The Nature of Reform

W. Carl Ketcherside

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     A good brother in Tennessee who has risen above the sectarian attitude which once held him in its frightful grip, writes as follows:

     "It is evident that your thinking and that of Brother Leroy Garrett has affected the orthodox Church of Christ far more than the leaders will admit. I must confess that I am amazed, for in spite of your constant optimism I did not think it could happen. There is a growing difference in emphasis which betokens the coming of even greater changes when it seeps into consciousness on the congregational level. What bothers me is why prominent leaders do not acknowledge your contribution to the ferment of thought, allow you to speak at Abilene Christian College lectureship, and recommend MISSION MESSENGER to at least the

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thinking members of the congregation, who are in inward revolt against their stereotypes."

     As brilliant as the writer is, he forgets two things--the history and the nature of reforms. A knowledge of the first would serve to remind him that it is far too early for an existing structure to acknowledge indebtedness to its voices crying in the wilderness. Brother Garrett and myself are both yet alive, and one must be dead at least a hundred years before the brethren start gathering up the stones which their grandfathers flung to create a monument from them. To be a real hero in the religious world one must start as a heretic in his own generation.

     This bothers me none at all. I am sold out to Christ. I intend to serve Him the best I can regardless of consequences. I do not seek a following and I have renounced all factionalism. It would be ridiculous for one who deplores all schism to create a division by banding together a group of personal admirers. The cause is the thing! We are expendable. Let the good work go on and let the glory go to God. If we go to our graves "unwept, unhonored and unsung," what difference does that make? The reward is on the other side of the tomb.

     Human nature and the factional spirit being what they are, it makes a great deal of difference who says a thing. A courageous brother addressing a preacher's luncheon not long ago, said: "If either Batsell Barrett Baxter or J. D. Thomas was saying what Carl Ketcherside is saying about fellowship he would be hailed as a second Alexander Campbell." In the same state, so it was reported to me, a college president replied to a question about my writings, "Carl is right, and one of these days we will all have to admit it, but we'll have to wait until some of our own men begin to say it." There are two things which hinder my political progress. I grew up in the wrong party and I absolutely refuse to join another. So much for what history reveals about reformation!

     The nature of reform indicates that it will come. As our brother points out, it is already on its way. But it will come gradually and almost imperceptibly. There will be no headlines in Gospel Advocate or Firm Foundation. There will be no testimonial dinners in Dallas or Fort Worth. The antagonistic bitterness will fade from the pulpit. There will be fewer talks on why we do not use instrumental music and more on why we should learn the meaning of grace. Debates between brethren will gradually disappear and be replaced by meaningful dialogue.

     College lectureships will slowly become relevant to the twentieth century. Elders will refuse to have a preacher whose own inner lack of security drives him to lash out at everyone else. Everyone will deny they are changing but all will be doing so, just the same. The time is not far distant when brethren of good character will be recognized and called upon to participate in meetings regardless of personal opinion about divisive things.

     Great things are happening now! In numerous places brethren who use instrumental music and those who do not are arranging seminars, workshops and other activities together. College-career groups are cutting across all of our artificial lines. Missionaries in some places are holding joint conferences with reference to their problems. As Jesus becomes more important to us, so do our brothers, while things lose significance unless they lead to Him.

     Let's not get perturbed about recognition for a couple of earthen vessels. It is still true that neither he that planteth nor he that watereth is anything. It is God that giveth the increase. If any man glory, let him glory in the Lord!

     It is very important, I think, that none of us be tempted to take any credit for what is obviously happening in the removal of walls and barriers among all of our brethren. It is simply another of those periods which can be called a "fulness of the times," and the Spirit of God is using some very humble instruments to effect God's purpose. If we were to hold our peace "the stones would cry out," for in such times the will of God must take on new meaning for all!