Lulled Into Doing Nothing
"If you can be lulled into doing nothing to oppose the triumph of world communism, that is enough." So wrote John A. Stormer in his stirring book, None Dare Call It Treason in which he exposed the ever-present danger of communism in this nation. This was not spoken of those who are ignorant of the dangers facing this country, but about those who are aware of them, but simply are indifferent all because the "good times" have dulled their senses. The greatest threat to any cause or people is not the external force of power, but the internal indifference, apathy and complacency.
This same dangerous indifference has been manifested among God's people toward "spiritual wickedness in high places." Israel's defeat and ruin came as a result of this very same attitude. Amos pronounced a woe "to them that are at ease in Zion" (Amos 6:1). Isaiah described them thus: "That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the Lord. Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits." (Is. 30: 9 - 10.)
The church today is witnessing the greatest longing for "smooth things" by those who "prophesy deceits", all of which is manifesting an alarming toll throughout the land. Preachers and teachers who answer this desire are exalted above measure, while those who dare to stand up and give a warning against present-day problems and issues are often scorned, ridiculed and scoffed. They are held and viewed as "alarmists", "agitators", "dividers of churches", "popish men" and "dictators." Some piously call upon God to "deliver his church from the blight of hobbyism and the withering influence of its effects in strife and contention." Many simply do not want to be stirred and aroused from their spiritual stupor and thus would rather murmur against those who battle against error than to job forces in opposition against the very sins that might destroy them.
God's truth was never intended to be a "lullaby" for a guilt-ridden soul, or a tranquilizer for a sin-ridden conscience. Those who "handle aright the word of truth" will never use it for such purposes. Truth was given and was meant to pierce even deeper than any "two-edged sword", yes, to divide as under the soul and spirit. Truth was not intended to calm the sense or consciousness of guilt and remorse over sin, but rather to create and stir it up! Neither was the Word given to eliminate differences between truth and error; on the contrary, the word agitates and heightens them. It was not given to calm the storm between these two forces but to stir the battle by which truth gains its victory. Truth that is never taught, that is never presented to challenge evil, can never win a soul caught in destruction!
Jesus did not come to send peace on earth. "I came not to send peace, but a sword" (Matt. 10:34) — and the sound of fury and of battle has been heard ever since. God's people must stand together in the unity for which Chest prayed; they are bound together to "keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." (Eph. 4:3.) Truth unites them, and united with God they stand opposed with God in battle against the elements of evil and darkness both within and without the church. Thus God's children stand in unity upon the foundation of truth only to go forth together to battle against the enemy of truth.
Of late, some brethren have even attempted to smooth over and ease the controversy between the kingdom of Satan and the kingdom of Christ. They are more and more making attempts to blend light with darkness in order that the contrast should not seem too great and objectionable to those who walk in either direction. Thus a "diplomatic" move is attempted to make the gospel appear less penetrating and also less objectionable to those who stand at variance with the divine precepts. Brethren wish to avoid an "offense" which otherwise would of necessity ensue. They wish to avoid the charges of "bigotry", "narrow" from those who love not the truth and thus must avoid "offensive" teaching from which they might receive the anathema of such. Many brethren cringe from fear when a preacher or teacher says something which directly attacks denominational error and request that such teaching be not presented when some sectarian is present in the audience. Preach loud and long on his sins in his absence for then there is no danger of reaching him in order to convert him from his error! Why, there might be the danger that such preaching might unsettle the sectarian's unscriptural ease and comfort in his sin. Thus a "silent truce" with darkness is adopted and God's purpose for the sinner by the gospel is defeated.
Some brethren, therefore, avoid the subject of baptism for remission of sins, because such may prove "unpopular" and by chance an alien might be saved from sin. Some brethren have come to the place where they would rather please the sinner than to save him! And thus the idea of saving someone's soul from sin and death is unpopular in some circles — in the church, that is.
Again, we must notice that this same attitude is manifested in regards to current controversies over various issues in the church. Some are so fearful of preaching the truth that might save a brother from digression that they do nothing to oppose the sins which cause apostasy in the first place. They consider opposition to sin a far greater curse than that evil which calls for opposition in the first place. And they consider peace, by compromise or silence a far greater virtue and blessing than the removal of that leaven which might leaven the whole lump. Silence before the enemy of truth is considered a greater badge of honor than patriotism to God! Yes, many would rather be "lulled into doing nothing" and be lost, than to be aroused to a sense of duty and action and be saved.
Satan always has two kinds of allies on his side. Both elements are working within the church to undermine its foundation. He does not need the forces of evil in the world to destroy the fortress of Zion, but merely those within her gates to "be lulled into doing nothing; that is enough." There are those false teachers, "grievous wolves among you", or as Paul also styles them, "false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ?' We may be certain that such among us will not spare the flock, for they will bring in "damnable heresies" and lead souls away from God.
The others are the indifferent, who want to hear "smooth things", cause no offense, and do nothing to resist the efforts of false teachers and heretics. They are not actively and openly (on the surface, at least) engaged in the sins that are thrust upon the people of God, but they simply do nothing in order to avoid controversy with those who care little about "sparing the flock." These individuals are equally guilty of the harm that results among the church of our Lord.
Satan does not need us to violently and vigorously oppose truth and right, but again, "if you can be lulled into doing nothing" to oppose his evil schemes, that is enough." Such helps Satan's cause against God to triumph because the greatest threat to God's people and His cause is not the external force or power, but the internal indifference, apathy and complacency.
P. O. Box 491 Hopewell, Virginia 23860