19. "Every man did that which was right in his own eyes." How about our own tendency? The term "worldly Christian" is indeed a paradox, yet how many have too much of the world to enjoy Christ!
The Mirror of God's Word!
Are we willing to face the very truth that is most needed to expose our glaring failures? If so, may the Lord enable us to tremble at His word, where it is intended to apply to our consciences. We cannot doubt that to be gathered to the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, puts us in the most privileged place on earth, and that what was written, concerning the remnant of Judah and its center, Jerusalem, was written for our learning. "These things happened to them as types, and have been written for our admonition." It would be stubborn folly to refuse to face that which is God's special voice to ourselves, who are gathered to the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, "the holy and the true."
While good King Hezekiah was energetically giving God the first place, the people of Judah and Jerusalem were at the very same time doing the opposite! In 2 Chron. 29 we see him at the early age of 25 reigning at Jerusalem and confessing that "our fathers have not burned incense, nor offered burnt offerings... unto the God of Israel." 2 Chron. 29:7. Twelve times in this chapter He emphasizes the burnt-offering, which speaks of the special satisfaction and delight God had in His own beloved Son who glorified Him on earth. And Hezekiah in 2 Chron. 29:11 urges them, "My sons, be not now negligent: for the LORD hath chosen you to stand before Him, to serve Him, and that ye should minister unto Him, and burn incense." Incense speaks of the fragrance and perfections of Christ's Person rising in worship for God's delight. This is indeed of first importance.
Isaiah
All this is lovely, nevertheless at this very time the prophet Isaiah exposes the actual internal corruption, hypocrisy and formality of Judah and Jerusalem! "Isaiah... which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of... Hezekiah." Isa. 1:1. God says, "My people doth not consider... How is the faithful city become a harlot!" Isa. 1:3, 21. "Jerusalem is ruined, and Judah is fallen." Isa. 3:8. "This people draw near Me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor Me, but have removed their heart far from Me." Isa. 29: 13. "Children, saith the LORD... that walk to go down into Egypt... that will not hear... Which say... to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things." Isa. 30:1, 2, 9, 10. Is it not because of this kind of an attitude that it has become most difficult to declare God's Word faithfully? Does God want His servants to soothe the ears of the careless and call it edification! Jer. 23:28 says the opposite: "He that hath My word, let him speak My word faithfully."
Jeremiah the Prophet Jeremiah Is Still More Especially Sent to Expose the Internal State of Judah and Jerusalem. This Was His Sorrowful Mission for Full Forty Years, Eighteen Years of Which Was During the Exemplary and Faithful Reign of King Josiah! in Marvelous Grace God Raised up This Very Young King and Sustained Him. Jeremiah Speaks of Judah 183 Times; He Refers to Jerusalem 111 Times, Besides Speaking of It Often As "This City", "the City," and "This Place." He Upbraids Them for Not Hearkening 49 Times! What a Serious Charge! Think of It. Do We Want to Be Like That? Nine Times He Labels It "Stubbornness" (in the Most Faithful Translation). Jeremiah Wept Much Over This State of Things Among God's Most Privileged People. in Jer. 5:21 (J. N. D. Trans.) God Addresses His People Judah As Being "Heartless," Which Is Precisely What Laodicea Is; and in Jer. 5:31 He Says, "My People Love to Have It so" Virtually Like Saying "Speak Unto Us Smooth Things."
In Jer. 7, we see them boasting, "The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD," as though position and privilege was everything, while, as to their shameful practice, they could brazenly say, "We are delivered to do all these abominations"! Jeremiah deeply felt the gravity and shame! "Thou hast filled me with indignation," he says (Jer. 15:17), "Detestable and abominable things." Jer. 16:18. Because of his indignation they could not stand him. They said, "Come, and let us smite him... and let us not give heed to any of his words." Jer. 18:18. Then in Jer. 26:8 they say, "Thou shalt surely die." "The king sought to put him to death" (Jer. 26:21), and did cast his words into the fire (Jer. 36:23). In Jer. 38:6 he allowed Jeremiah to be cast into the dungeon.
Ezekiel
Ezekiel continues the same strain. To him "the Lord said... Go through the midst of... Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof." Ezek. 9:4. "Cause Jerusalem to know her abominations." Ezek. 16:2. "Show her all her abominations." Ezek. 22:2. "Declare unto them their abominations." Ezek. 23:36. The prophet stresses their abominations 49 times! You and I know that faithfulness like this is the very thing that infuriates the flesh. Nevertheless, Timothy was told to "reprove, rebuke." 2 Tim. 4:2. "As many as I love, I rebuke." Rev. 3:19. May the Lord help us to do it in love. Surely we naturally shrink from this task.
