Understanding??
Quite often in our day, we find that there is confusion over issues. The real points are lost sight of, and positions are taken because of what APPEARS to be the real ISSUE...when in fact such is NOT the issue at all. Much action is taken due to a misunderstanding. We appeal, as we have in times past, for all to be close OBSERVERS, SEEK the truth on all matters, and be sure that you UNDERSTAND before you make a decision.
A few points at hand: Often when we point out that Christ built but ONE church and that men and women ought to be members of it, some conclude that we are condemning every person who is not a member of YOUR CHURCH, and that we are egotistical-narrow-minded...So and So's. When in fact the issue is this — the New Testament teaches that Christ is the HEAD of HIS church, (Eph. 1:22-23). Also, He promised to build HIS CHURCH, (Matt. 16:18). He died to purchase THE CHURCH, (Acts 20:28; Eph. 5:23-25). All we are contending for is that people SEE what the scriptures SAY, and accept the same, and be members of the church CHRIST LOVED and shall SAVE! Simple? Yes, until some confuse the matter. Understand? The scriptures were written that when you READ you may, (Eph. 3:3).
Another point: when we say that the church should NOT build nor maintain colleges or Homes for the aged, Etc. some conclude right away that we are opposed to education and helping the needy. Such is not true at all! Such only serves to confuse the issue! The real point that we are making is — the Lord built His church to save souls, (Lk. 19:10; Eph. 23-27). In doing this He gave it three areas of work to do: Preaching, Edifying, and Assisting needy saints, (Eph. 4:12). Furthermore what God gave the church to do, it can do WITHOUT building OR maintaining ANY institution. It may, and does, buy services from several institutions — Water, Fuel, Materials, Etc. — but that is different from building them. We are certainly not against education NOR needy people being helped, we believe in both; but we are against the church becoming an institution governed by man. When it becomes involved in things for which the Lord gave no authority, then it is governed by man and not the Lord. This is a time for understanding, may we realize the difficulty involved in communicating, and work toward a proper understanding of God's book and each other.
Many brethren, it seems to me, mistrust each other, and as a result often misunderstanding occurs. Jesus shows the power of the prejudiced heart to reject matter without due consideration, (Matt. 13:15). May we be aware of this force, and realize that I am not above being affected. We must be firm when dealing with the truth, but that doesn't suggest having a closed mind. We must be capable of receiving ideas, then making a judgment on them, then reacting — either favorably or unfavorably, depending on the nature of the idea, true or false. Are you sure that you understand? If yes, then go ahead, otherwise wait till you have reflected on the matter long enough to make a sound judgment. This the Lord requires, (James 1:21-25).
— 2804 Lafayette, St Joseph, Mo.