Balancing Discernment with Charity

Editorial
Volume 46, Number 3
May/June, 2011

One of the sins every human being must seek to overcome is the sin of prejudice. The word “prejudice” refers to holding negative opinions about others—usually without knowing all the facts about the situation. On the other hand, some think that to be free from prejudice means that we must accept all points of view as being valid. Jesus dealt kindly with all persons, yet He did not accept the Samaritan woman’s style of living (having had five husbands) or her ideas about worship (worshipping at Mount Gerizim). Jesus flatly said to the woman, “You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews” (John 4:22).

It is easy to hold prejudices, almost without being aware of it. One does not have to spend much time around a school playground until he hears names like “fatty” or “slowpoke”–or name-calling that is much more caustic than that! Using derogatory names about Jews, blacks, homosexuals, Muslims, or Italians, etc.—is altogether out of place for disciples of Jesus. Yet, like Jesus, we must not affirm the sinful conduct of liars, adulterers, homosexuals, wife beaters, idolaters, child molesters, etc. On the other hand, we must accept people from backgrounds other than our own, and do so with genuine humility. We should ask the Lord to help us substitute love and compassion, for what may have been suspicion and pride in our hearts.

Eric Brubaker’s essay in this issue of the Witness encourages readers to balance the need for discernment with charity. Noah Webster’s American Dictionary of the English Language defines “discernment” as the act of making a distinction between good and evil, and truth and falsehood. The word “charity” speaks of benevolence and goodwill, the disposition of heart which inclines individuals to think favorably of their fellow human beings, and to do them good. Readers will benefit from carefully reading the article which follows.

—Harold S. Martin


Balancing Discernment With Charity

Revelation 2:1-7
By Eric Brubaker

We are living in a very dramatic time in the history of the Church of the Brethren. Many people are eagerly anticipating the 2011 Annual Conference where seemingly the future direction of the Church of the Brethren will be decided (at least on the subject of homosexuality). Many Brethren are standing firm (and have been standing firm for years) against the open acceptance and approval of the practice of homosexuality in the church. The Bible is quite clear on the subject. And while we have been strongly encouraged to listen to and to dialogue with people of opposing views, no amount of conversation can change the fact that Scripture plainly teaches that the conduct is sin.

The faithful, Bible-believing, members of the Church of the Brethren are rightly standing firmly against this onslaught of evil and wickedness. And although we run the risk of being labeled as fundamentalists or hateful or legalists, it is certainly always right to stand for biblical truth. But Scripture also plainly teaches that while it is completely necessary and appropriate to expose and call out sin, and in fact to hate sin, it is also totally necessary to have a heart of charity both toward God and others. In fact Jesus said that all the Law and the Prophets hang on the two commandments to love God and to love our neighbors (Matthew 22:36-40). While on the one hand we are duty bound to hate sin, we are also duty bound to love God and others. One of the real dangers in the Christian life is that it is possible to get to a point where we can rightly discern and expose sin, and yet still not have a heart of compassion that pleases God.

In Revelation 2:1-7, Jesus addresses the angel of the church at Ephesus. And while He gives the church words of commendation and praise, He also rebukes them because of the condition of their hearts. In these seven verses there are three verses of praise (verses 2-3, 6) and two verses of rebuke and warning (verses 4-5). And so, although the words of praise outnumber the words of rebuke, the rebuke is strong enough to warrant the removal of their lampstand from its place, if the church did not repent.

1. Five Words of Commendaton (Revelation 2:2-3, 6)

Jesus had five words of commendation and praise for the Church at Ephesus. First of all He commended them for their deeds, or good works. The church at Ephesus was committed to proving their faith by their works. They had obviously been faithful in displaying a life of good works. In Revelation chapter 3, Jesus said to the church at Sardis, “I know your works. You have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead” (Revelation 3:1/ESV).

And to the church at Philadelphia Jesus said, “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it” (Revelation 3:8). And to the church at Laodicea He said, “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot” (Revelation 3:15). Jesus knows our works and our reputations, and He knows if they line up. Good works are a sign of genuine faith. Jesus said that good works bring glory to the Father and are the way that we prove our faith to the world. It is how we let our light shine (Matthew 5:16). The church at Ephesus was committed to good works.

