DUTIES OF CHURCH MEMBERS TOWARD THEIR OFFICERS
By George I. Butler
Thoughts on Church Government.—No. 6.
DUTIES OF CHURCH MEMBERS TOWARD THEIR OFFICERS.
OBLIGATIONS are mutual; and while we have tried to set forth the duties of officers to the church, we would not forget that members have duties devolving upon them of great importance toward those who occupy the position of shepherd over them. If it is an elder's duty to take the oversight of the members, to watch for their spiritual well-being, to lead them as the shepherd leads his flock, to encourage, admonish, and reprove, it is the duty of members to submit their will to such oversight and correction just so far as it is consistent with God's word. More than this, it is the duty of members to sustain the authority of those thus called to act, and make their burdens as light as possible, to encourage their hearts by a cheerful reception of their suggestions, unless contrary to right principles. In this age, and in this land, especially where there is so little deference paid to position and authority, the tendency is strongly toward laxity and disorder. Every man does what seemeth to him right in his own eyes. We are a nation of lords. To place a man in authority is but to make him the subject of criticism, of abuse, and of every kind of wicked innuendo. “Speaking evil of dignities” is thought to be rather a virtue than a vice, as an evidence of the liberty of the citizen or the press, until scarcely a man can be found whose character and integrity will shield him from every kind of evil insinuation, when placed in positions of responsibility in our civil government. The same influences are at work in the religious world. Doubtless the conduct of many corrupt rulers has increased this tendency. But the result is greatly to be deplored. It is a sad thing when those in high positions cannot be spoken of but with irreverence and disrespect. This is contrary to the teachings of Holy Writ. Authority is really delegated from God, and as such, in itself alone considered, should be held in respect. When persons abuse it, they are greatly blameworthy, as casting reproach upon that which is derived from God. The whole spirit of the age tends to break down all reverence for authority. God's people must guard against this tendency, if they wish to be in harmony with the Bible. Even in reference to an office no higher than an elder holds, in the local church, God has given instruction bearing on this very point. Paul says, “And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you, in the Lord, and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly, in love, for their work's sake.” 1 Thess. 5: 12, 13. Doubtless this includes ministers as well as elders of churches, but it certainly includes the latter. The members are to “acknowledge” such, as the Diaglott renders it. They are to be esteemed very highly for their work's sake. They need to feel that they have the sympathy and love of the church for whom they labor. They cannot accomplish very much without it. Paul says again, “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor; especially they who labor in the word and doctrine.” “Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.” 1 Tim. 5: 17, 19. This testimony still further shows that God would have his people respect those in the position of elder. The last clause of this text doubtless refers, primarily, to ministers listening to accusations from members against the elder, seeing the epistle was written to Timothy, a minister. It is not right for ministers, or those in higher positions than the local elder, to listen to every complaint, idly made by discontented parties, and decide in his mind against them carelessly. So the apostle gives this rule to guard the reputation of elders. If that be broken down, his influence will be gone and he can accomplish little good. If real grievances exist, they will be likely to be known by more than one person. If he has abused his office, generally a large number will know it. An elder's influence and reputation are precious in the sight of God. Ministers should do nothing to break them down, and should not lend themselves to the thoughtless or fault finding. If it is the duty of ministers to be thus careful, most certainly it is the duty of those over whom the elder is placed to have the same care. How often members will throw out insinuations against their leaders, thoughtless, perhaps, many times, yet absolutely sinful. They ought to help them and cheer them by their ready assistance, and carefully guard their reputation. The elder represents the whole church. He is the one chosen by their vote to act the leading part in their work, to speak for them. When his position, therefore, is broken down, the whole influence of the church is affected. We ought ever to realize that our own interest and that of the body itself are bound up in those we choose to represent us. Paul continues, “Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God; whose faith follow;” and, “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves; for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief; for that is unprofitable for you.” Heb. 13: 7, 17. Obedience and submission are here commanded by the great apostle to those placed under the watchcare of the elder. He is said to “have the rule over them.” This of course is to be taken in a limited and reasonable sense. Yet this scripture does plainly imply a degree of authority on the part of an elder, and a spirit of submission on the part of the church, altogether greater than is generally admitted in this land of freedom. But of course we are only to follow leaders as they follow Christ, and none are authorized to expect obedience inconsistent with God's word. But great condemnation will fall upon any church member who strikes against the authority of the elder, when he is in the path of duty, far more than most people realize. The great danger is in rebellion, and a stiff-necked, unsubdued spirit. We have our passions and wills, which are very apt to be found in conflict with God's will. “Submit yourselves therefore to God,” is a scripture very difficult to obey, and yet very important to be obeyed. Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness as iniquity and idolatry,” the prophet Samuel declares to King Saul. Those principles which the Bible upholds as of special excellence are humility, meekness, gentleness, longsuffering, patience, resignation to God's will, and such like. If we have these, we are stamped with the principles of Heaven. We belong to Heaven. We therefore need to cultivate these especially. We are all very apt to possess a set, unsubdued spirit whenever anything goes contrary to our wishes. God has therefore instructed us to submit to just and proper authority in the church. This lesson of submission should be taught to all our children, and would be, if family government was properly carried out. In that case, there would be far less difficulty in the world and church when children grow up. Order and decorum would prevail. The lack of this makes it difficult to properly carry out church government among men as we find them. But men and women who are converted, or who take upon themselves the obligations of the Christian religion and unite in church fellowship, must learn this lesson of submission to just authority if they would obey the divine injunction, “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves.” Not to do this will be found very “unprofitable” at last. That is, such will make a very bad bargain. We say of a man who gives that which is very valuable for a mere song, as Esau did his birthright for a mess of pottage, that it is an unprofitable trade. So that person will find out at last who gives away the eternal reward for the sake of having his own way. We must learn submission, in order to be meet for Heaven. In conclusion then upon this point, we say, the Scriptures require from members love, respect, and obedience, toward those whom they have chosen as overseers, when they give evidence of faithfulness on their part, just so far as not to conflict with the word of God. Members should try to assist the elder in bearing his burdens. They should give him such information as will help him correctly to understand the real condition of things, and should back up his testimony and rally around him, in every good work. Thus they may be true helpers in bearing the burdens of the church.