Danger, Always Danger

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, Cal. · Feb 24, 1909

Danger, Always Danger.

IT was not to multiply words that the equality of men under Christ Jesus is so often and in so many ways given us in the New Testament. Jesus knew that as men became successful in His work, with gifts divinely bestowed, they would take honors and assume authority over their brethren which did not belong to them. This was manifest in His work from the beginning. An outcropping of this spirit is recorded in Luke 9: 46-48. The disciples were arguing among themselves "which of them was the greatest." Ancestry, time of call, place of abode, age, educational qualifications, success in other fields, and other things, perhaps, came into their argument. Jesus rebuked the self-assuming spirit by the little child, and declared, "He that is least among you all, the same is great."

Then John thought that while it might be wrong to cherish such a spirit among themselves, it was proper to exercise it toward those without: "And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out demons in Thy name; and we forbade him, because he followeth not with us. But Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against you is for you." Luke 9: 49, 50.

It is sometimes seen in the church of Christ, that if some are not disposed to follow counsel given, they are counted enemies and outside of the field of cooperation, altho their way may be one of faith and is not antagonistic to God's work in any way. If the Master's advice should be heeded regarding those outside, how much more should it be regarding those within.

The rebukes of God do not fall upon multiplied activity for Him. He has bestowed a variety of gifts, directly through His Spirit, that men may work under Him, the Head of the church. He has exhorted to unity, to lowliness of mind, to cooperation, but above all else, to loyalty to Him, our Head, and to His great Gospel message. His rebukes and reproofs and censures come because of sin, of disloyalty to God. Paul, who keenly rebuked the sin of the Corinthians, and declared concerning that sin that he had already "judged him that hath so wrought this thing," and declared that the sinning one should be "put away" (see 1 Corinthians 5), also writes to the same church, "Not that we have lordship over your faith, but are helpers of your joy; for in faith ye stand." 2 Cor. 1: 24. And in Peter's exhortation rings out the strain, "Neither as lording it over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock." 1 Peter 5: 3.

There is danger, gone to seed, bearing evil fruit in the Papacy; and the danger lingers and is leavening the nations. There is danger in the Federation of Protestant churches, just come to full bloom, and read clearly in the light of past ages. There is danger, great danger, that the same evil shall be manifest in God's remnant people. Heed the lessons of the Head of the church, "One is your Master, even Christ, and all ye are brethren."