Secondly, Jesus commended the Ephesians for their labor, or their hard work. The Ephesian church was committed to the faith, and they surely applied great effort, along with physical, mental, and emotional energy in their walk with the Lord. They were not passive and lukewarm in their religious fervor, but were vigorous and energized. They were fully devoted to the task.

This is commendable and noteworthy because the apostle Paul encourages us to be, “steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). Very often our tendency can be to not put our all into our work, or to do a halfhearted job. This was not the case with the Ephesians. They worked hard for the Lord. Sometimes we don’t do our best because we are distracted or sidetracked or just don’t care. Very often our level of interest or care in a project or task is reflected in how hard we work at it. The Ephesians worked hard for the Lord.

Thirdly, Jesus commended them for their perseverance. Endurance and perseverance are very difficult things because they test our resolve. The longer something drags on (the more it lingers), very often the more difficult it is to hang in there and not give up. If we are called to persevere in something, it means that we are being asked to put up with a difficult situation. If we never encountered difficult situations, there would be no need to endure anything. But whenever there is a situation that is less than ideal within the context of something we hold dear, then we must chose either to endure it, or to walk away from it. This may be in the church, or in a marriage, or at work. If we find ourselves in a situation that is less than ideal within the context of something that we hold dear, and we are committed to it, then we will choose to endure it. Sometimes there is nothing we can do to improve our situations; we simply need to endure them. The easiest thing is to give up, or to walk away. But the Ephesians were commended for their patient endurance, and their long-term commitment to faithful Christian living.

Fourthly, Jesus commended the Ephesians for their discernment. The word “discernment” is not used in Revelation 2:2, but the principle seems evident. Discernment is the process whereby we separate what is true from what is false, and distinguish truth from error. It is the process whereby we sift and separate the good from the bad. Historians say that the first century church had an abundance of itinerant evangelists, men who would travel in the name of Christianity seeking an audience. It was the responsibility of the church to put these men to the test to see if they were genuine. The traveling evangelists and prophets seem to be those to whom the apostle Paul was referring in 2 Corinthians 11. He refers to these imposters as “super-apostles” (2 Corinthians 11:5/NIV), who were trained speakers that could influence crowds. But in the end he finds them to be “false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ” (v.13/ESV). It is always the responsibility of the church to put teaching and teachers to the test.

The apostle Paul had earlier warned the Ephesian elders in Acts 20 about both external and internal attacks on the church. The external attacks would come from “savage wolves” who would come in among the flock. And the internal attacks would come from people who would arise from within the church, who would preach perverse and misleading things in order to draw away disciples after themselves (Acts 20:29- 30). The Ephesian elders had heeded Paul’s warning and they had put these would-be apostles to the test and found them to be false. Historians record that because the popularity and spread of Christianity made it necessary for the church to test the character and the doctrine of teachers and evangelists and apostles, to see if they were genuine. The Ephesian church had done that and exposed those who were false.

Finally, Jesus commended the Ephesians for their lack of tolerance of wicked men. When some teaching has been tested and found to be false, it is commendable not to tolerate it. Tolerance is very similar to endurance or perseverance. When we “tolerate” something it means that we put up with it or bear with it. A tolerant person is one who is marked by forbearance. But the church cannot forbear false doctrine or false teachers. While forbearance and tolerance is commendable in human relationships when dealing with the quirks and deficiencies of differing personalities and character development, it is not commendable when dealing with wrong doctrine or behavior.

In Old Testament times God rewarded the intolerance and extreme behavior of the Levites. Aaron had let the people get out of control while Moses was on the mountain. When Moses returned and saw that the people had become wild, and to keep them from becoming a laughingstock to their enemies, he issued a summons, “Whoever is on the Lord’s side—come to me!’ And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves to him” (Exodus 32:26). That day Moses commanded the Levites to strap a sword to their sides and to go throughout the camp, killing those involved in the riotous behavior, even if it was a brother, a friend, or a neighbor. The Levites did so, and that day about three thousand people died. Then Moses said, “You have been set apart to the Lord today, for you were against your own sons and brothers, and He has blessed you this day” (Exodus 32:29/NIV). The Levites were rewarded because of their zeal for the Lord and, “were set apart to be caretakers of the tabernacle and aides to the priests” (NIV Study Bible, footnote). Aaron’s grandson Phinehas, son of Eleazar, was also rewarded by the Lord for his zealous actions when the Israelites began committing sexual immorality with Moabite women. Because of Eleazar’s actions, the Lord said, “He and his descendants will have a covenant of a lasting priesthood, because he was zealous for the honor of his God and made atonement for the Israelites” (Numbers 25:13/N IV). These are two extreme cases of intolerance in the Old Testament, but they demonstrate how in the past God has honored intolerance when it is for His honor.

