(Hebrews
13:1)
Elder
Oscar B. Mink
Now
In Glory
The
spiritual Christian will readily admit
there is much wrong in his discipleship, and that he comes miserably
short in
his service to God and his brothers and sisters in the church. Being
aware of
these unsavory facts should serve to make us reluctant to severely
criticize
those who are walking with us in the troubled path of faith. The least
scrutiny
of our brothers and sisters will reveal much which we consider to run
counter
to the honor of God, and the best interest of the church. On the other
hand,
the scrutiny being honest, we will discover much in our dear brothers
and
sisters that is honest, and worthy of compliment. We are not saying,
withhold
all criticism. No, loving and constructive criticism can be the means
of
enriching love, correcting error, and contribute to the welfare of the
church.
Destructive
criticism of a brother or sister
is grievously wrong, and severe criticism must come only after the
effect has
been wisely and prayerfully calculated. The flesh takes a certain
satisfaction
from “Telling him off”, but it often follows that we look back on our
time of
temper venting, and conclude, I wish I hadn’t said that; or, I could
have
handled that in a far better way. More good has been accomplished by a
pat on
the back, than by a finger in the face. We may not relish humble pie,
but the
inner man thrives on it, and to deny our self this spiritual delicacy
is to
lower the flammability point of the depraved, harsh and unkind
passions. The
devil hates church harmony, peace, and unity. He loves to see discord
among the
brethren, gossip, and negative attitudes. Yet, the devil cannot create
in the
church these ill conditions apart from help within the church. Christ
said, “it
is impossible but that offenses will come: but woe unto him,
through
whom they come” (Luke 17:1). The devil is the arch rival of
God,
infinitely hates the blood bought church of Jesus Christ, and is
determined to
undo every member of the church. So, it behooves the members to promote
one
another, to pray fervently for one another, and to pay respect to one
another.
A kind word of appreciation can go a long way in disarming the spirit
that is
caught in the gall of bitterness. After all, it is the meek who inherit
the
earth, and our Lord said, “I am meek and lowly in heart.”
Let us give the church our best, and God
will give
the best to us.