Comment By Torchlight

A Holy Nation

In view of the importance of the subject and its bearing on current events we return to the question of the disciples' attitude to politics. It is sometimes urged against the view expressed in February "Comment, that under a democratic system of government, such as that in the United Kingdom, disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ should use their constitutional rights as citizens to support such candidates for Parliament as will use their influence to promote Christian standards in national government."

We believe such a view to be against the clear teaching of the New Testament. When our Lord was on earth He gave no indication that there would be, during the present age, any regeneration of the political conditions and organisations of human society. He gave no hint of any gradual transformation of world conditions, but clearly envisaged the continuance of an evil order of things to the end of the age, with consequent opposition to his servants and to his cause. That there will eventually be established in this earth the glorious kingdom of Messiah is unmistakeably foretold in Scripture, but the setting up of that kingdom will not be a gradual process; it will be effective suddenly by divine intervention at Messiah's second advent.

The place for the believer is "outside the camp" of the nations and only in that position can he pray effectually on their behalf. This is demonstrated in the tragic story of Lot, Abrahams's nephew. Lot made a fatal mistake when he entered Sodom, although he did so with the best of intentions and did his upmost to uplift his fellows. His utter failure and sad en d are on record for our warning. It was Abraham, the man outside, who prevailed with God.

The Salt of the Earth

If disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ are to take no part in the politic of the Nations, it should not be supposed that their presence in this world is ineffective. They are a minority but their influence far outweighs their numerical strength. We have already indicated the prvi9lege and duty enjoined on God's people to "pray for all men". The result of such prayer is incalculable. In the Sermon on the Mount our Lord made reference to another consequence of the presence of His disciples in this world when He described them as, "the salt of the earth" (Matthew 5.13). Salt is a seasoner and a preservative. This earth would be an insipid place indeed without the wholesome influence of Christian men and women. And if "the salt of the earth" was removed the whole mass would quickly become putrid. Even a small amount of salt will counteract decay. In the present dealings of God with mankind we can best serve our fellows by living Christlike lives and by seeking to win others for Christ.

An increase in the number of real Christians in any country will bring far greater results in counteracting evil than the passing of numerous acts of Parliament.

"The earth was filled with violence"

These words from Genesis 6, describing the fearful conditions which prevailed in the antedeluvian world, sometimes come to mind as one scans the headlines of the daily press. Day after day, with sickening regularity, fresh outbreaks of violence in various parts of the world are chronicled. "Man's inhumanity to man" is confirmed daily, not only in acts of physical violence, but also in the strife and bitterness which befoul human society. The local causes are various, but all can be traced back to one source - the power of sin in the human heart. Not only has sin set man against His Maker, it has also poisoned human relations. The words of Paul, describing conditions in his own day, provide an accurate analysis of twentieth century civilization, "...foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another" (Titus 3.8).

It is humbling to look into one's heart and to see these ugly impulses ever ready to raise their heads. Only by the operation of the Spirit of God can they be overcome. Paul was ever alert to the danger of internal strife among God's people and continually warned against its baneful results. In the Philippian epistle he names two motives which are the enemies of peace and harmony in churches of God, "faction" and "vainglory" (Philippians 2. 8). Faction (or rivalry) is frequently the outcome of jealousy and sometimes results in the formation of cliques and parties. Vainglory (or pride) judges everything by the yardstick of personal advantage - how it will affect me or my prestige. No matter how a man may disguise his conduct, if the underlying impulse is either faction or vainglory then he will be a disturber of the peace among God's people. "Let a man examine himself."

Keep Thyself Pure

A glance at any secular bookstall will reveal the great danger which lurks in much of the literature which is being flaunted before the public. A flood of poisonous rubbish is on offer and the recent increase in the flow is causing great concern to those who have regard for public morals. A subtle attack is being laid on the citadel of the mind and is being all too successful. Can there be any doubt that this is a contributory factor in the increase of crime of all kinds in this country? The minds of many young people are being contaminated by this nefarious traffic, and what gets a foothold in the mind eventually comes out in practice.

As disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ we must be on our guard and we must resolve to avoid contamination. Our minds must be kept clean. The reading of trashy literature will sap our appetite for spiritual food. We cannot harbour sinful thoughts and escape the consequences. Paul's words to the Philippian church need emphasis today "Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honourable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report: if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things" (Philippians 4.8).

unknown | May 1964
Comment By Torchlight