Jesus also commended the church at Ephesus for their hatred of the practices of the Nicolaitans (Revelation 2:6). Hatred is a strong word, but here Jesus commends the Ephesians for their hatred of the deeds of the Nicolaitans, because He also hated their deeds. The Nicolaitans are also referred to in Revelation 2:14-15 (the church at Pergamum), but in neither case does it identify what their offense was. However, some commentators believe that the Nicolaitans were associated with Nicolas, the proselyte from Antioch recorded in Acts 6:5. Some historians believe that Nicolas had lapsed into lawless and immoral behavior and teaching and had led others astray. Whatever the offense was, the Ephesian church had exposed the heresy and had come to hate their practices, just as Christ Himself did.

In a nutshell, the Ephesian church was committed to good works. They were zealous and vigorous in their labor for the Lord. They persevered in some very difficult circumstances. They tested would-be apostles, evangelists, and teachers and exposed those who were imposters. They refused to tolerate and to forbear with those whom they found to be false. The Ephesian church had maintained pure doctrine. They had not grown weary in all their labors. Their hard work had not worn them down to the point where they no longer could discern truth from error. They were committed. They were zealous. They were vigorous. And they were unrelenting in their exposure of false teaching and teachers.

But the ability to discern truth from error is not the final proof of one’s faith. Just because we may be able to spot a fake, or sense red flags when we hear wrong teaching, or notice deficient character in a religious leader, does not mean that we ourselves are right with God. This is not at all to diminish the importance of discernment. Discernment is vital and critical to the health and unity and longevity of the church.

And sadly it is woefully lacking in the church today. But while discernment is critical, it must be combined with charity. If we have all discernment, but have little charity, we can tend to be abrasive and cold and hard. If we are constantly testing people and their teaching, but have no warmth and affection, the Christian faith soon begins to look quite unattractive. All discernment with no charity leads to factions and divisions.

2. One Word of Rebuke (Revelation 2:4)

And so, although the Ephesians had excelled in purity, they had become hard and callous and were not imitating the warmth of Christ. Revelation 2:4 says, “But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first” (ESV). It is a very difficult thing to be constantly on your guard against wrong doctrine, and yet filled with a charitable spirit toward all people. When we are jealous for pure doctrine in the church, and are constantly evaluating and sifting and testing teaching and teachers, it tends to put a strain (over time) on the warmth of our hearts. We tend to become cynical and pessimistic. We tend to become cold and aloof. And in the end, it can lead to a hard heart. It had been about thirty years since the church at Ephesus had been founded. And somewhere in those thirty years they lost (or more literally—”abandoned”) their love. Back when the church was first founded Paul wrote to the Ephesians saying, ‘Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers” (Ephesians 1:15-16). Thirty years earlier, when they first started out they were full of love and good deeds, and excelled in doing kind acts. But over time, the warmth in their hearts had cooled. Singer and songwriter, Keith Green lamented this in a song where he confesses:

My eyes are thy, my faith is old,
my heart is hard and my prayers are cold,
And I know how I ought to be,
alive to You and dead to me.
Oh, what can be done for an old heart like mine?
Soften it up with oil and wine,
the oil is You, your Spirit of love
Please wash me anew in the wine of your blood.

The Ephesians had abandoned the love they had at first. Commentators are divided as to exactly what this means. Does this mean that they had left their first love for Christ? Had they become cold toward Christ, even though they were zealous in their labor for Him? Or does this mean that they had left their first love for other people? Many believe both interpretations are valid because they are closely connected. Love for Christ is shown in our love for others. Jesus had taught that brotherly love would be the proof of our discipleship. In John 13:34-35 it says: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” Brotherly love is the proof of Christian discipleship. But the Ephesians had abandoned their first love.