Laodicean Indifference
Well may we consider our ways lest we have settled down and become self-satisfied like Laodicea, not knowing our own poverty of heart for Christ. Prosperity and luxury may have blinded our eyes to a greater extent than we are apt to realize.
Women
Why does the Word of God have so much to say to women as to their special need of discretion, chastity and modesty? Is it not that they should avoid putting on a vain show and thus become a snare? Perhaps it is because there is such strong objection to saying anything against the prevailing customs, that it is so painful to review this subject. But when we see how much the Lord is being dishonored and His Word disregarded, only carnal flesh could object. Mr. Darby has said that "Amalek is Satan's operations on the flesh."
Godly women find no difficulty, do not quarrel with God's Word, do not resist the truth. God Himself laments over and reproves the daughters of Judah and Jerusalem in Isa. 3 for putting on a vain show to attract attention. He speaks of "wanton eyes," Isa. 3:16; "bracelets," Isa. 3:19; "finger rings," Isa. 3:21; "festival robes" Isa. 3:22; "mirrors" Isa. 3:23; "perfume .. well-set hair... robe of display," Isa. 3:24; (J. N. D. Trans.) Is such finery becoming women professing godliness?
Is it modesty that is pleasing to the Lord? Why glory in their shame?
Is not the Word of God being totally disregarded, such as "Be not conformed to this world," "Babylonish garments," "the attire of an harlot," "Be clothed, that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear," "silly women," "the woman whose heart is snares" (Eccl. 7:26).
"Saints... make the path at this time one of sorrow... the tendency of the day is to adopt an advanced form of expression of the truth, but walk as worldly as ever... the object of all such being the best way to get along in this scene... deepening their interest in this world... How can we expect a saint who is ministering to self to have any conception of what is due to Christ?... a condition incapable of grasping the mind of God and to which He does not communicate His thoughts... liberty for self... those who announce every Lord's day at the Table that death by which, not only sin is put away, but every link with the world is broken."
Such inconsistency does not indicate that they "discern the Lord's body" (1 Cor. 11:29) when sitting in His presence.
Fearless, Phinehas faithfulness may horrify these daring, vexing, shocking ones that dishonor the Lord and embarrass others without blushing, but they need to be vexed, shocked, embarrassed and made to blush—their parents also. The truth does not hurt unless it should. (See Num. 25).
"All moral virtue and restraint is now nearly given up. The Christian either gives way or has the precious opportunity of standing firm for his Lord against the tide... different from the fashionable world." (J. W. R.)
When we go to the store, do we leave the Lord outside the door because we are determined to have our own way? Or have we been much in His presence praying earnestly, "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts... and lead me in the way" of Thy will. "Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk: for I lift up my soul unto Thee... Teach me to do Thy will... for Thy name's sake." Psa. 143:10, 11. "The Word of God is... a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart... all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do." Heb. 4:12, 13. "It is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure"; thus "Be not conformed to this world: but... transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God." "For the love of Christ constraineth us" not to live unto ourselves, but unto Him which died for us, and rose again. (2 Cor. 5:15). "Ye are not your own... Ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body." 1 Cor. 6:19, 20. May the grace of God enable us to do so.
Under the old order when only men were priests, flesh was not to be exposed in the presence of God. They were to be clothed with "linen breeches to cover their nakedness: from the loins even unto the thighs... when they come near... in the holy place." Ex. 28:42, 43. "They shall come near to My table... and... be clothed with linen garments... linen breeches upon their loins." Ezek. 44:16-18. But now, all sisters in the Lord are also priests (Rev. 1:5, 6; 1 Peter 2:5,9). Linen speaks of practical righteousness in all our ways. "The soul that doeth.. presumptuously... reproacheth the Lord... because he hath despised the Word of the Lord." Num. 15:30,31.
"Hear the Word of the Lord, O ye women, and let your ear receive the Word of His mouth, and teach your daughters wailing, and... lamentation." Jer. 9:20; "that they may admonish the young women to be... discreet, chaste." Titus 2:4, J. N. D. Trans.; "that the women in decent deportment and dress adorn themselves with modesty and discretion." 1 Tim. 2:9, J. N. D. Trans.; "whose adorning let it not be that outward one of tressing of hair, and wearing gold, or putting on apparel; but the hidden man of the heart, in the incorruptible ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which in the sight of God is of great price. For thus also the holy women who have hoped in God heretofore adorned themselves." 1 Peter 3:3-5, J. N. D.; "that they adorn the doctrine." Titus 2:10. Much more should be said about the "shame for a woman to be shorn" (1 Cor. 11:6); and "the woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man." Deut. 22:5. Inadequate coverings of the head are lamentable.
