Onward Christian Soldiers Nov. 1, 2014
From the Field Nov. 1, 2014
Onward Christian Soldiers
In his Art of War
Sun Tzu has a major point on ‘Deception – All warfare is based on Deception.’ When it comes to our spiritual warfare this is not the case. The deceiver is satan the enemy. On the other hand, “We have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways; we refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s Word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.” 2 Cor. 4:2
Our goal is not to deceive in order to win, but we have already won in Christ, crucified and risen to prove it. While we personally will be wise as serpents yet innocent as doves, our methods as well as our goals do not involve deceit. “For our appeal does not spring from error or uncleanness, nor is it made with guile; but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the Gospel, so we speak, not to please men, but to please God who tests our hearts. For we never used either words of flattery, as you know, or a cloak for greed, as God is witness…” 1 Thess. 2:3-6
In our dealings with sister churches overseas we follow the high standards of God’s Word as stated above. When one pastor in South Africa in whom I had put confidence showed himself to be not honest and upright, and was not willing to admit his mistakes, our treasured spiritual relationship ended. At one time three of us were to meet with representatives of a Lutheran church in South Africa, and even though we were in the country, when we found out that they had lied to us, the meetings did not take place. Our relationship with a Lutheran church in Tanzania ended when they sought money from both us and another Lutheran synod that we were not in fellowship with. And a serious rupture happened in India when we found out some years back that the leader of one of our sister churches had deceived us.
In the USA November 4th is election day after all the seemingly endless campaigning. In a time of political campaigns the unethical seems to be so dominant at times, as if the politicians are following Sun Tzu’s advice though in politics. One of the appeals to others to join our church is the open statement of the truth, no deceit involved, no cunning, no campaign of “Join us and you will get money, or more money, or position, or prestige, or…” is used. We offer a deep and appreciative study of the Word, with no changes to placate men.
“Blend with ours your voices In the triumph song; Glory, laud and honor Unto Christ, the King; This thro’ countless ages Men and angels sing…”