Should We Preach Only Smooth Things?
The suggestion appeals, but it is not in accordance with the pattern of the word. ‘We do not find it pleasant to draw attention to errors of teaching or of practice that may be gaining a hold in the brotherhood, but it is a duty upon which we must engage unless we shirk our responsibility. It would be far more gratifying to the flesh to imitate the ostrich and hide our heads in the sand, refusing to acknowledge that danger looms, but such an attitude is a negation of the demands of the Truth’.
Isaiah was told, "Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins" (Isaiah 58:1). Was it to a people completely irreligious to whom he had thus to speak? By no means. Yahweh continues, "Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness". They were a people self deceived because they refused to face the facts. They became impatient at the warning of the prophets and demanded that unless they could speak "smooth things" they should keep quiet (Isaiah 30:10). Because of their spiritual, self inflicted blindness, because of their refusal to hearken, the indictment of God became even more outspoken through the prophets, and the nation was warned that, "Because ye despise this word", it would be completely overthrown (Isaiah 30:12).
Did those prophets render a service or a disservice to Israel? Was it an advantage to the nation or a disadvantage that the errors manifest in its midst should be openly revealed for all to see? Obviously it was the highest form of patriotism and service that the prophets could render. Such considerations should govern our attitudes today.
Remember, the condemnation that rested upon the Laodicean Ecclesia was not that it was affluent, but that it was spiritually blind. It "knew not" its true state (Rev 3:17). Its members saw an increase in the material possessions on every side and were filled with a sense of self-sufficiency in these things to the extent that they simply could not recognize nor acknowledge how spiritually "wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked" they were. The same indictment can rest upon ecclesias today: because they exist in an environment that can induce such a state of spiritual blindness, where sickness exists, early treatment can effect a cure, but if it is neglected, it can become so deep-seated as to refuse to respond to such. Let us all by mutual consent ignore the problems facing the brotherhood today and soon we would be faced with a condition of things that will defy any curative treatment.
Life Expectancy. According to the 2003 World Health Report, the gap in life expectancy between rich and poor nations is widening. A baby born today in Japan, they say, can expect to live for 82 years. In Sierra Leone, however, average life expectancy at birth is a mere 34 years. In the Kingdom life for the mortal population will be considerably extended and one dying at 100 years old will be considered a mere child (see Isaiah 65v20).
Bro. Patrick Wafula (Kamukuywa, Kenya)
