Organization
Among the many mistakes of the religious teaching today are the errors taught regarding the organization of the church. A glaring error in this teaching grants the possibility of a local church operating world-wide while the same church claims opposition to world-wide organization. Such a position plainly portrays a lack of consideration for the meaning of organization or open rebellion regarding it.
It appears to me that the idea presents a contradiction within itself. Organization is simply a systematic arrangement which makes functioning possible. I know of nothing that operates, functions, without organization.
"Ize" is a suffix which forms verbs. This suffix presents the idea of putting into conformity, making systematic as relates to the word proper. "Socialize" gives us the information that whatever enters the action is made to conform with that which is social. To "socialize" the gospel is to make the gospel conform with that which is social; systematically arrange the gospel to provide the right to function under social direction. So, to "organize" simply means to systematically arrange "organs" in a way which makes action, functioning possible. "Organization" just means the state of being "organized." Can there be operation without organization?
The human body is an organization. It is composed of organs systematically arranged, organized, and this arrangement makes action possible. By the systematic arrangement of the organs of the body it is possible for it to think and act. "Disorganize," "unorganize" it and operation, action, is impossible.
The word "organization" is not in the Bible. However, there are words .in this book which present the same fundamental ideas. "Church" conveys the idea of being called out of darkness, translated into and guided by the light, and presents a systematic arrangement, organization, which makes it possible to function according to the light, God's word.
Wherever the church operates, the ability that grants that operation is the result of organization. The "organs," members, of that body are so arranged in systematic order and under specific, intelligent authority to make possible operation. The authority, God's word, restricts the organization and prevents deformities and illicit action. Going beyond those restrictions and falling short of them bring about deformed conditions that are wrong and hinder the operation of God's church. The organization of the church according to God's word, limits its sphere of operation, and operation beyond that sphere is the result of organization apart from authority.
For example, the church of the Lord is not organized to operate a farm, is not systematically arranged to engage in farming, and when farming is brought into the operations, functions, of the church, it is the result of organization that deforms. In this "siamesed-condition" the church is hindered in the work which it is assigned to do. The church is organized to purchase commodities from the farm when they are needed to carry on its operations. The church is not systematically arranged to operate in the field of hospitals, and to force the church into such operation is to force it into illegitimate organization and render it deformed. By the scriptural system of the church, it can purchase the services of hospitals which are needed for it to operate in its proper sphere.
Therefore, I conclude that since the systematic arrangement of the church does not include other institutions to care for its orphans, widows and aged ones, that when such operations are entered by the church, they are the result of illegitimate organization, deform the Lord's body in "siamesed-fashion" and hinder the real operation of the church. The church is systematically arranged to care for its orphans, widows and unfortunate aged ones, can help another church which is unable to care for its own; and is organized in a way to make it possible to purchase services from other institutions as it operates in its own field.
The Old Testament is replete with examples of illegal organization which hindered the cause of God, and these examples shout a warning to us. Sarah, Abraham's wife, was barren. God had promised Abraham a son. God's systematic arrangement to accomplish this purpose was Abraham and Sarah as man and wife. They (God's people) organized illegally, thought only of the accomplishment, forgot the means, and were guilty of illegitimate operation.
Nadab and Abihu were priests (God's people) who were given great privileges and solemn responsibilities in carrying on the operations of the ancient worship. God's authority systematically arranged a particular order of worship, including "a censor full of burning coals of fire from the altar before the Lord." Whatever were the operations of the worshipful services entered by these men, they required organization, the systematic arrangement of the "organs" needed to accomplish the services. They "offered strange fire" as they illegally organized, and died before the Lord for their "little" transgression.
Need more be said? Operation demands organization, and the organizations and operations of the church today can easily be seen to either be according to the divine authority or a prostitution of it!