Human Relations

Today the men who direct great indus­tries realize as never before that in an era of mechanization, scientific progress, and electronic computers, one of their greatest needs is to understand those who work for them. I do believe also that in the midst of our wonderful system of organiza­tion, our departmentalization, our desire to reach and pass our goals and establish new records, our evangelistic campaigns, yes, in the midst of all the activities re­quired to forward God's last message to all the world, one of our greatest needs is to give more importance to the human factor, to understand or at least to try to under­stand our fellow workers.

True human relations is nothing more nor less than putting Christianity into prac­tice. It simply means living by the code of the golden rule.

Titus—Handler of Problems

I have heard sermons that centered on outstanding Bible characters such as Paul, Timothy, Peter, John the Baptist, Abra­ham, Moses, and even Judas. I do not re­call, however, having heard a sermon about Titus. Not too much is said or known about him, but the Bible tells us enough to give us a good idea about the type of man he was.

Titus was a close friend of the apostle Paul and accompanied him on some of his travels. His name is not mentioned in the book of Acts, but it is thought that the reference in Acts 15, verse 2, to "certain other of them" who accompanied Paul and Barnabas from Antioch to Jerusalem, in­cludes Titus, since in Galatians 2, verse 3, where the problem of the circumcision of the Gentiles is commented upon, we read:

"But neither Titus, who was with me, be­ing a Greek, was compelled to be circum­cised." After this no mention is made of Titus for several years, but in Second Co­rinthians his name appears eight times.

This man was sent to Corinth as a spe­cial representative of Paul. He had to deal with problems of immorality that had arisen. It was a very delicate mission, and Titus was successful. He was able to take back a good report to Paul. The following references indicate to us something of the personality of Titus: "I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia" (2 Cor. 2:13). Paul was made sad on reaching Troas because he did not find his good friend Titus, whom he had expected to meet there. No doubt Titus was a true friend, constant and faithful. Then in 2 Corinthians 7:6 we read: "Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Ti­tus." Titus must have had a warm, attrac­tive personality. How wonderful it is when a worker can say, "I was comforted by the visit of my conference president," or "I was greatly encouraged by the visit of my con­ference treasurer."

In 2 Corinthians 8:16 we read of the un­derstanding and solicitous spirit of Titus: "But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you." Titus was a true friend, greatly appre­ciated by the apostle Paul, and the fact that he was chosen on various occasions to handle difficult and delicate problems, and that he did it so successfully, speaking the truth with authority and without fear but at the same time maintaining the respect and love of those affected, tells us clearly that he was not only a good, capable man but also a kind, courteous, and lovable Christian gentleman. Titus knew how to treat people, speaking the truth but in a spirit of love and without leaving deep wounds in the hearts of his hearers. I be­lieve we have evidence to prove that Titus was well versed in the art of human rela­tions.

The Riot Act for Bishops

As we carefully read the Epistle of Paul to Titus, we realize that here Titus was re­ceiving a very difficult assignment. Gen­erally we try to avoid being implicated in this type of mission. "For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting" (Titus 1:5). The Spanish version gives the idea of "correcting the things that are out of or­der." Titus had to "read the riot act" to the bishops. He had to set things right. And he had to deal with people who had a pretty bad reputation. In verses 12 and 13 of Titus 1 we read: "One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are always liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. This witness is true. Wherefore re­buke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith." In the second chapter of Ti­tus we notice some of the grave counsel that Titus was to impart to the Cretians. And Titus carried out his assignment, but I be­lieve there was a knot in his throat and tears in his eyes as he exhorted and rebuked "with all authority." There must have shone in his countenance a spark of love that dissolved hostility and cultivated good human relations. Listen to the words of the final verse of the Epistle to Titus: "All that are with me salute thee."

We must face up to the fact that time after time we fail in the area of human re­lations. With sadness we observe that many times there is friction between conference officers, between workers and the adminis­trators, between pastors and members, and between workers. Sometimes there is jeal­ousy, envy, pride, and an unpardoning spirit. Many times there is evident a spirit of destructive criticism. Brethren, "these things ought not so to be." Let us not de­ceive ourselves, thinking that we can suc­cessfully do God's work while cherishing such things in our hearts. In Hosea 11:4 we read: "I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love." May God help us to be "bands of love" in our human relations. "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another" (John 13:35). Thousands of dollars of un­necessary expense are incurred at times be­cause workers do not love one another.

Erroneous Concept

Some have the mistaken idea that good human relations means living and working always in an atmosphere where there are no differences of opinion, no words of cor­rection or of counsel. This concept is er­roneous. We must use the minds that God has given us and express our views in a kindly spirit. God does not want us simply to be yes men. Each man must think for himself and under the direction of the Holy Spirit form his own conclusions. The important thing is to know how to differ in opinion but maintain a calm, humble, loving spirit, and never personalize the matter under discussion. In our conference committees or church board meetings, for example, there are often opposing opin­ions, but with good human relations the matter is discussed with prayer and the will of the majority is carried out. Hearts touched with the Spirit of God maintain harmony and peace even though the ideas may be different.

In The Desire of Ages, page 487, we read this arresting sentence: "There can be no more conclusive evidence that we possess the spirit of Satan than the disposition to hurt and destroy those who do not appre­ciate our work, or who act contrary to our ideas." Each one of us in administrative responsibilities should examine ourselves in the light of this statement. Christ sur­rounded Himself with twelve men who had strong convictions, and were inde­pendent in their thinking and acting. Many times the human relations among these twelve were not very good, but Christ loved them until the end. And after Christ's death, all (with the exception of Judas), when they had put aside all differences, all contentions, every desire for supremacy, and "were all with one accord," received the Holy Spirit. This, brethren, is our great­est need. How wonderful it is to see a group of people working together as a team. The psalmist, David, under inspira­tion wrote: "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" (Ps. 133:1).

In the discussions concerning the war in Vietnam we hear about "hawks" and "doves." As workers of God we should be "doves" and not "hawks" in our dealings with others. We should be peacemakers, pouring oil on troubled waters. Jesus pro­nounced a blessing upon peacemakers, in His Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 5:9 we read: "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."

We must maintain aloft the standards of the church. We must call sin by its right name. But let all this be done in the spirit of Christ, with "bowels of compassion" and with "cords of love."