Sydney J. Harris, the syndicated columnist of years past - one with whom we often violently disagreed (e.g., his assertion that Jesus' admonition to love one's enemies "is as impractical as much of the rest of his teachings") - once stated that the problem in sharing one's thoughts and viewpoints lay oftentimes, not so much in finding matters upon which to comment as in narrowing the field to one particular theme.
We are at something of a similar point here. Given the current allegations of scandal in yet another ministry (in this instance, Oral Roberts University), our thoughts went back to a blog we posted nearly two and one half years ago. While perhaps not totally applicable to the present situation, we would suggest - should the charges prove valid - the latter part of that which we shared as bearing application. Herewith, the replication of that posting:
"Without a Word"
In the Church's rightful emphasis on "spreading the Word," we sometimes tend to overlook the fact that effective propagation of the Gospel involves more than merely "unloading the message" on others.
Jesus, for example, spoke of the effect of relational attitudes: "By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:35). Absent such, our endeavors - personally and/or corporately - will likely achieve little. (Indeed, to this Paul would add that, even when attended by visible manifestations of spiritual gifting and endowment, we ourselves become "nothing" if the motivational dynamic is not right, I Cor. 13).
Again, within settings of the home, Peter proscribes the "spiritual nagging" of one's spouse, noting the far greater effect of saying nothing ("without a word") while demonstrating the graces of positive behavior (I Pet. 3:1).
This all came to mind recently in reflecting on an acquaintance who years ago forfeited a promising career in this country to become teacher and nurse at a children's home in a Muslim country. There is no public evangelizing (nor indeed can be), nor is there any endeavor to intrude upon the political affairs of the nation. Hers is a life simply given to living out the love of Jesus Christ in relation to those in need.
Our respect for such individuals is profound. And, we submit, the standing of such persons when we all give answer to Christ will be much preferable to that of those who, despite religious prominence, recognition and/or "successful" ministry, have viewed the things of God a means to personal ends, self aggrandizement and indulgence.
Burl Ratzsch
