Barren Branches

Paul admonishes believers when he writes, “Consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God” [1 CORINTHIANS 1:18, 26-29].

We worship the god of elitism within modern churches. When we judge other Christians based on code words, preferred politics, the “theological company” one keeps or bellwether interpretations of biblical passages designed to test the “soundness” of position rather than testing the Faith espoused, we reveal that we worship elitism. I really do not care whether you say you are an inerrantist, but I do care that you live a life that reveals that the Bible is your authority for faith and practise. I really do not care what your eschatological position may be, but I do want to know whether you are looking for the return of the Son of God. It is a small matter to me whether your polity allows for an ecclesiastical hierarchy or whether you appeal to a congregational form of government, but I am deeply concerned that you are determined to live a holy life.

I make no bones that I am a Baptist—and a fundamental Baptist at that! I am unashamed to say that I came to my theological position through study that led to adoption of the great doctrines of the Word. I want to co-operate in advancing the Kingdom of Christ and in evangelism with those who share this theological perspective. Nevertheless, I rejoice with each soul who comes to faith in the Risen Son of God. Whether they enter Heaven dipped or drip-dried, they will be in Heaven by the grace of God. Though I am very much concerned that the saints prove obedient to Christ, I am much more concerned that those who profess His Name believe Him.

The two thoughts are not necessarily exclusive, for those who believe will reveal their faith through obedience to His commands. This is revealed in Jesus’ own words, “Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him” [JOHN 14:21]. Jesus teaches the self-same truth in another few short verses. The Master said, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full” [JOHN 15:9-11].

Modern Canadians do not actually bow down to idols of wood or stone; nevertheless, we hold idols that are dear to our hearts. Family is more importance than faith to us. In our estimate, our standing in the eyes of others is more important than submission to Christ. Perception of others is more important than is praise to God, if our actions are any indication. If we had no idols, we would serve Christ without reservation. If we had no idols, we would obey His will without murmuring. If we had no idols, we would ask what the will of God is and fulfil that will regardless of what others may think.