"Let There, Be No Strife"---No. II.
As we now continue our study under the above heading, let it be remembered that it seldom ever happens that strife and discord come over what God has said; but over things that arise as matters of opinion, and expediencies. It is now, for example, being proclaimed over the radio, through the press, from the pulpit, and from polemic platforms, that the various "homes for the aged," "homes for orphans," etc., which are being built, operated, and maintained by boards of directors, separate and apart from any local church, are just simply "methods" that the churches use to do their work. Through these "methods," we are told, the churches can accomplish the work that is theirs. Hence, these various agencies are "expediencies" for the performance of the divinely given task of caring for the needy.
We call attention to this to emphasize once again the all important fact that our problems are over opinions, methods, expediencies, and not over what is plainly taught or enjoined in the Scriptures.
The problems do not arise from the fact that the aged and the orphans must be cared for; all are agreed that such care is necessary and obligatory. Nor does the difference arise over whether or not the church has any obligation or responsibility in such care; for all are agreed that the church does have some responsibility. It is also agreed by all that a local congregation can and should employ the necessary means to care for those to whom it is obligated, whether aged or orphans. All agree that if it is necessary, the church may buy or build a house and employ whatever help may be needed to perform this work. These are matters over which there is no controversy, no disagreement.
Let me point out further, that there is no strife or disagreement over the right of institutional homes (operated under a board of directors) to exist. All are agreed that such institutions may exist, and may even operate as tax-free, non-profit, organizations. They may solicit and receive funds from individuals, hire their services out to those who have any need for such services, and levy a legitimate charge for such services. They have the same right to do this that a publishing house has or a school has.
The Problem
The rub, the difference, the strife, and discord arise from the fact that some are claiming that the local congregations can take money from their treasuries and turn this money over to the various boards of directors of the institutions, to build, maintain, operate, and manage these institutions to take care of those that the church is obligated to provide for. So far as the work of benevolence is concerned, right here is where the trouble lies. Let no man fool you by blowing up a smoke screen and claiming that some brethren do not believe in taking care of the poor and needy. There is no truth in such a claim; no such man as they describe exists.
Let us honestly face the facts, as they actually exist, and quit quibbling and making false charges against one another. We repeat, the strife is not over the question of whether the poor and unfortunate shall be cared for; neither is there any disagreement over the fact that both individuals and the churches owe some obligation to care for certain of the needy. Neither is there disagreement as to whether or not a house or "home" shall be bought or built, if necessary, to effect this care. All these things are agreed on by all concerned. It is further agreed by all that a "home" operated by a board of directors may rightfully exist and be maintained to care for the needy — widows, orphans, old folks, or others who are in need of such care. But the crucial point of difference, which is disturbing the churches all over the world, is whether or not the churches have any scriptural right to build, maintain, operate, or contribute to such organizations. That they can be supported by individuals, all will agree.
We recall some six years ago having made an earnest appeal to certain leading brethren who were operating one of these homes that they refuse to accept church contributions, and thus remove all controversy over their right to exist and operate. We were able to get the idea across to these brethren, but somehow they were unable to get their colleagues to agree to make the proper change. But on these grounds I can see a united brotherhood, working together in peace and harmony, caring for all the needy to whom the law of God and the law of humanity obligates us. Brethren, this is our appeal! We certainly do not ask that one single person be ignored or neglected, nor that these homes which have been built or bought, and incorporated under a board of directors, cease to operate or function. But we DO plead that they operate on a basis that will bring peace and happiness instead of strife and alienation to a torn brotherhood.
We feel that we have every reason to believe that if the brethren who are associated together in the operation of these homes will bring about such a change, they will gain thousands of friends and supporters throughout the brotherhood, and the service they are able to render to neglected, under-privileged, or orphan children will be hindered not in the least.
How much do we want peace? How much are we willing to concede in order that we may have it? Shall men sacrifice peace, rend the body of Christ asunder, and thereby render of none effect the whole scheme of redemption for thousands of souls, merely in order to operate a home according to their own wishes and judgment, in a matter that they themselves declare to be wholly a matter of method and expediency? Do we love our own fanciful schemes and methods more than we love the peace of God's people? Shall we jeopardize our souls, and the salvation of a lost and mired world, merely in order to have our own way of doing a thing — a thing which could be done just as effectively (and perhaps more so) in ANOTHER way? The Lord spoke through Samuel to Saul, "Stubbornness is as idolatry!"
Let us all pray for peace, and then in dead earnestness help to answer our own prayers by working toward that end. Grace, unity, peace, were the key words, and the key-note, and theme song of every epistle of the great apostle Paul. Let us notice some of his statements as he addresses himself to the saints in various places. "Grace to you, and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ." (Rom. 1:7.) "Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ." (I Cor. 1:3.) "Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment." (I Cor. 1:10.) "Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ." (Eph. 1:2.) "Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." (Eph. 4:3.) "If it be possible, as much as in you lieth, live peaceably with all men." (Rom. 12:18.) "Let us follow after the things which make for peace, and things whereby one may edify another." (Rom. 14:19.) "Follow peace with all men, and holiness without which no man shall see the Lord." Web. 12:14.) "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Phil. 4:7.) "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee." (Isa. 26:3.)
These and many other passages should impress us very deeply as to what God thinks of peace among his people.
And on the other hand, strife, division, and discord, the Lord abominates . . . "That ye all speak the same thing and that there be no divisions among you." (I Cor. 1:10.) "Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?" (I Cor. 1:13.) "For whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?" (I Cor. 2:3.)
May God help us to loathe the day of division and strife, and turn our hearts toward him with a yearning for peace. "Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity."