The success of any institution very largely depends upon the smooth running order of its organization, and this depends upon the relationship which exists between its workers. First, consider the relationship of workers to one another. In union there is strength. Amos of old asked the question, "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?"
When the early disciples were quarreling among themselves as to who should be the greatest, their usefulness in the service of Christ was greatly curtailed, and they fell in defeat before the enemy. And in our day, when Satan is engaged in marshaling all the forces of evil for the final conflict, we need to be doubly on guard, lest we allow petty jealousies and animosities to creep in, and thus mar the sweet relationship that should exist between us as workers.
Jesus said, "By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another." Love is especially necessary in the mission field, where the followers of Christ are conspicuously few in number. Jesus says, "This is My commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you." Brethren, do we have such love for one another ? I quote from Mrs. White:
"Let each one who claims to follow Christ, esteem himself less, and others more. Press together, press together ! In union there is strength and victory ; in discord and division there is weakness and defeat. These words have been spoken to me from heaven. As God's ambassador, I speak them to you. Let everyone seek to answer the prayer of Christ,—'That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee.' O, what unity is this !"— "Testimonies," Vol. V. pp. 488, 489.
Paul shows how this relationship should work out in actual practice, by comparing it to the relationship which exists between the members of the physical body. In 1 Corinthians 12:23-26 he speaks of the "more abundant honor" which is bestowed upon those members that we deem less honorable; the necessity for the existence of the weaker ones; the care for the feeble ones; and the need of sympathy for those who suffer. If an eye, a finger, or a foot is injured, how tenderly it is protected and cared for by the other members of the body ! The Bible recognizes that there is a difference in the strength and honor of the different members of the body, but nevertheless each is indispensable. Not one of the members is to feel its own importance above that of the others.
The relationship between members of the church, and workers in particular, should be closer than any blood relationship. Jesus, ignoring for the moment His blood relations who were waiting outside the door, even the mother whom He loved so tenderly, said, "My mother and My brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it." If even blood relationship be excluded from the close fellowship which is to characterize the relationship between believers, what shall we say of the more distant relationship which parades under the name of nationalism and patriotism, and the hold that these sometimes have on workers? Paul says, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."
A feeling of superiority because of race, nationality, or social standing can have no place with the humble worker who follows in the footsteps of the Master. At one time our working force in Iran was made up of ten different nationalities. A multiplicity of nationalities among the workers in a mission field should be a decided advantage and an asset rather than a hindrance to the work. When all work together in love and unity, without allowing any national spirit to manifest itself, they bear a mighty testimony to the world-wide nature of our peculiar message, and are a standing rebuke to missions that operate under such names as the American Mission, the French Mission, or the German Mission.
A close relationship between workers should be sacredly guarded and nourished, because the success of our work depends upon it. Misunderstandings between workers should be attended to at once. Wrongs should be confessed and forgiveness should be sought at the earliest opportunity. Delay gives opportunity to the great enemy of our souls to aggravate and magnify the case. We have this instruction from the Spirit of prophecy:
"Do not allow the wound to fester and break out in poisoned words, which taint the minds of those who hear. Do not allow bitter thoughts to continue to fill your mind and his. Go to your brother, and in humility and sincerity talk with him about the matter."—Id., Vol. VII, p. 261.
Even the most diligent efforts at conciliation are sometimes fruitless. Christ recognized the possible necessity of calling in a third or a fourth person to assist. Those called upon to assist in such reconciliation, if their own hearts are right with God, instead of regarding it as an imposition, will consider it their highest privilege to be peacemakers. "For they shall be called the children of God." When workers, because of the incompatibility of their natures, cannot get along well together, it is much better for the work, and for themselves, for them to be separated and transferred to another place, rather than to be forced to continue labor under such trying circumstances. Paul and Barnabas evidently recognized this principle when they separated, one taking with him Silas, and the other Mark, on their missionary journeys.
Every worker should consider it his duty to uphold the honor and respect of his fellow workers. This can best be done by his ordering his own life to conform to the high standard which is set for the gospel worker. Those who accept this high calling must expect to make sacrifices that are not required of the lay member. Any independent line of conduct, or any feeling that a worker has the right to do and act as he pleases regardless of what people may think or say, will be sure to bring reproach on the work, and thus dishonor his fellow laborers. Every act should be considered in the light of how it will reflect upon fellow workers. "Abstain from all appearance of evil," is Paul's admonition. Even things that may be done with perfect innocence, will, because of their evil appearance to the world, be gladly sacrificed by the worker who has the cause and honor of God uppermost in his mind. On the other hand, great care should be exercised not to take up a report against a fellow worker, except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. This admonition comes from Mrs. White:
"We should endeavor to think well of all men, especially our brethren, until compelled to think otherwise. We should not hastily credit evil reports. These are often the result of envy or misunderstanding, or they may proceed from exaggeration or a partial disclosure of facts. Jealousy and suspicion, once allowed a place, will sow themselves broadcast, like thistledown. Should a brother go astray, then is the time to show your real interest in him. Go to him kindly, pray with and for him, remembering the infinite price which Christ has paid for his reclemption."—.I.D., Vol. V, pp. 58, 59.
Workers should be a positive help to each other, and by working together fill up what is lacking in the other. By pleasant association in counsel and prayer, they should seek to encourage one another. This is all the more necessary in the mission field where the workers are more or less isolated. Helpful criticism, if given in love and with a desire to help rather than to find fault, will usually be welcomed, and will prove beneficial. If we fail to make these helpful criticisms to each other, the probability is that we shall grow up with certain defects of character clinging to us, because there is no one else to whom we may look for correction. A word of commendation once in a while will not be amiss.
There should exist the same close relationship between the foreign worker and the national as exists between foreign workers. Because of his wider experience and more favorable environments and opportunities, the European worker should be a sort of elder brother to the national or native workers. His home should always be open, a haven of rest. The national should be made to feel that the other workers have a real interest in him, and that they welcome him to come for counsel and advice. Never must we allow any sort of social gulf to separate us. It would be most regrettable if these workers felt freer to go to men of their own nationality who are not in harmony with the truth, because they feel timid about coming to their own brethren. I have often had nationals of other missions come to me with their perplexities because there seemed to be a gulf between them and their leaders. As Seventh-day Adventists who are looking for the coming of Jesus, we cannot afford ever to allow such a state of affairs to exist in any of our missions.
________ To be concluded in March