Superficial! —It is distressing to see some brother spend a few hurried hours canvassing partial data on some moot historical or theological point that has taxed the resources of experts who have devoted years to its study, and then release some sort of ex cathedra utterance on the subject. Modesty would indicate that positive declaration in technical matters of this kind be reserved for the qualified, and scholarship demands adequate study before even such express themselves. The tone of infallibility characterizing the utterances of some would be amusing if it were not so tragic.
Whisperers!—God will not hold him guiltless who engages in whispering campaigns against some brother minister whose convictions on some unessential detail of prophetic interpretation may differ from his own, but whose whole life of loving labor has been devoted to upbuilding the cause they both love. Suspicion, and a distorted understanding in the minds of others, can easily be created by such a course. Indeed, there is no subtler way of damaging a fellow worker than to whisper, "He is not safe, loyal, orthodox. Look out!" But he who engages in such a work of poisoning minds is doing the work of the devil, and will be held accountable by a just and all-seeing God. He who thus agitates will have to answer for his words before God and man.
Love!—God looks at sinning, suffering, sorrowing humanity through eyes of infinite love. Fully cognizant of the polluting, debasing character of sin, and reading the very thoughts and intents of the natural heart, He still loves on. And as He loves, so are we to love in ministry to men of every continent and race and tongue. Tenderness, sympathy, and understanding,—these are attributes characteristic of the successful minister's work. Christ our Pattern tabernacled with men in the full sense of the term. There was no aloofness, no superiority, no detachment in His attitude. He was approachable and full of understanding. We erect well-nigh insuperable barriers if we view the subjects of our labors through eyes of condescension or condemnation. Disdain, distrust, and disgust are attitudes that should be totally foreign to us as followers of Christ. We, too, must look at perishing men through eyes of love as we extend the succoring hand.
Relaxation! —The best of watch springs need to be allowed to run down periodically, lest they snap from constant tension. In like manner the relentless pressure of this tense age necessitates periods of relaxation from the incessant strain, to a degree unnecessary in former years. Censure is unbecoming, therefore, as regards deserved vacations; nor is it seemly to criticize one for his mode of relaxation. Some crave exercise, others desire rest. Some find delight in a garden, others on the tennis court or green. Some love camping or hiking, others boating and swimming. Some wish to travel and visit with friends; others prefer their books, shady nooks, and solitude. The ideal vacation provides sharp contrast to the routine, the scenes and contacts of the daily grind; and so long as one comports himself as a Christian gentleman, it is no one else's affair how these periods of rest are taken. They are to be individually determined, and should be enjoyed without the ambushed gunfire of criticism.
Danger!—Those who are highly trained and informed are in danger of making shipwreck over these very attainments. Their tendency is to look with pitying tolerance upon their humbler associates, and to develop a hypercritical attitude toward all that others write or say. They make scholarship their god, and worship at her shrine—forgetting that God looks primarily upon the motivating spirit, and regards the intent of the heart. Though God desires truth and accuracy, and adequacy of treatment on the part of His ministers, He cannot use a carping, critical perfection to His glory. That is a narrowness and bigotry, and an offense against true scholarship as verily as is looseness of statement. This very fact explains why some scholars never accomplish much, and why some humbler workers do exploits for God.
Truth!—Intelligent faith must of necessity be built upon the sure foundation of truth—revealed truth, and factual truth. Divinely revealed truth comes directly from the God of truth through inspired revelation, while the factual truths of earth are discoverable through human study and research as guided by the Spirit of truth. And there is an inviolable harmony between the two. Revealed truth is embodied in the Word, living and written, and amplified in the Spirit of prophecy. It embraces inspired precept, principle, and the infallible record of fact. The factual truths of earth are tabulated in the historical records that witness to the mandates of revealed truth. God predicts and man fulfills. The Infinite foresees and the finite witnesses to the accomplishment. So, when all the facts are in hand, the one will prove to be the consistent counterpart of the other. We are therefore to seek for accuracy in observation and discernment in interpretation.
L. E. F.