The following piece of writing has occasionally been used by some over the years; on February 10, 2009, it (surprisingly) appeared in The Forest Hill News, edited by Barry Grider.
I DREW MY CIRCLE AGAIN
When I first became a member of the church, my circle was very big…for it included all who, like myself, had believed and been baptized. I was happy in the thought that my brethren were many…but—having a keen and observant mind—I soon learned that many of my brethren were erring. I could not tolerate any people within my circle but those who, like myself, were right on all points of doctrine and practice. Too, some made mistakes and sinned. What could I do? I had to do something! I drew my circle, placed myself and a few as righteous as I within, and the others without. I soon observed that some within my circle were self-righteous, unforgiving, jealous, and proud, so in righteous indignation, my circle I drew again, leaving the Publicans and sinners outside, excluding the Pharisees in all their pride, with myself and the righteous and humble within. I heard ugly rumors about some brethren. I saw then that some of them were worldly minded; their thoughts were constantly on things of a worldly nature, they drank coffee, when, like me, they should drink tea. So duty bound, to save my reputation, I drew my circle again, leaving those reputable, spiritually-minded within. I soon realized in time that only my family and I remained in the circle. I had a good family, but to my surprise, my family finally disagreed with me. I was always right. A man must be steadfast. I have never been a factious man! So in strong determination I drew my circle again, leaving me quite alone.
Some observations are in order concerning this variation of an old theme. The first is that the fanciful outlook described in these lines could just as easily go in the opposite direction. Below is an alternate version.
I DREW MY CIRCLE AGAIN
When I first became a member of the church, my circle was quite small, for it excluded all who, unlike myself, had not been baptized for the forgiveness of their sins. I was happy in the thought that I had obeyed the gospel—but sad to see so many religious folks in error. I could not tolerate those outside my circle in denominations who were wrong on points of doctrine and practice. But then I noticed that some in my fellowship were wrong on certain issues, also. What could I do? I drew my circle again and placed inside all who were as righteous as we were, whose fruits were as good as ours. I soon observed that some in the church were legalistic and dogmatic; so in rebellion against such attitudes I drew my circle again to include all immersed individuals, regardless of the reason, since they at least were involved in the right action. When some brethren complained about my “liberal” attitude, I began to wonder if I were too exclusive yet. Why, there are so many who have only been sprinkled as children, and they seemed as sincere as anyone. And why should some be excluded just because they wear immodest apparel, drink socially, and take trips to Las Vegas? I drew my circle to include them. Now I felt comfortable that I had included a great number, but Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, and atheists were still outside my circle, and some of these were my friends! I have never been a “grace only” type of guy, but how could I exclude all of these? I proudly abolished my circle, and now I love everyone.
Although both of these versions make the point not to be too exclusive or too inclusive, they are both too exaggerated and too simplistic to be of any real value. The original deserves an evaluation. First, it either unwittingly or intentionally mocks the Scriptures. Jesus did say that only few would seek and find the narrow gate that leads to salvation (Matt. 7:13-14). Furthermore, only two who left Egypt entered into the Promised Land (although Moses was certainly saved). Most of those who died in the wilderness lacked faith. And how many were saved on the ark when God destroyed the world with a Flood? Only eight human beings survived. Did Noah draw his circle too small?
In Jesus’ parable of the sower, three types of people who actually received the seed became Christians. Of those, two types fell away (Matt. 13:3-9, 18-23). The number of those who are faithful to God in any generation is always few. Therefore, to ridicule brethren who exclude from fellowship those whom God excludes makes fun of both God who gave such commandments and those who follow them (1 Cor. 5:11; Eph. 5:8-12; Rom. 16:17-18; Titus 3:10; 2 John 9-11).
Second, the Bible tells us what to do about brethren who are erring. Whether they are wrong in a doctrinal or a moral matter, we have the responsibility to speak to them (Gal. 6:1; James 5:19-20). Of course, some do not want to be spoken to. They refuse to return telephone calls, e-mails, or letters; they do not want anyone to visit them, either. Usually, this type of behavior is an admission of guilt. They do not want to discuss what they have already made their minds up to do anyway. Those who are in sin know it; they have made their decision and do not want to be confronted about it. They give members of the church no choice but to draw their circle smaller.
Third, the “self-righteous, unforgiving, jealous, and proud” are in as much danger as those morally or doctrinally astray, for those attitudes will lead to the commission of a great many sins. Jealousy (envy), for example, led to the crucifixion of Christ (Matt. 27:18). Pride and self-righteousness were also problems of the Pharisees, and they led to a rejection of Jesus as the Messiah. They could not even entertain the idea that God might be concerned about the Gentiles (Acts 22). Of course, to be unforgiving is to exclude oneself from being forgiven by God (Matt. 6:14-15). However, those who possess such attitudes cannot be excluded from fellowship unless one has first discussed with them the danger they are in.
Fourth, the use of the phrase, righteous indignation, is intended to be a humorous counterpoint to self-righteous, as humble corresponds to proud. This contrast does not consider that the humble do truly attempt to walk in obedience to God (James 4:6, 10) and that a genuine righteous indignation exists. God has acted out of indignation on numerous occasions (Deut. 29: 28; Ps. 78:49; Isa. 34:1-2; Heb. 10:27; et al.). It should be so that, when human beings take offense, we must be certain that it is against actual sin and injustice.
