Various earnest followers of Christ have expressed grave concern over the many problems that have arisen in this fast changing, swiftly moving world in which we live. The following remarks and subsequent articles appearing under this heading have been designed to assist, if possible, in the working out of some of the perplexing situations that arise inevitably in the lives of the believers.
Many of us can recall the horse and buggy days when life proceeded at a slow, tranquil pace, and when a journey of more than a few miles was considered an adventure. What a contrast is witnessed today ! Instead of a placid, leisurely existence, life is carried on in an age that is ever changing; an atomic era in which nuclear development, satellites a n d other scientific advancements are of such a rapid pace, that the average man is often bewildered and perplexed. Even those of the household of faith often find themselves at a loss to cope with the extenuating circumstances that confront them daily.
Well known to the bible student is the prophecy contained in Daniel 12 :4 concerning the increase in knowledge to be revealed in the last days, a sure indication that the times of the Gentiles would soon come to a close. “. . . many shall run to and from and knowledge shall increase.” It is evident that the true significance of this verse may more readily be perceived today than, say, even a hundred years ago.
Those of us living today are actually witnessing the fulfillment of this divine prophecy. The days spoken of by Daniel are surely upon us, and it appears likely that many of us will actually live to witness the end of Gentile dominion and the inauguration of the times of God. How are we reacting to this ever changing scene? Are we rising above the new developments and problems that this age of speed and knowledge has brought ? Do our actions in the world in which we live display a true Christian spirit, or are we gradually being submerged by the new era in which we find ourselves ?
We have all heard the expression, “if found faithful, or if we remain faithful”. It is a question that unfortunately always confronts us, lest as the apostle, Paul declared, “when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” The members of the household of faith are in the same position as the apostle. But, do we possess the same faith and rapture that we once had ; have we the same enthusiasm, the same zeal we experienced when first introduced to the faith ? Or, has our outlook changed to such a degree that we find ourselves in danger of being a castaway ?
In the book of Revelation we have the last recorded message from the Lord Jesus Christ. In the first chapter, verse 4, we read, “John, to the seven churches which are in Asia.” It was a message to the seven ecclesias, the last of which was the little gathering at Laodicea. Now there was a very particular message given to this ecclesia, and it was given for a definite reason. The church today, stands in a somewhat similar position, for it too, is the last of the ecclesias, awaiting the call that most certainly will soon be heard. Just how soon it will come, we cannot say. We do know, however, that when it does come, the light of the lamp stand will be overshadowed by the brilliance of the light of the Son of Man.
What, particularly was the message? It is extremely important that we should know, for we are the last ecclesia. “And unto the angel of the church of Laodicea write. These things saith the amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God. I know thy works that thou art neither cold nor hot. I would that thou wet cold or hot. So then, because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth.”
Now, in these verses, we have the direct words of Jesus, in which he warns the brethren of the fate that would befall them if they did not come out of the lackadaisical state they were in. Christ was not just warning the little ecclesia in Asia. There was a much further reaching significance to his message. The light has gone completely out in the original Laodicea, and should we confine his words to them only, the message in the Revelations would have reduced itself to a mere fragment of history. It is evident, from a perusal of his words that they must certainly have a dual meaning which can apply to those Christians living in the last days.
One of the greatest problems ever to confront the brotherhood is in evidence today. In all regions where the light of God’s truth has penetrated, the Laodicean state of lukewarmness becomes a major problem. The Master realised immediately what was wrong with this ecclesia. “Because thou sayest, I am rich and increased with goods, and have need of nothing, and knowest not that thou art wretched and miserable, and poor and blind and naked.” (Rev. 3:17) Some nineteen hundred years have passed since these words were uttered, and yet they point out one of the major problems within the body of Christ today.
We live in a world of sentence phrases, head-lines, sub-titles, little groups of words that convey a message. In this day and age, all too many of these s en t an c e phrases convey an idea of comfort and security ; i.e. Guaranteed Annual Wages, Social Security, Pension Plans, Public Service, Fringe Benefits. Although the scriptures undeniably teach carefulness and thrift, so that we are chargeable to duties to God. To avoid going too no man, yet it is possible for us to tend too closely to our comfort and security at the expense of our extremes in our search for security is, I believe, one of our major, many up for yourselves treasures heaven. “problems.
The Lord Jesus, in his sermon on the mount cautioned his followers, “Lay up for yourselves treasures
in heaven.”
One of our major problems is to make our life conform to the doctrine of Christ, and actually confine our treasure to those things of a spiritual nature. It is utterly them to operate in our lives. It utterly valueless to know the doctrines of the truth and then view them abstractly, without allowing is one thing to know the problem, and another to solve it. If we admit that there lies at our door the very grave risk of being classed with Laodicea ; and if our problem is this desire for wealth, security land comfort, at the same time neglecting our duties to our Creator, we may well ask the question, “How can I overcome it ?” Does the answer lie in our faithful attendance at the Sunday morning meetings ? Does it lie in the daily reading of God’s word ? Perhaps in visiting the sick and ministering to the needs of the brethren and sisters of Christ can be found the answer to this perplexing question. It might seem strange indeed, if, in answer to all these questions, came the reply, “it is not enough.” However, remember the story of the rich young man that had come to Jesus. All these things had he observed from his youth, yet it was not enough.
“If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me.” (Matt. 16:24) If we expect to earn the pleasure of our Heavenly Father it is of the utmost importance that we faithfully follow in the steps of the master. Willing workers, heartily responding to the call of the Lord, and eagerly engaged in the work of the ministry are sure to gain his approval in the day of reckoning. In far-off days, in the wilderness, when the work of the tabernacle was undertaken, it was those who were of a willing heart that were accepted as workers in the project. The laborer in God’s vineyard today must express the same willing spirit. No lackadaisical Labradorean approach to our high calling is acceptable.
Let us each examine ourselves by mentally answering the following questions ;
- Do we allow enough time for God, each and every day ?
- Do we remember that we are His children and must obey His commands willingly as loving and obedient children should ?
- Do we allow our religion to be part of our daily lives ?
- Do we study the scriptures daily as the only inspired word of God we have ?
- Do we put our complete trust in Him, knowing He will never leave us nor forsake us ?
- Do we pray as we should and as often as we should?
The only real security to be found in all the world is that contained within the holy scriptures. “I council thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich” ; gold tried in the fire – tried faith, the faith that comes from Christ ; “and white raiment that thou mayest be clothed” ; white raiment, the righteousness of the saints ; “that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear ; and anoint thine eyes with eye salve that thou mayest see.” Learn of God and of His Christ, so that we can achieve that form of knowledge that is able to make us wise unto salvation.
The words that the Master then addressed to the Laodicean ecclesia may well be spoken to the household of faith today “Behold, I stand at the door and knock” Even the most lukewarm of us will admit that Christ is near, even at the door. “If any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him and will sup with him and he with me. Can we still hear his voice, or have the cares of this life crowded it out ? Are we, everyone of us, ready for his return ?”
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One