A modern church with its kitchen and parlor, with its club and gymnasium, and with its ministries to the flesh and to the world is both indicative and alarming. What a contrast there is between the principles that the early church originated and fostered and those that the modern and progressive church presents as substitutes.
The original churches were faithfully spiritual. Their only purpose was to strengthen and cultivate all the elements that combine to make a deep and clear experience of God. They were training schools for spiritual life. They never lingered in the regions of the moral, the aesthetic, and the mental. They fostered no desires or inclinations that were not spiritual and did not minister to the soul’s progress.
The early church took it for granted that all who came to them really desired to “flee from the wrath to come” (Matthew 3:7) and were sincerely yearning after full redemption. They considered it their obligation to furnish these seekers with the most sacred and exacting assistance. It never occurred to them that entertainment and social gatherings were channels through which God’s grace would flow and foster spiritual growth.
These social and fleshly forces are regarded in many denominations as the perfection of spiritual things. These events are arrayed as the mature fruit of spiritual piety, flavored and perfected by its culture and progress. They are ordained as the handmaidens of the prayer and testimony meeting. I object most seriously to the union of the worldly and the spiritual. What have they in common? “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3).
What elements of piety are fostered by entertainment and social gatherings? What phases of spiritual life do they promote? What feature of the gymnasium produces faith? Where do you find any elements that are aids to piety? How do social parties produce a more prayerful and holy life? How do they bring the soul nearer to God? How do they form or strengthen the ties of Christian fellowship? Are social clubs not frivolous and worldly? Do parties not cater to and suit the tastes of the carnal and worldly? What unity of purpose and spirit is there between worldly entertainment and witnessing for Christ? The one is intensely spiritual; the other has in it no evidence of spiritual benefit.
We might as well add to the list of heavenly helpers the skating rink, calisthenics, and the gymnasium. If the young people desire to join a club, enjoy a social gathering, or play parlor games, let them do so. But do not deceive them and degrade holiness by calling these things holy institutions that feed the spiritual life. (From the book, Guide to Spiritual Warfare by E. M. Bounds). | Read another book excerpt |
