Difficult to know when to be certain, flexible
Scripture reading: Proverbs 10:1-12. Text: “Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews, I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law, I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law, I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak, I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.” 1 Corinthians 9:19-23. The church and the clergy receive criticism from both sides. On one hand, the church does not take a stand, hesitates, wishes to satisfy both contradicting parties, does not offer a definite direction; however, on the other hand, the church manages to side with the wrong group, acts too soon, makes hasty decisions, lacks the wisdom to look around, evaluate and come to the right conclusion. Are these criticisms correct? It depends to whom you listen. When somebody is charged with two opposite criticisms, one of them cannot be true.
If possible, please, let us put aside our prejudices and our previous opinions and try to see both sides before we find somebody wrong. I wish to reiterate one of life’s basic rules: “There is no simple answer to a complicated question, no simple solution to a complicated problem and no simple explanation to a complicated theory.”
THE BIBLE SAYS ALL THREE: “YES” AND “NO” AND “WE WILL SEE.”
n For a definite and certain answer or position: “Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” Matthew 5:37. And: “So, because you are lukewarm – neither hot nor cold – I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” Revelation 3:16.
n For a negative answer or position: “The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’ ‘An enemy did this,’ he replied. The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ ‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them’.” Matthew 13:27-29.
n When the decision will be made later: “But now that there is no more place for me to work in these regions, and since I have been longing for many years to see you, I plan to do so when I go to Spain. I hope to visit you while passing through and to have you assist me on my journey there . . .” Romans 15:23-24. See also Romans 1:10.
TODAY THE CHURCH WISHES TO FOLLOW ALL THREE DIRECTIONS.
In spiritual matters concerning our salvation, there is no “either – or.” We wish to declare God’s saving power through Jesus Christ’s atonement without any question or hesitation. This stance may not be popular, well received or welcomed. There is no room for negotiation. Do we need repentance or not? Should our lives become Christ-centered or not? Will God’s children enter into his kingdom after death or not?
Knowing that the church has no authority in worldly matters and has no executive power, we cannot do anything but disapprove the permissive attitude of the modern days. There is no way to play a preventive role without saying: “This is a definite NO – NO!” We can call people’s attention to the serious consequences of their mistakes; however, the answer might be: “The church is alienating the people with its negative policy.” People like to hear these: “You are right, you can do it and you are loved.”
Concerning our arbitrating and reconciliatory ministry in this complex world, we should be cautious and careful. We are not a judge to side with the managements or unions, young people or senior citizens, conservatives or liberals, rich or the poor. If we side with one, the other will criticize us, and if we side with none of them, both will turn against us. If you do not like something, do not criticize from outside; rather get involved and help to make the corrections from within.
Apostle Paul was both definite and flexible: “. . . I know whom I have believed . . .” 2 Timothy 1:12, and: “. . . Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.” Philippians 1:22-24.
The Rev. Alexander Jalso is a retired United Presbyterian minister living in Brownsville.