The new nature welcomes God's holy Word. That it may be so with our beloved sisters, for whom Christ died, is the prayer of many, yes, many. But we know that the time has come "when they will not endure sound doctrine:... and they shall turn away their ears from the truth." 2 Tim. 4:3,4. How sad!
We have felt that all of this is very needful as it does show how far we have lost sight of our heavenly calling.
How About Men?
Nabal, in Judah, was a rich but arrogant fool, like the rich fool of Luke 12. King Solomon exceeded all kings for riches and wisdom, yet his love for women made him a fool. Ambition ruined Abimelech, Absalom and countless men. The "carcass" of the disobedient "man of God" of Judah, is mentioned ten times (1 Kings 13).
From grammar school to the highest technical institutions, the educational system has become a sink of corruption in this adulterous generation. Evolution, exaltation of man to highest pinnacles of fame, specializing in every clever means of making men rich in this world, and shamefully specializing in sex courses, text books and even sex dictionaries, besides the "square dances" and "rock and roll" indecencies. Men are generally the leaders in all this. Then too they are advancing in greater inventions, engineering construction, automobiles, aircraft, space craft, color T.V., photography, travel tours, world fairs, ultra modern motels, eating places, and every kind of worldly appeal to fallen nature. Man, in particular, is liable to be caught in the current and swept away by his own devices; and the Christian may be caught off his guard. How very unbecoming it is for those who profess to be partakers of the heavenly calling to conform to this world's styles of long hair —"If a man have long hair, it is a shame." 1 Cor. 11:14—or in any way to call attention to ourselves either by extremes in styles or the opposite, slip-shod or slovenly, like many so-called hippies.
God has given men the more prominent place of privilege and therewith responsibility, in the household of faith, in the assembly—as gifts, overseers and others to care for temporal needs. The father is head of his house. He has a stewardship to serve the Lord, each in his temporal calling as well as in his heavenly. Men only were used of the Holy Spirit to pen the Word of God. All the apostles, evangelists and teachers were men. God has ever raised up faithful witnesses, such as are recorded in Heb. 11. They were exemplary overcomers in difficult times and suffered in the face of cruel opposition. It greatly encourages us to see the individual devotedness and faithfulness in such as Joseph, Gideon, David, Jonathan, Hezekiah, Josiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, Stephen, Timothy, Paul and John. Some were young men. The aged John wrote: "I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one." 1 John 2:14. The aged Paul urged his beloved young Timothy to "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers"; "Flee also youthful lusts"; "continue thou in the things which thou hast learned"; "for the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine... and they shall turn away their ears from the truth." And to the Philippians he could highly commend Timothy (whose name means "To honor God"), saying, "I have no man like-minded, who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's." Phil. 2:20, 21.
Proverbs, the so-called "Young Man's Book," is full of wisdom, guidance and warnings: "To deliver thee from the strange woman... which flattereth with her words" (Prov. 2:16); "Keep thy heart more than anything that is guarded" (Prov. 4:23, J. N. D. Trans.); "For the lips of a strange woman drop as a honeycomb... I was almost in all evil in the midst of the... assembly" (Prov. 5:3,14). No one is immune even there from snares! Woe to giddy and mischievous triflers.
Men often excel and boast of their wisdom, might and riches. The Corinthians were characterized by such, and we too may be failing in these luxurious times. Scripture speaks of some being "full," "rich," reigning "as kings," walking "as men," and being "puffed up." Is it legality to consider our ways (Hag. 1:5), and see how far we have drifted from the simplicity of "having food and raiment, let us be therewith content"? Why is it such a touchy subject to mention luxurious houses, cars, clothing, faring sumptuously, so, much like the world? The apostle Paul could ask the saints to follow him as he followed Christ. He could put his life in contrast to the way the Corinthians lived. "We both hunger, and thirst, and are naked and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling place... I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you." This was because he loved them and sought their recovery.
We have heard of some at "young people's meetings" that resent senior counsel and godly restraint. Some have impudently asked: "What harm is there in mini skirts?" "What harm is there in hippy hair cuts?" "What harm is there in T.V.?" "What harm is there in smoking?" "What harm is there in going to fairs?" "What harm is there in going to Disneyland?" "What harm is there in hot rods?" "What harm is there in women bobbing their hair?" Might as well ask what harm is there in singing sacred songs to rag-time and jazz swing? The answer is, it is turning the grace of God into fleshly license, ignoring and dishonoring the Lord.