3. Two Words of Correction (Revelation 2:5)

Very often discernment is associated with Christian maturity. And it is hard to admit that although a person may be well along the Christian path, and may possibly hold a prominent position in the church, there may be a need to retrace steps and get back to their earlier practices. Jesus had two words of correction for the Ephesians. First, He said, “Remember therefore from where you have fallen” (Revelation 2:5a). Very often when something has slipped gradually over a long period of time, it is hard to realize that anything has happened. When there are small, incremental steps of decline, it can be hard to realize the subtle shift. But Jesus said that the Ephesians had fallen from their prior spiritual height. Apparently the Ephesians did not realize that it had happened. And therefore Jesus instructed them to remember from where they had come. One of, the first steps in recovery is to realize and acknowledge that something has gone wrong and that there is a problem. Jesus challenged them to realize that they had fallen, and to remember their prior standing.

Secondly, He said, “Repent, and do the works you did at first” Revelation 2:5b/ESV). Here Jesus gives insight into what it takes to recover what has been lost. Certainly when we lose something of value, or realize that we have become less than we should be, there is a sense of sorrow and grief and perhaps even shame at the loss and disappointment. It’s impossible to have real repentance without feeling a sense of grief. The apostle Paul reminded the Corinthians that, “godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death” (2 Corinthians 7:10). Sometimes it is very easy to be overcome with excessive sorrow and regret when we realize that we have slipped so far. Sometimes it’s hard not to wallow in feelings of remorse and sorrow when we finally realize how far we have fallen. But repentance leads to action. Wordly sorrow produces death, but godly sorrow produces repentance, which leads to action. The way to recover what has been lost is to start doing the things we did at first. For someone whose heart has become cold and callous, it may take some time to regain the feelings of warmth and affection and charity toward others. But by committing ourselves again (anew, afresh) to a genuine, unhypocritical love toward all, we can again begin to prove the genuineness of our faith.

The church at Ephesus had begun so well. They were zealous for the Lord. They were faithful in their service. They were committed to purity of doctrine and life. They had worked hard, they had persevered, they had exposed falsehood and they possessed a godly hatred for the practices of imposters and false teachers. But over the course of time, as the battle raged on, it took a toll on the very thing they were trying to defend. And the charitable, warm, compassionate spirit that had marked their good beginning, gave way to a callous, unfeeling, insensitive, unmoved hearts toward God and others. We must not think that this is impossible in our lives. But if the searchlight of the Spirit reveals such attitudes in us, there is hope, if we do again the works we did at first.

This is certainly not the time for us in the Church of the Brethren to waiver on what we know is right on the issue of homosexuality, not to cave to the forces of tolerance and acceptance so prevalent in this age. Like the church at Ephesus, we must be relentless in our stand for the truth of Scripture. This is not the time to be wishy-washy and vague. But we must also remember that we are not dealing with abstract and theoretical ideas, but with real people for whom Christ died, and in whom He wants to reign. May the love of Christ reign in committed brothers and sisters as we stand firmly on His word at this critical time in the church.

THE BOOK OF DANIEL

Captivity… Dreams… Rulers… Fire… Lions… Prayers… Kingdoms. From a dedicated youth to a faithful sage, Daniel’s life stands as an example to follow.  Yet beyond his personal life, God gifted Daniel with a message of future events.  Though difficult to grasp, these events would shape the world for the coming Messiah and the Second Coming of Christ as King.

STUDIES IN LUKE

Luke presents a warmly personal and historically accurate account of Jesus as “the Son of Man.” This course will survey the Third Gospel, with emphasis on the unique events, miracles, and parables of Jesus found in it.

HISTORY OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH

This class will provide a broad overview of general church history. We will then focus on the Anabaptist and Pietist movements, especially as they relate to the formation and development of the Brethren groups. This is a two-part class. Plan to take both parts.

ONE FOUNDATION

This course is intended to lay down a measure in a world where truth is slippery and often subject to interpretation. Where “Christian Values” become a political slogan, and “good people” are our allies despite their faulty core beliefs. Where Facebook “friends” post memes about the power of God, despite a lifestyle that is anything but Godly. In the process we often fight among ourselves, doing Satan’s work for him. The purpose of this course is to lay the measure of Jesus Christ against the cults, religions, and worship in our contemporary world.