Fifth, truth is trivialized in the statement that some “drank coffee, when, like me, they should drink tea.” Although this probably was an attempt at humor to indicate that brethren divide over non-essential things at times, it does not succeed because it implies that all divisions among Christians are matters of option. Perhaps the writer could define more precisely what he thinks are issues of no consequence. Below is a list of doctrines. Which ones are unimportant?
1. People can be saved without being immersed for the forgiveness of their sins.
2. Jesus built and died for all denominations.
3. Instrumental music in worship to God is pleasing to God.
4. A Christian (one who has truly been saved) cannot fall from grace.
5. All prophecies in the New Testament (including ones in the book of Revelation) were fulfilled by A.D. 70.
6. All of life is worship.
7. The Holy Spirit operates on the Christian directly—in addition to Divine Providence or through His Word.
8. Abortion and homosexuality are not sins.
Which of these requires “circles”? Can a Christian fellowship those who are sprinkled (#1)? Can he fellowship all who are in manmade denominations (#2)? Can he fellowship those who use instruments of music in their worship (#3)? Can he fellowship those who believe that they can never fall from grace (#4)? Can he fellowship those who hold to the Max King error (#5), the Dobbs’ falsehood (#6), or to the Deaver doctrine (#7)? Are there any moral issues upon which he must take a stand (#8)? Do these things involve the difference between drinking coffee and tea?
Sixth, “I was always right.” Although the statement is made out of sarcasm, how many people, including the writer of this “circle” bit would affirm, “I am usually wrong”? Don’t most of us operate under the assumption that we are right? Do we desire to follow the Lord and NOT be right? Were those who “continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine” (Acts 2:42) right? Is being right attainable or not? If the author answers, “No,” is he certain that he is right?
Moses, Aaron, Joshua, and Caleb were alone in their insistence that they go up and conquer the land. Stephen stood alone against the Jews (Acts 7). All men fled and left Jesus alone. Should all of these have started drawing bigger circles? Doing what is right is not determined by the majority; it is determined by truth. The fact that Jeremiah was ignored while the false prophets were heeded did not prevent Jerusalem from being destroyed. To be sure, some men invent their own traditions (Matt. 15:8-9), but such cannot deter us from taking a stand for the truth when it ought to be defended.
DRESSING TO PLEASE GOD
Joy Jensen
Much of my time recently has been spent preparing some lessons for an upcoming seminar we are having here in Moshi for the girls/young women. The theme of our day will be “Beautiful in the Eyes of God.” One of the four lessons that I will be teaching is “Dressing to Please God.” Regardless of where you live, this is a relevant topic. Insufficient clothing has been a problem since the Garden of Eden, yet many people have yet to learn the lesson.
We identify many people by the clothing they wear. Here in Tanzania, we can easily identify a member of the Massai tribe by their traditional clothing. We recognize policemen or other people in public service occupations by their clothing. As a Christian, what does your clothing say about you?
In 2007, a group of young people conducted a modesty survey.* While they are not members of the Lord’s church, they are religious. The results of the survey were very enlightening. For example, 70.4% of the guys agreed that a woman that shows any part of her cleavage is immodest. Here is a comment from one of those surveyed: “I find it totally distracting. It is EVERYTHING I can do to keep my eyes on her eyes when cleavage is showing.” Another comment: “This is the biggest thing that causes me to fall.”
For the most part, the women of Tanzania tend to keep themselves more covered than females in the states. So, after living here for a year and a half, when our family went back to the states for a visit, we were struck by the degree of immodesty we faced at every turn, including members of the church.
Missionaries have many different challenges on the mission field, and one that we’ve had is the immodest clothing worn by women who come to help, especially during campaign time. Even when the issue has been addressed during orientation time, some continue to do as they wish. This does not help the work!
Ladies, if you catch a man because you advertised with your body, you can lose him just as easily when something better walks by. Is that the kind of person you want? What does your clothing say about your heart? Are you dressing to catch the eye of men, or are you dressing to please God?
[Editor’s Note: Joy Jensen is a missionary working in Tanzania, East Africa, and this message appeared in the January, 2009 Mission Bulletin from that country, published by the Kensington Woods Church of Christ in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.]
*(See, www.therebelution.com/modestysurvey/
for the complete survey and results.)
SCRIPTURES ON HOLINESS
Gary W. Summers
Match the Scriptures references below to the verses that are quoted.
___ 1. Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
___ 2. But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”
___ 3. “And you shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation….”
___ 4. In like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation….
___ 5. And one cried to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!”
___ 6. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
___ 7. He has sent redemption to His people; He has commanded His covenant forever: holy and awesome is His name.
___ 8. For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor.
___ 9. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.
___ 10. For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness.
___ 11. And be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in righteousness and true holiness.
___ 12. But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end everlasting life.
a. Exodus 19:6 g. 2 Corinthians 7:1
b. Psalm 111:9 h. Ephesians 4:23-24
c. Isaiah 6:3 i. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4
d. Romans 6:22 j. 1 Thessalonians 4:7
e. Romans 12:1 k. 1 Timothy 2:9
f. 1 Cor. 6:11 l. 1 Peter 1:15-16