Of course, mere legality and prohibition may reform and make strict Pharisees. We do not want any such thing. It is our hearts the Lord wants. "My son, give Me thine heart." "I will run the way of Thy commandments, when Thou shalt enlarge my heart." Psa. 119:32.
A Young Man Fell Out of the Window
In Acts 20 the saints were gathered to the name of the Lord Jesus Christ on the Lord's day for the breaking of bread. This was worship, remembering Christ and His infinite and unfathomable love and sufferings. There the Lord of glory was in their midst, as well as God, the Holy Spirit. They were up there in the third story, "the upper room," where there were many lights. They were also highly privileged to have and hear the greatest of the apostles giving most needed counsel and warnings. What a beautiful setting this is! Is it not a picture of our heavenly calling, with so much light, Christ our eternal portion, "blessed... with all spiritual blessings in the heavenlies in Christ"? But what of that young man way back there, as far as he could get, sitting in the window? He has fallen asleep! How many young men are inclined to the back seat! Are their minds so full of their cars, girl friends, or making money, that Paul's teaching wearies them? The Lord said, "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
Another Observable Tendency
Earthly mindedness blurs our heavenly calling and hope. We are liable to forget our greatest privilege, as priests, to draw near into the very presence of God, as adoring worshipers. Surely this is the highest of all blessings—nearness to Himself, and it is this that delights Him most. Even as God our Father ever delights in His beloved Son, so are we now His delight (Psa. 16:3; Prov. 8:31; John 15:9); His "treasure" (Matt. 13:44); and "precious" (Isa. 43:4). But because of our undervaluing this most special favor there is a growing tendency to substitute activity. God does not value our service as much as our presence, as drawn by His love. Look at Martha and Mary. See also 2 Chron. 29:11; Psa. 65:4; Ezek. 44:16 compared with verses 11, 13, 14. Mary was wholly absorbed with her Savior, and this is what filled Him with delight.
"Our calling, characteristically, is ecclesiastical rather than evangelical... What is due to Christ by His body is the greatest favor... Paul's doctrine... must first and foremost be guarded." (J. N. D.)
"Paul's Doctrine" by C. H. Brown gives us a much needed word in season.
"Some brethren seem all gospel-minded... When we put the gospel above ministry to the saints, we have not the mind of God ... the whole counsel of God... You cannot walk correctly unless you understand the calling of a Christian—the heavenly calling... We are living in such shallow times that Christianity has become so watered down that in many places today it is becoming synonymous with the concept of a home and foreign missionary society... We want to be sure we are making room for the whole scope and realm of God's full and free revelation ... There is something dearer to the heart of Christ than the gospel. "Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for it."... Service is not the greatest thing; obedience is the great thing. "To obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams."
"It was not work that characterized them in former days... it was not activity... There is where our danger is... We have practically lost our separateness... and we are obliged to make up for it by a sort of pretentious display of activity before men. You know perfectly well that is the tendency, and that is what catches the young especially... it has a certain amount of attractiveness about it.
"The acceptance of Christ in glory gives me a heavenly character, if I am one with Him, and the rejection of Christ on earth puts me into an outside place, if I have devotedness and affection for Him." W. T. T. 1876
A Few Thoughts in Closing
There is the danger of trying to hide our true state instead of owning it. The putting on a rosy front will never do. Our greatest need is to be broken and humbled so as to confess our poor ways. This, and this only, is the route to blessing (Ezra 9;10:1, 2; Neh. 1:6;9:1-3; Dan. 9; Lam. 3:18-32).
As to what we have written, some might say that it is according to the truth, but it is liable to offend the careless and those who need it the most will not care to read it. Be that as it may, the Lord has said, "Speak My word faithfully." Jer. 23:28.
"The Word of the Lord... was... in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones; and I became wearied with holding in, and I could not." Jer. 20:8, 9., J. N. D. Trans. "Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?" Gal. 4:16.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.
O fix our earnest gaze
So wholly, Lord, on Thee,
That, with Thy beauty occupied,
We elsewhere none may see.
O kindle within us a holy desire,
Like that which was found in Thy people of old,
Who tasted Thy love, and whose hearts were on fire,
While they waited in patience Thy face to behold.
"Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty" to look up and behold the glory of the Lord (2 Cor. 3:17, 18).
There is no doubt that our greatest need is heart-warming ministry of Christ and His matchless love to us, to melt our hearts and to devote our lives to Himself. Nevertheless, He will never have us minimize the need of His conscience-searching Word, to expose and rebuke the daring, fleshly worldliness that has become tolerated among us.
"I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth." 2 John 4; "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." 3 John 4.
A. C. B.
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