THE APOCRYPHA

While Protestant translations of the Bible contain 66 books, the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches recognize additional canonical books as well.  Where did these books, collectively known as the Apocrypha, come from and why aren’t they part of our Bible?  How reliable are they, and what value is there in studying them?

STUDIES IN 1 AND 2 PETER

The goal of this class is to acquire a firm grasp of the teachings and themes of these two general epistles. Peter covers topics from salvation and suffering to spiritual deception and the return of Christ. These letters are packed with warnings and encouragements for Christian living.

THE GREAT I AM’S OF CHRIST

A detailed study of Jesus Christ and His relationship to the “I Am” metaphors in John’s gospel. Why did Jesus describe himself in these terms? How do they relate to each other? We will look at spiritual and practical applications to further our Christian growth.

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES: AN AMERICAN CULT

Have you ever been visited by someone who said they wanted to study the Bible with you so that you might discover the truth together?  Jehovah’s Witnesses claim to have much in common with evangelical Christians, and they seem to be well versed in the scriptures.  But what do they really believe and how can we effectively witness to those who have been ensnared by this false religion?

THE BOOK OF HOSEA

While we may consider Hosea as one of the minor prophets, his message vividly illustrates the major doctrine in all Scriptures.  The theme of God’s unconditional love is magnified and extended beyond those deserving it.  God expresses tender words towards His erring people inviting them to turn from sin to reconciliation with Him.

CHURCH LEADERSHIP AND ADMINISTRATION

This course will look at basic principles and polity of leading the local church. We will examine the balance between upholding a spiritually focused organism of ministry and cultivating proper order for effective organization. Practical applications will be emphasized. This is a two-part class. Plan to take both parts.

STATEMENT OF CONDUCT

The Brethren Bible Institute believes in the discipline of the whole person (spirit, soul, and body). We will aim to train students not only about how to study the Bible in a systematic way (2 Timothy 2:15), but also how to live soberly and righteously and godly in this present world (Titus 2:12). God calls Christians to the highest of character when He commands us to be holy (1 Peter 1:15), and holiness requires discipline.

Indulgence in the use of tobacco, alcoholic beverages, drugs, profanity, and gambling are forbidden at BBI. Objectionable literature will be prohibited. Students are asked not to use the college pool during the Institute. Each student must be thoughtful, and respect the rights of others at all times, especially during study and rest periods.

A friendly social group intermingling of students between class periods, and at general school activities is encouraged. Each student should enjoy the friendship of the entire group. At all times, highest standards of social conduct between men and women must be maintained. This means that all forms of unbecoming behavior and unseemly familiarities will be forbidden.

Personal appearance and grooming tell much about one's character. Students are expected to be dressed in good taste. In an attempt to maintain Scriptural expressions of simplicity, modesty, and nonconformity, the following regulations shall be observed while attending BBI.

MEN should be neatly attired and groomed at all times. Fashion extremes and the wearing of jewelry should be avoided on campus. The hair should not fall over the shirt-collar when standing, nor should it cover the ears.

WOMEN should wear skirts cut full enough and of sufficient length to at least come to the knees when standing and sitting. Form-fitting, transparent, low-neckline, or sleeveless clothing will not be acceptable. Slacks and culottes are permitted only for recreation and then only when worn under a skirt of sufficient length. Wearing jewelry should be avoided on campus. Long hair for women is encouraged and all Church of the Brethren girls (and others with like convictions) shall be veiled on campus.

The Institute reserves the right to dismiss any student whose attitude and behavior is not in harmony with the ideals of the School, or whose presence undermines the general welfare of the School, even if there is no specific breach of conduct.

The Brethren Bible Institute is intended to provide sound Bible teaching and wholesome Christian fellowship for all who desire it. The Bible School Committee worked hard and long at the task of arriving at standards, which will be pleasing to the Lord. It is not always easy to know just where the line should be drawn and we do not claim perfection. No doubt certain standards seem too strict for some and too loose for others. If you are one who does not share all these convictions, we hope you will agree to adjust to them for the School period, for the sake of those who do. We are confident that the blessings received will far outweigh any sacrifice you may have to make. If you have a special problem or question, please write to us about it. To be accepted as a student at BBI, you will need to sign a statement indicating that you will cooperate with the standards of the School.