Living Epistles

By Roy Loney

[Page 6]

     "Ye are our epistle, written in our hearts, known and read of all men" (2 Cor. 3:2). The twenty-one epistles written by five of the apostles are but a small part of those written by servants of Christ. Many think they have no ability to write religious articles, but every one is writing an epistle. Each life is a book read by all who know us. "We are the only Bible the careless world will read, we are the sinner's gospel, we are the scoffer's creed. We are the Lord's last message, given in word and deed." For each person who reads the Bible, a thousand will read and be influenced by your life.

     A professed Christian who indulges the lust of the flesh is a poor advertisement of God's work in his heart. A member who uses tobacco does not advertise

[Page 7]

Christ's power to cleanse from "all filthiness of the flesh" (2 Cor. 7:1). Congregations that are carnally minded constitute a poor bill board for what is to be a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle" (Eph. 5:27). There is no greater hindrance to the cause of Christ than the unsavory lives of many members. We speak of "the church Christ built," but Jesus will not recognize this monstrosity of worldliness and pride as the church purchased with his own blood, because its message to the world is not the one that the Holy Spirit gave through the apostles (John 16:13).

     I have viewed the monument at Gettysburg, engraved with the memorable speech of Lincoln. As long as that monument stands the address will remain unchangeable. But we change the message of Christ if we fail to live up to the idealism of the cross. I can only advertise the meek and lowly Nazarene through a personal life of consecration that exemplifies his own spotless and sinless life. A pure life preaches the most eloquent sermon. No skeptic can refute it. His works of kindness and love were the strongest witnesses Christ had (John 5:36). When Peter and John showed the same boldness and courage of the Lord, people took knowledge they had been with Jesus (Acts 4:13). What do we advertise? What do we offer the world as an inducement to accept our "brand of Christianity?"

     Sometime ago in a parade I saw a float attractively decorated and fitted out by a certain church. The center of attraction was a young couple embraced in a dancing exhibition on the small platform. What an unusual way to depict a church organized as a means of leading sinful souls to God? If the strongest attraction of a church is its social contacts, where does Christ come in? This was an appeal to the lust of the flesh to induce people to accept that form of religion. If physical enjoyment is the bait that lures members such a church is far from being as spiritual as Christ requires. The command, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me," is largely forgotten in these days. If we tolerate worldliness among our young people, is that not an inducement to others to unite with us and still participate in revelry? Are we truly pointing sinners to the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world?

     Our private and public exhortations to the unsaved, and our unspiritual living can be very different things. The Lord does not accept a Sunday religion that differs radically from the kind practiced on Monday; nor one of words, rather than deeds: To "say and do not" will never win His approval. The rich young man who came to Christ seeking the way to heaven, received no encouragement to selfish living. The sacrifice of his fortune and dedication of self to Christ's work was demanded as a condition of entrance into heaven. The terms of discipleship have not changed. If we present a more liberal religion, we must cite authority for the change. The inducements given to this man were spiritual. Celestial glories awaited him. The joy of service to mankind was his golden opportunity. How tragic that he turned away in sadness.

     What inducement do we offer? We hear a great deal about pure doctrine and correct practice, but one whose life has been wholly physical will not be im- pressed by the fact that our doctrine is sound. A restoration of the ancient landmarks means little to those in the shadow of a great sorrow, or to those who find life meaningless or empty. Only a compassionate Savior can attract the attention of the wayward, the sinful and the depraved, or turn men from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God.

     Let us paint the church as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land where the faltering fainting pilgrims may find shelter and rest. Tempest-tossed souls need a comfortable shelter amid the storms of life. What do we offer them? What do we hold out to those who have no hope and are without God in the world? When a man asks, "Why should I join your church?" I want to be able to provide something better than correct

[Page 8]

doctrine and social pleasantries. I will hold before him the high idealism of the cross and a satisfying life of service. The central thought of the religion of Christ is not correct doctrine, but the meaning and purpose of life; and the cross of Calvary is the one and only inducement to higher living. "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth will draw all men unto me" (John 12: 32). Let that cross of suffering be your banner, and your own cross of service be your advertisement of "Christ in you, the hope of glory." Thus you will lead men to Him!