Parents have for generations trained their children to “be better than” the others with whom they associate. Unfortunately they have turned the truth upside down. Only Christ living in the child could ever produce a truely good, better, or the best behaved child. An impossibility was required of these innocent children. Let us see if any have attempted to fulfil their parents request in history; what was the outcome?
For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. 2 Corinthians 10:12
But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh…But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. Galatians 5:15,26
Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.
Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God. 3 John 9-11
And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.
But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me. Galatians 2:3-6
Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:2-5
Christ is the Head over all things, that is, the church. It is strictly forbidden for Christians to exercise any authority over anyone. “But it shall not be so among you.” The minister is to serve only. The glorious liberty of loving service. A servant – free service and freely chosen, loved and loving service. It is the true. Not only utterly incongruous (inconsistent and absurd), therefore actually mischievous, for anyone professing to be Christian or anything professing to be a church – a servant – to assume to command or to exercise authority by virtue of office, station or relation. The first on the unbearable list of Proverbs 30:21 is a “servant that reigneth”. The history of the church from Diotrophes - “who loveth to have the preeminence among them” until today demonstrates this divine truth in the most wearisome detail. What is more difficult for the world to bear than reign of the church in any extent, the spirit of Satan, not Christ. All equal. No masters (only Christ) “Whoever exalts himself shall be abased.” We are never to have any ear for any other voice or word than His. The church is subject unto Christ in everything. Subject, not sovereign; servant, not ruler; to obey, not command; obey Christ, not fallible man. The church is made up of God's elect. All converted, sanctified, with repentance towards God. Faith in the word of our Lord Jesus Christ. Holiness of life and conversation, they hate sin and love Christ. They all worship with one heart, led by one Spirit, all builded upon the one Foundation, all draw religion from one Book, all joined at one great Centre, all say with one heart “Hallelujah”, all respond with one heart and voice, 'Amen and amen.” The church is not dependent on ministers on earth, does not depend on church membership, baptism, the Lord's supper (although valued) e.g. the thief on the cross. One great Head, Shepherd and chief Bishop – Jesus Christ. He alone admits members. Let a man repent and believe the gospel and he is at that moment a member. No minister can prevent him, disfellowship anyone if faithful or be taken from it. If members only left with the presence of Christ and His Spirit they are members who will live just as He did. Only the church with true unity and all spiritual analogies of one mind is the true church. All holy only. The church is certain to endure to the end, nothing can overthrow or destroy it. Christians have never learned, and can never learn that any man made ecclesiastical organisation is the destruction of Christian efficiency.
At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes…All things are delivered unto Me of My Father…Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light. Matthew 11:25-30
