Before actually continuing the subject we are considering, I feel that I must clear up a possible misconception that the previous article may have promulgated; i.e., the thoughts which you have read and are about to read have been entirely researched and precipitated by myself. This is not entirely true. Bro. Robert Leathers and Bro. Alex Higham have done the majority of the “leg work” in researching this material for presentation at our ecclesial classes. I have done relatively little in proportion. What I have done is to organize, amend and record the material for presentation here. I hope this helps to give due credit to the two Brethren who also deserve it and at the same time hope that both they and the readers will accept my apology for this apparent oversight.
One of the primary pieces of information that our local draft boards are trying to ascertain is the depth of our sincerity concerning our beliefs. The following question appeared in an old form used in registering for conscientious objector status: “Describe the actions and behavior in your life which in your opinion demonstrate the consistency and depth of your religious convictions.” Did you notice the curious way in which the question was worded ? These people at this point, are not asking you to quote a list of Biblical references substantiating your beliefs (there was an earlier question in the form that dealt with that), but what they want you to state is reflections of those beliefs that you demonstrate in your daily life.
Paul exhorts us to be consistent in our beliefs with respect to our daily lives in his letter to the Galatians chapter 5 verse 25. The words are simple, “If we live in the Spirit let us also walk in the Spirit.” This is a basic principle that we teach to our children as they grow up and therefore, should be easily demonstrated to the board. Guiding proverbs are laid out for us in such places as 2 Thessalonians 5:14-22, Colossians 3:5-10, Galatians 5:19-26, as well as many other places far too numerous to catalogue here. We have the examples of lives that exemplify the way in which God wants us to live in such men as Abraham, Moses, David, and of course, our Lord Jesus Christ. These are things that we must consider Now, before we go before the board, for by then it will be too late.
Show Our Love
The basic theme that underlies the message of the previous paragraph is this: if we say that we love our God we must be able to show it in our everyday life and this is accomplished by loving our neighbors. In the last article I quoted Matthew 22:37-40, and by now it should be becoming quite evident that no matter where we turn, this theme of scripture is to be found. If we turn to 1 John 4:20,21 we find that it states, “If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he bath not seen ? And this commandment have we from Him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.” These are sobering words indeed. Therefore, if we find ourselves in the position of dot showing our love to our fellow man through our interactions with him, we cannot truthfully say that we love our God and if we cannot say and show this, then are we seeking the beginning of the destruction of our whole testimony relating to our sincerity. Once this has begun, the failure of the local board to find in favor of our case is soon to follow.
Our Reputation
There is another closely related thought to this that we should address at this time. When we think about appearing before our local draft boards bear in mind that the people that comprise them live in our own home towns. They are not people that have been sent to see you from some far away location, but may even live on your own street. It is of vital importance therefore, as I have mentioned before, that we think about our reputations NOW! Reputations are built over long periods of time, whether it be for good or bad; they are most assuredly not built overnight. What if a member of the board had heard of you in the past and what he had heard was not very commendable? It might just go a little harder for you in your interview.
Moving along in the same vein of thought let’s examine a twist in the situation noted in the previous paragraph. Suppose that you were asked a question in your interview regarding something about your daily life and you told a “little white lie” about it. One of the board members suddenly notes that you have just given a false statement, because he has somehow heard of this incident before. What do you think might happen? Ephesians 4:25 cautions, “Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man the truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another.” Our statements must be truthful with each other, our neighbors, and especially our local boards. If we represent ourselves falsely and are found out the ramifications can be far reaching. Remember, you not only represent yourself before the board, but the Christadelphian body as a whole. When we make false statements about ourselves it reflects upon the boards attitude towards the other Brethren or Sisters that will follow us. With each successive Brother or Sister that relates false information, the Brotherhood’s credibility falls another notch, until not even the most sincere and cerdible Brother or Sister is believed anymore. These people then must stand to face severe hardships that have actually been induced by us.
Not Sunday Christians
It may sound as if I am belaboring this point, but it is probably the most important aspect with regards to our stand as conscienious objectors. One of the greatest differences between the Christadelphian community and the rest of society is the fact that we are not (or at least should not be) leading lives that denote us as just another group of “Sunday morning Christians.” Reflect upon the humbling words of 1 John 3:1: “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not.” People cannot understand us because we are not like them. We try to incorporate the scriptures into our lives. We try to live lives that are acceptable in our Heavenly Father’s eyes, for we endeavor to Know Him not just know About Him. Think about the fact that because of God’s love for us, He wishes to call us His sons and daughters. Shouldn’t we be trying to live up to this high calling? This should be the theme of our whole lives not just a way to prepare for an interview with the draft board.
Christ is Coming
Christ is soon returning to this earth to cleanse it from its condition today. I think if we remember this fact also we shall be prepared to meet the questions of the board without hesitation. If we are preparing our lives now for our great “interview” before the judgement seat of Christ, who have we to fear now? Yes sincerity is important to show our local draft boards, but we must first remember our calling and the sincerity that we must show in our daily lives with regards to our Heavenly Father and His Son.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One