AM I MY BROTHER'S KEEPER?
By Eld. J. D. Rice
"NO MAN liveth to himself" is an inspired declaration of the apostle Paul. However much we may incline to believe that our ways have nothing to do with those of others, it is true nevertheless, whenever we associate with our fellow-beings, or our influence through any means reaches them, we exert an influence which will be saving in its effects or to the contrary. It will tend to "gather with Christ" or scatter abroad. To say that we can live and act among men without casting any influence one way or the other, is to contradict the Scriptures, and proves that we have not been as close observers as we might have been. It is an old saying that "we are creatures of circumstances." This is true to a great extent. It seems to be instilled into our very nature, to pattern after others, and probably because of this tendency on our part, the Lord has given us a pattern to go by, as well as instruction on points of duty. Every Christian is expected to make Christ his pattern. We are to "walk even as he walked." 1 John 2:6. In no case are we instructed to follow others only as they follow Christ. 1 Cor. 11:1; 2 Cor. 3:2, 3. Elders and leaders, as well as those of experience, are expected to "be ensamples" to the rest of the flock, especially to the young converts. 1 Pet. 5:1-3; 1 Tim. 4:12. Woe unto him who puts a stumbling-block or an occasion to fall, or to depart from the simplicity of the way of Christ, in his weak brother's way, whether by word, example or otherwise. Again, of the people of God it is said, "Ye are the light of the world," "Ye are the salt of the earth," "The epistle of Christ" "known and read of all men." Matt. 5:13, 14; 2 Cor. 3:2, 3. The world expects to read Christ through us, and they have a right to do so. Hence the necessity of our letting that light so shine that it will faithfully exemplify the teachings of Christ and the power of his gospel, and thus cast its saving influence upon those around us. When I think of these things, and the solemn responsibility that rests upon us who profess the name of Christ, I tremble for myself and God's people, and ask, "Who is sufficient for these things?" God will be our sufficiency if we humble our hearts before him, and do our best to return to the simplicity of his ways as revealed in his word. We must "come out" from the world and "be separate." We cannot "conform" to its ways in conversation, dress, or otherwise, and be guiltless. We cannot attend its scenes of pleasure, its picnics, dances, concerts, theaters, etc., except at the expense of our spirituality, and to the injury of the cause of God. As our love for these things increases, our regard for the requirements of God decreases; and any attempt to hold on to the world with one hand and grasp Heaven with the other, will only prove our ruin in the end. "Ye cannot serve God and mammon." Christ meant what he said, so be not deceived. The words which he has spoken the same shall judge you in the last day. "Be not conformed to this world." Rom. 12:1, 2. If by our conformity to the world others are led back to the world, or hindered from coming out of it, how will our account stand at the bar of God? Will we think to be excused by saying, "Am I my brother's keeper?" Some seem to think their influence over the world would be lessened if they did not overstep the bounds a little and conform somewhat to the world. In this they are deceived. They may gain its approbation, its love; but "if ye are of the world, the world will love his own." So if you want the friendship and love of the world, conform to its ways. But if you want the love of God, then conform to his ways. It is safe to do what the Lord says, and not try to court the favor of the world by a conformity to it. If we hold up a false standard and win men to it, what have we gained for Christ? The higher and more prominent the position we are called to occupy, the greater our responsibility for the influence which we cast. What is wanted, is more sanctified independence of spirit throughout our ranks. Those are wanted who, in the meek and lowly spirit of Christ, will stand out alone, if need be for a time, and do what the word of the Lord commands in all things, because God says it, and because it is right. By so doing, the more timid ones are emboldened to "follow on" to do the same. We may thus "lift up the hands that hang down," and "strengthen the feeble knees," and the impending Judgment will reveal our faithfulness, and that we have not lived to ourselves nor lived in vain.