Concerning "Its Own Orphans"
In the Firm Foundation editorial of Aug. 6, Brother Lemmons asks some serious questions about a timely subject. He began by saying, "We have seen considerable writing and heard considerable talk about a church caring for, or having responsibility toward only 'its own orphans.' Perhaps this is a good time to ask the question, "how does a congregation determine which are 'its own orphans,' and which orphans are none of its responsibility?"
The attitude that Reuel manifests in this editorial is commendable. He propounds some questions that will provoke thinking and study. That the care of orphans is a problem that faces this generation of God's people is obvious. There are at least three major views that demand our consideration and investigation. Those of us who believe in the all sufficiency of the scriptures have no doubts that a careful study of the Truth will bring about the scriptural solution. The need of the hour, therefore, is quiet, honest, prayerful searching of the scriptures.
Right here would be a good time to mention proper attitudes. All of us have at least a little prejudice on this issue. We must be cautious, however, that our preconceived ideas to not blind us to a truth that another brother may have found in his study that we hadn't noticed. Our attitude toward one another is just as much a problem as our attitude towards the Truth. The Apostle Paul urges all of us to endeavor "to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." But as a pre-requisite to that unity, he requires the attitude of "all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love." (Eph. 4:2,3) "Forbearing one another in love" is sadly needed during this crucial study. We should have no "smearing" or "slurring" each other; there ought not be any accusations of "hypocrisy," "dishonesty," "Cowardice," or intentional misrepresentations. If such has been committed, the wrath of God cometh upon the children of disobedience. When Jesus was reviled, he reviled not again. Two attitudes are absolutely vital to those of us who please God: The first is the "love of the truth." (2 Thess 2:10,11) The second is the love of the brethren. (1 John 4:20,21).
Wouldn't it be terrible if we were right on the issues, but were sentenced to eternal hell because of an attitude unbecoming a Christian?
Reuel's first two questions hit at the root of one of our problems. "1. Since the elders can oversee only the local congregation over which they are elders, must an orphan be a member of the church, and also a member of that particular congregation in order to be one of 'its own orphans'? 2. Does the church have any benevolent responsibility to any non-member of the church, and if so, which ones?"
I will not attempt to answer these two questions in this article, but I would like to make a proposal. Two well known brethren have taken opposite views in answer to these two questions. J. D. Bales affirmed last year that it is lawful for the church to do benevolent work OUTSIDE THE CHURCH. (Gospel Advocate, Feb. 16, 1956) Leslie Diestelkamp has said that he would "gladly affirm that the church, from its treasury is scripturally authorized with regard to benevolence, only to care for needy brethren (saints.)" (Truth Magazine, May, 1957) My proposal is that these two representative brethren conduct an open search for the truth in one or more of the journals printed by the brethren. If not these two men, others might be willing. The purpose of such discussion would be not a partisan struggle for personal victory, but rather it would be a unified search for truth. Why not?
Reuel's last question is this: "Since 'the kingdom of Heaven is within you,' and has no diocesan, or parishional boundaries, how do the elders of a congregation determine which orphans are "its own orphans?"
Even though there are no parishional boundaries, the God-given boundaries are congregational. Each church is bounded by its membership. Elders have no authority outside of that boundary. We have no difficulty in determining who should discipline an unruly, disorderly saint. If each church can determine which of its members are in need of discipline, then each church should be able to determine which of its members are in need of benevolence.
There is a scriptural answer if we will patiently look for it. "Study to show thyself approved unto God," "and he ye kind one to another." (2:Tim. 2:15; Eph 4:32)