The Horses of Glaucus

W. Carl Ketcherside

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     Have you ever read the translation by J. B. Phillips, of Galatians 5:15? It is a rich gem, which contains a stern rebuke to the attitude of many who profess to be followers of the Prince of peace. I like it because it shows what freedom does not include. It also contains a grim warning of the consequences resulting from a misconception of freedom. Here it is: "But if freedom means merely that you are free to attack and tear one another to pieces, be careful that it doesn't mean that between you, you destroy your fellowship altogether!"

     Recently, in a southern city, I tuned-in to several radio broadcasts. Feeling was running high over certain disputed issues. Congregations had purchased time on the air for the purpose of blasting away at those opposed to them. The aerial waves were filled with vitriolic charges. Accusations and counter-accusations were hurled in successive programs. Challenges to debate were flung out by blatant partisans. The listening world, if listening at all, was treated to the sordid spectacle of men who claimed to plead for unity, clawing at the spiritual vitals of each other, and rending to shreds the characters of those who opposed them. This is called "preaching the gospel." What a travesty upon a term meaning good news!

     Such fratricidal strife always works its own rebuke. He who hates his brother consumes that brother from without and himself from within. No one can kindle the fire of passion and not be burnt. Only the arch-fiend who sowed distrust and suspicion in the world gains from such unholy tactics. What a shame that brotherhood must be stifled while a world stands aghast at the gory sight of the children of the same Father, locked in mortal combat, each seeking to thrust his sword into the heart of the other, each smeared with the blood of his companion.

     In ancient mythology, King Glaucus fed his horses upon human flesh to make them fierce. One day, in a mad dash, they upset his chariot, and devoured him be fore he could rise from the ground. The man who plants the seed of animosity, must partake of the fruit of his harvest. One cannot sow hate and reap peace; he cannot sow to the wind without being caught in the whirlwind he creates. Division is not accidental. Neither is peace. Division is caused; peace is made. "And

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now I implore you, my brothers, to keep a watchful eye on those who cause trouble and make difficulties among you, in plain opposition to the teaching you have been given, and steer clear of them" (Rom. 16:17). "Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God."

     The spirit of factionalism is never satiated. It is raised in every generation to devour and destroy. Hephaestus chained Prometheus to a crag in the Caucasus Mountains. Each day a vulture came and ate out the liver of the imprisoned victim. Each night the organ grew back to furnish a bloody feast for the carrion bird the next day. So it appears the church of God lies bound on the mountain peaks of faith, exposed to the rending and tearing of those who do not preach peace, but dedicate their efforts to the partisan conflict.

     We cannot divide ourselves into unity! We cannot unite the world by dividing among ourselves! Where has God provided division as a remedy for the spiritual ills in his family? Can purity be achieved by segregating the leaven from the lump? Can the balm of Gilead heal while kept in a bottle on the shelf? Can salt exert its influence while kept in the shaker? Is it not time to cease listening to prophets of disaster who seek to lock us inside our own shells? Shall we not make the Christian concept the activating, energizing influence it was intended to be? Shall we admit that the Christian way is so weak and powerless that it must succumb to every foe upon contact, and dare not be risked in open combat in the arena?

     It is high time for real men to rise above their petty prejudices, trivial traditions, and frightened feelings, and enter the lists boldly in the crusade for peace, the most challenging cause to confront a sick, weary, disappointed and frustrated religious world. Let us have done with murmuring and meandering, with fears and futility. In the spirit of true adventure let us face up to the greatest foe of our age, the lumbering giant of religious schism.

     Surely our freedom has a greater design than to make us free to attack and tear one another to pieces. Let those who differ be big and brave enough to meet face to face and settle their differences in an atmosphere of love. Let them respect each other as brethren while they work together to solve their problems of conflict. I pledge myself, herewith, to meet any of my brethren who differ with me, and to do so at any time or place which they suggest and I can arrange. I will pray with them, converse with them, and study with them, in an honest attempt to lessen any tensions, and to narrow the gap that exists between us. I will meet with brethren under any arrangement commensurate with fairness and justice, and I will respect their dignity and rights in our conversations together. I am obligated to "follow after peace and the things wherewith one may edify another." We must find the way to peace or we will all perish!