Elder Christian Bucher (1833-1916) was a much-sought-after Brethren preacher from Lebanon County, Pennsylvania. During a 55-year ministry that extended from 1861 to 1916, among other things he conducted 728 funerals. Elder Bucher was known for his blunt way of putting things, and it Is said he couldn’t preach a funeral sermon without getting on his “pet doctrine” of Trine Immersion baptism. At one particular funeral, he was called to share the service with a Baptist minister. Knowing Brother Bucher’s strong views on Trine Immersion, the Baptist minister took the opportunity to get in his jabs. “Yes, some people only know how to count to THREE,” he said during his message. To which Brother Bucher replied (when it was his turn to speak), “Yes, and some people only know how to count to ONE–and even THEN they get It BACKWARD!”
“Pet Doctrines”–whatever they may be–weren’t only relegated to earlier generations. Even in the last decade of this enlightened century, “pet doctrines” can become the constant theme of any of us. What’s important to remember is that any one of the cardinal doctrines-as good and as right and as scriptural as it may be-is only part of the WHOLE!
After seeing a blatant example of someone harping on a “pet doctrine,” one observer quipped: “Some people play a one-stringed Instrument, and when that one string breaks, they wonder why the music stops!”
If you’re one who goes through life guarding a .pet doctrine”–grimfaced, defensive, and with an .attitude,” God help you! How do you forsake a “pet doctrine” and move toward mature balance? Are there six easy steps to follow? Are there ten simple rules to obey? Is there a workshop you can attend that will suddenly make you balanced? No[ To move toward mature balance, you and I need to think of a perfectly-balanced Jesus. What Jesus did and what He said always corresponded. Remember that before going to the cross to die, He was able to sing a hymn with His disciples; and while suffering such excruciating pain on the cross, He prayed for His enemies and brought salvation and hope to a dying thief.
To me, Jesus was the epitome of balance, and I want to pattern my life after Him. I want to move more and more toward mature balance. Do you too?
–Paul W. Brubaker
November/December 1995