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The disciples had their dark moments.

One was a thief and betrayed his Lord. Another denied his Master with cursing. They all forsook Him in a moment of crisis. Then there was that famous argument about who would be the greatest. Tragedy was narrowly averted when chil­dren were unceremoniously ushered from the Lord's presence. (The MV department's closest call!) "Suffer little children to come" restored the status quo. And there were darker moments. Three apostles slept during Christ's night of agony. They doubted when they should have believed and failed when they might have succeeded. To question the authenticity of the movement on the basis of the imperfect performances of some of its adherents is to deny the divinity of its Founder and the perfec­tion of His message. Said one saint to another, "I am not a member because everything here is right but because everything right is here." 

E. E. C.

FAT BONES

Few people receive anything without working for it. To be sure, results are not always commensurate with energy expended. There are factors involved that often elude the most practiced eye. Measurement of a man's effectiveness is therefore difficult if not impos­sible. This holds true when a successor "succeeds" where his predecessor "fails." How much of Apollos' reaping is due to Paul's sowing must await the eter­nal revelation. Herein lies the Achilles need of most "reporting." An attendant evil is achievement based on competition, which is a carnal motivation at best. We are learning fast that attainment based on any less motivation than love for God and our fellow man, is time and effort vainly expended.

Then, cease reporting? Perish the thought. "A good report makes the bones fat." Glad tidings are an encouragement to the saints—who cannot be aware of all things in all places at all times. Re­porting that spotlights the blessings of God rather than individual achievement, is after the divine order. Such reporting cannot ignore individual par­ticipation, for in the divine operation, the human is used by the Divine. To salute a district leader for a particular attainment is above criticism, if God is given full praise. Reporting the blessings of God by word or pen is after the gospel order. "And when they were come, and had gathered the church to­gether, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles" (Acts 14:27).

Reporting per se, is not prideful. Fellow minis­ters and laity should be made aware of the blessings of God wherever they occur. But the safeguards must be personal. The minister's zeal must be heaven bestowed, and not eternally stimulated. We press toward the mark, not because others do, but because we must whether or not they do. And the pace should be dictated, not by the speed of others, but by the urgent necessity of our mission of love. To be sure, no man is immune to inspiration or depression inspired by environmental forces. How­ever, one may be daily insulated against depression, jealousy, and desperation through constant com­munion with the Creator. Be it remembered how­ever, that holy joy is a Christian virtue and to in­spire men to aspire is not sin. But artificial respira­tion is no substitute for natural breathing.

E. E. C.

THE GOLDEN CALF

Cynicism continually fed will never die. Unwittingly we contribute to it with improper emphasis in promotion. For instance: relating a member's Christian experience to the raising of goals, or measuring his love for God thereby, is a clear case of unjustified "stress." The spirit of sacri­fice may be appealed to without bringing the brother's total Christian experience into question. Financial promotion at best is a highly sensitive operation. Carelessly entered into, it can devitalize a congregation with the effectiveness of anesthesia.

The pastor must avoid creating the image of a church more interested in places and things than in persons. Once the membership gets this impression, cynicism poisons the blood stream of the church body. This writer does not question the place of programs or promotion in the over-all church oper­ation. Rather, should not each minister so guard his emphasis as to reserve the true image of church mission in the minds of the adherents? Christ's first concern Nvas for the individual. With tenderness He ministered to their need. There was no doubting His motive on the part of those He helped. Though He required their lives, they were convinced that even this was for their good. The walls of Zion must never echo to the cynicism of the skeptical nor this hypocrite's wail, "They're only interested in what they can take from you." The Christ-emphasis must be so strong—even during financial drives—that the poor will not be ill at ease, nor the heavy giver unduly exalted. In short, the church must reject "dollar rule" fully and finally, and treat financial promotion as a means to an end, never an end. The mission of the church is spiritual, first, last, and always. Let this lofty note flavor all church activity and there will be healthy advance all along the line, and the spiritual will not be tarnished by the car­nal. In short, gentlemen, where it has not been done, let us melt the golden calf.

E. E. C.