New Men, Not New Methods

The tragedy is that too often those who think they are sound in doctrine, and who think they have the answer from the Word of God, are lacking in devotion to our Lord. Too often those who think they know something of their Bible and understand what God is doing in the world, who recognize that the days are short and soon Jesus our Lord will be here again and it will be too late then -- too often such people are occupied with trying to make the machinery of the church work. Too often they are occupied in trying to settle personal differences and to get along with each other. Too often the whole machinery lacks the oil of the Holy Spirit of God. It is a tragic thing indeed that men, right in head, are so often wrong in heart. Oh that we might see the irony of this picture and face again the need for being one hundred percent committed to the Lord Jesus Christ, exclusively, before it is too late.

Remember, fellow Christian, that you are far more important to God than the work you do for Him, and that every piece of work He entrusts to you is but the means in His hands of causing you to grow into full conformity to the image of His dear Son, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Behind the vast powers of ungodly empires and rulers in this world today, behind the millions of people killed under dictators and tyrants, is Satanic authority. Behind the hardness of hearts against the truth and the indifference of men and women to the gospel of Jesus Christ is the god of this world, who has blinded the minds of those who believe not. Behind the barbaric slaughter of the innocent unborn; behind the resistance of the wife, husband, children or parents to the Word of God; behind every divided home, every divorce, every broken heart, ruined life and shattered testimony is Satan, who in these last days of grace is turning on all His power, for he knows that his time is short.

Behind the rapidly closing doors to missionary service; behind the failure of many missionaries to stand the test of health and strength and spirit; behind the evacuation right and left of one mission station after another; behind the shortage of money to keep missionaries on the field; behind all of this is Satan, who has gripped the hearts and pockets of God's people and held them, as it were, in a vice.

In the face of all this, what has our answer been to the need on that scale and of that character?

What do we attempt to do for God?

We put forth Herculean efforts, thinking of this method and that which will attract people to our churches. We plan exciting advertising and give away prizes. We spend vast sums of money to bring people under the sound of the Gospel. And when it is all over and the dust has settled, the clamoring quieted, the hustle and bustle of activity stilled, we retire from the fight -- weary, baffled, disappointed, and perplexed.

What can we do?

We have put forth every effort under the sun. We have placarded our vehicles and our cities with our advertisements and launched great campaigns. But, apart from a few here and there, the lasting results are tragically lacking.

Remember, "the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds." (2 Corinthians 10:4)

God forgive us that we are attempting today to fight spiritual battles by carnal means. It can not be done. May He forgive us when we seem to think that by planning, publicity, advertising, campaigning, and working hard in the flesh we will attain something, whereas, in point of fact, we achieve nothing of eternal value.

We forget that God does not want new methods -- He wants new men! He does not want clever men -- He wants clean vessels to fill with Himself! It is impossible to accomplish heavenly tasks using worldly techniques. The distance to the answer is the distance from our knees to the floor. On our knees the answer will come -- nowhere else. That is not inactivity or passivity. It is linking ourselves in our weakness and helplessness with the omnipotent power of Almighty God.

Are you committed one hundred percent to living a holy life? Have you determined to put away all revealed sin? Have you determined to commit yourself unreservedly to our Lord, and to Him alone, submitting to His absolute and sovereign authority?

When we die daily, we have no problem with the things of this world or with what we should do or should not do. We simply look into His face and cry aloud, "I delight to do thy will, O God."