Intensity!—Intensity is the outstanding characteristic of our modern life. Restless action and nervous tension mark the worldling and, alas, the church member, very much alike. Incessant motion is the order of the day. If we do not "quick step," our heels are trod upon. We are all in the whirl, driving at a furious pace that leads to innumerable nervous breaks. We need to ponder such texts as, "Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord."
Manipulation!—II is not difficult to impress the uninformed with sweeping assertions, but the test of any presentation is the reaction upon the thoughtful and informed who are guided by reason and who judge by evidence. Let us unitedly shun all looseness of presentation, and spurn all stretching of fact or form to make a needed point. Truth scorns all manipulation. Those who indulge should be made conscious of the frown of their associates, and should, if the digression is serious, receive a proper rebuke.
Cynical!—The inclination to become cynical plagues every worker when perfidy, duplicity, or apostasy is observed on the part of some who have held responsible positions, or when confronted by undeniably unchristian manipulations by certain of high pretentious. But counterfeits should never make one cynical concerning the genuine, more than to accentuate the contrast, just as the traitor emphasizes the mass of loyal citizenry, or the criminal the high-minded, law-abiding majority. We live in a perverted world. Sin has tainted every sphere. But let none become cynical.
Balance!—If all Bible expositors had as a prerequisite a clearer, fuller, more balanced knowledge of the nature and work of the Godhead, the real nature and purpose of divine revelation, and the fundamental principles and provisions of the plan of redemption. a thousand and one unsound theories advanced over minor matters would have been avoided. These have plagued the church and perplexed the people, bringing spiritual estrangement among the ministers, and sometimes wrecking the soul of the advocate. This fundamental requisite, applicable in every realm, is particularly true of prophetic, symbolic, parabolic, and typical interpretation. Balance, unity, and soundness are greatly needed here.
Artificial!—When worshipers in the pew must be urged to attend, give, or serve because it is their duty, such urge constitutes public acknowledgment that the spiritual vitality of that church is at low ebb, that the pulpit has lost—or has not gained—its rightful grip, and is resorting to artificial stimulants to spur a lethargic people. We need more spiritual life, not more mechanical stimulus. The presence and power of the Holy Spirit is our greatest need today.
Gifts!—Beware of decrying a spiritual gift listed in the Word that "God hath set" in the church, and which was operative with divine sanction in the apostolic period. Counterfeit manifestations do not disannul God's stated provisions. We are to differentiate between true and false manifestations, and are to expose and warn against the spurious. But he who speaks against the clear provisions and confirmations of the Word, thereby takes his stand against God by attributing to demons that which in its true manifestation is the work of the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Godhead. That is surely one way of sinning against the Holy Ghost. Let us pray for the discerning of spirits, especially in this materialistic age which scoffs at all things supernatural. We need frequently to re-read the divine depiction of spiritual gifts in First Corinthians.
Untrustworthy!—The true state of the church is not to be gauged by isolated items stressed by either doleful pessimists on the one hand or by optimistic cheer leaders on the other, even if this be the popular "press" procedure. That is the weakness of the newspaper, which lives on played-up tidbits of good or evil. Critical introspective pessimists see the dark side. Enthusiastic "cheerios," possessed of a vivid imagination, picture the bright side in glowing phrases. The first may serve to steady the impetuous, and the second to interest and encourage all of us; but we need the calm, sound, general conclusions of the unbiased investigator on which to base our confidence. Satisfying faith must rest on substantial foundations. Whether or not spectacular items appear, our confidence is fixed on something more tangible than changing details. Sound faith is ever built upon impregnable foundations.
Centralization!—Centralization of power makes for weaklings in the ranks. It kills initiative and creates leaners. It fosters blind following, and represses developing leadership, Contrariwise, distribution of responsibility develops strength. When men must make personal decisions, they grow in discernment and learn to think things through. When they must create their own plans, they learn to build intelligently. These self-evident principles may well be pondered.
L. E. F.