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TOPIC: Gordon, Samuel Dickey - Quiet Talks on Personal Problems (Other Topics in this Collection)
SUBJECT: 65. The True Church Spirit.
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The True Church Spirit.
In a very large social gathering in London some years ago, two gentlemen were speaking together of church matters. One of them criticized the church differences, and consequently, as he thought, the weakness of the Church. His friend asserted that these differences were largely on the surface and incidental; that underneath, at heart, there was a great unity among church people on the great essentials of the faith. The critic politely questioned the accuracy of his friend's remark.
At once the churchman called attention to the character of the large company gathered. It was representative of many different churches and of many walks of life. He said: "At my request these people will all bow and reverently repeat the Lord's Prayer as a confession of their common faith." And, securing the attention of all gathered, he explained the little pleasant dispute that had arisen with his friend, and made the request.
Instantly a soft hush fell over the lively company, and with bowed heads, and in a deep, low tone, which suggested a great wealth of suppressed feeling, they repeated reverently the Lord's Prayer. On no other one subject could there have been found such oneness of thought and such a depth of reverence. The subject of loyalty to their sovereign would have revealed as great oneness, but not the underneath depth of reverent feeling called out by loyalty to the higher Sovereign.
The great mission of the Church to remember the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, and to tell all the world earnestly and practically and simply of Him, is being fulfilled to-day on a larger scale than ever before, and in as devoted a spirit as marked the early band of Jerusalem disciples.
Every true follower of Jesus Christ should be in the fellowship of the Church. He belongs there by birth, his new spirit-birth. The choice of the particular branch where his allegiance shall be given will be affected by family connection and tradition, or friendships, or convenience of location, or the receiving of some special spiritual blessing, or other such consideration. Thoughtful prayer will lead any one in doubt to very definite guidance in his decision.
Where he is led to go he should go heartily. That place becomes holy ground to him. The shoes of his common round of duties, and of cares, will be put off as he enters its doors. Here he will meet the Father, and worship Him, and receive blessing and help from Him direct. Here he will, with his brothers, remember the dying love of Jesus in the simple memorial meal of bread and wine. Here will be the fellowship of kindred spirits through which he will help, and be helped.
Through fellowship here, too, he shall come to understand better the love of Christ; for no one ever fully takes in that great love; it takes all of us together to take hold of that, and realize its depth and strength and tenderness. And here he can best join with his brothers in the great world-service entrusted to the Church of telling all the race about Jesus.