A godly Methodist minister preaching in his church made reference to a serious act of indiscretion on the part of one of his fellow ministers. It was sad, unexpected, and it shocked the congregation. Then, without minimizing the situation, this pastor said, "But when we criticize the fall of this poor man, let us not forget the scores of preachers who have been faithful, and thank God that where one falls there are a score who do not."
It was a simple but emphatic comment, and it deeply impressed all of us who heard. Since then I have thought about it a hundred times. And is it not well for us to remember the many who, by the grace of Christ, have remained true through all their years of service? Because of the faithfulness and consecration of the ministry, the flock of God has had no cause for suspicion of it.
My visit to the last General Conference left me with many wonderful impressions. But none was more real than the emphasis placed so definitely on godliness, especially in the choice of leaders.
However, to us all comes the reminder of Paul, "Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall"; also the words of Jesus, "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone."
Atalanta in Greek mythology was a young and beautiful woman, and many were the young men who sought her hand in marriage. But she was also an athlete, swift of foot. In this she prided herself. Moreover, she offered herself in marriage to the young man who could defeat her in a foot race, but on the condition that if he lost the race he should forfeit his life. It was therefore a very serious contract to enter into. Many tried and failed. But one, Hippomenes by name, was an ambitious youth, and he grew to love Atalanta. Summoning his courage, he at last braved the attempt.
The time for the race was set, and with pride Atalanta sprang forward. True to form, she moved swiftly ahead. But Hippomenes had prepared himself to succeed through the vanity of Atalanta. On his person he had secreted three golden apples. He threw one out, and she darted aside to pick it up. Quickly coming back into line, she surged ahead again. He threw another apple. She unhesitatingly dashed aside for it and then returned to the race, where she again moved into first place. Now they were nearing the goal. This was the last chance. He threw out the last apple. Again she dashed aside to seize it, but she could not make up the lost ground. Hippomenes rushed forward to touch the tape.
Golden Apples
This fable has a message for everyone who ministers the Word. We are in the race of life, competing against the wicked one. Like Hippomenes, he too has golden apples. By these he seeks to turn aside everyone who seeks the prize of eternal life.
John, in his first epistle, chapter two and verse sixteen, declares: "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world." Let us think of these three areas of temptation.
The first is "the lust of the flesh." Jesus in His comment on adultery said that to look upon a woman and to lust after her is to commit adultery. In this He recognized where man's safety lies if he would overcome. The thought is the father of the act. How we need to cleanse our minds from defilement of thought!
The second is "the lust of the eyes." This steps from the act to the approach to sin. Outwardly attractive but deeply subtle are many pictures of the world. Scenes of worldly pomp and of alluring women are calculated by the wicked one to lead us astray. It seems impossible to escape some things. Almost every magazine, as well as the billboards on the public highways, constantly thrusts these things before our eyes. We must be careful where we concentrate our gaze, for by beholding we become changed. More and more we must look unto Jesus, and whatsoever things are pure, and whatsoever things are beautiful to Him—these are the things we must behold steadfastly in order to keep our eyes from roving.
The third point the apostle mentions is "the pride of life." Yes, that beautiful villa we have managed to build, or that lovely car we drive, or those children in wealth or good positions in the world. Pride of life—pride in what we have been shrewd and careful to build up of the possessions of this life. What we talk about most, reveals the fountain of our pride.
What a struggle there is before us all. Satan is not defeated by our remaining in the work of God so long as our attention is upon the accumulation of worldly possessions and upper-seat positions to satisfy our pride. As workers we must pray, with strong faith and tears, that the enemy of souls will not in the final stages of the race of life defeat us in any one of these three ways. Remember that his golden apples are "the lust of the flesh," "the lust of the eyes," and "the pride of life." Against these is the constant battle.
The preservation of spiritual power rests in Paul's appeal in Philippians 4:8: "Finally, 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." Herein is the mind of Christ. And thank God that the great majority of our workers are faithful and steadfast.
When someone is defeated it naturally gives us pain, but let us not exaggerate our losses. Instead, let us thank God for the great group who have not fallen.
