"There are no two people alike" is an expression we often hear ; which in one sense is quite true. In another sense we are all alike, for " as in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man." (Prov. 27:19.)Our hearts are all alike. We naturally love self amazingly. We may put it down emphatically, " The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth enviously." (Jas. 4:5.)"For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing." (Rom. 7:18.)
If we could only keep in memory the truth as to what "the flesh" in us is, Christian fellowship might be maintained where it otherwise is so often marred; for we would, as a matter of course, turn from it completely to Christ Jesus, in whose face we would thankfully behold every believer. But, alas! we too often " look one another in the face " (2 Kings 14:8), and as a consequence, become occupied with the blemishes there.
If we would but remember when we do so, that we are but receiving the answer to our own face, "as in water," would we not be ashamed? Paul says, "I knew a man in Christ. … Of such an one will I glory:yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities." (2 Cor. 12:2, 5.) As a "man in Christ," the thought would ever be present, "by the grace of God I am what I am." (i Cor. 15:10.) Consequently, "by the grace of God" we each are what we are ; though as "in Christ" there is absolute perfection, yet in ourselves there are ''infirmities." In other words, there is that in each one of us which ought to cause shame and self-abhorrence rather than self-satisfaction or self-righteousness. Can we look at our past, and say, "I am pleased with it"? Would we dare to look at our present, and say, "I am satisfied"? And yet do we not forget this when we mark the "infirmities" of others? Of course, this is short of "wickedness." I am but speaking now of that in our nature which makes the diversity between us, and calls for forbearance. We hear Christians talking of the bad traits of character in others, and then closing with the remark, "I could not do such a thing;" or, " I cannot see how such an one can do so-and-so; now I do so-and-so." Is not this the unwise thing of which the apostle speaks ? " 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 Cor. 10:12.)
Can there be real Christian fellowship where such thoughts and words are indulged ?
But, beloved, the "virtues" of Christ are to be seen in all who are His, and " by the grace of God" they are what they are. Then let us cease this busied effort of digging up evil, as it is the work of the "ungodly." (Prov. 16:27.) It is an unholy practice, which we can easily fall into if not "sanctified by the truth"-preserved. (Jno. 17:17-19.)
We are to recognize the fact that there are human weaknesses in all, and ought we not rather to pray for the needed grace to overcome these infirmities, and so " provoke unto love and to good works?
It is a painful fact that Christians often cannot live together? Why is this? Is it not because they are not grounded and established in the truth we are considering? I am sure it is. Is it not frequently also a painful fact that Christians are not in fellowship together very long before these "little foxes which spoil the vines" appear and endanger the "little flock"?
And is there no remedy ? Yes, the remedy is twofold. I believe, before any real abiding soul-progress can be made, true "repentance toward God" as to our natural condition is absolutely essential. In other words, to abhor self as Job did (Job 42:5, 6). This can only be by getting a good view of ourselves as in God's holy presence,-by believing the truth as to our condition already referred to. Second, faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ sufficient to draw upon the grace needful for daily piety.
Our infirmities remind us of our natural condition, and consequently humble us, and thus serve the purpose of exalting Christ in us, as we must lean on Him or fail miserably.
Let us, beloved, turn away from occupation with the blemishes in others; and when tempted to be so engaged, let the remembrance of our own nature bring the blush of shame to our face, and the grace of Christ prostrate us before Him-the absolutely spotless One, in whom alone we "stand " or can alone hope to be "holden up."
"Let brotherly love continue." (Heb. 13:1:)
[NOTE.-It is to be remembered that the writer is referring, not to the wickedness of the flesh In the believer, but its weakness. All true fellowship is based upon righteousness-"in the light"-and righteousness cannot turn away from sin in a brother. The sin must be dealt with, in all gentleness and love, and wisdom, but it cannot be ignored.
What is most to be deplored is the lack of power to deal with evil. It is perhaps easy to speak of this, easier than to manifest that power. Where one is walking with God, he can and will rebuke sin and in so doing not offend, save the incorrigible, but commend himself to every man's conscience in the sight of God. It should be owned with sorrow that fellowship is a thing easily marred, and the writer notes the spirit of criticism as the cause. But we must remember too that neglect of evil only allows it to increase, and meddling with evil without power also spreads it. The only remedy is to be cast upon God, to be much alone with Him and thus have His mind. We shall then be able to act in faithfulness and to verify that sure word which says, "faithful are the wounds of a friend." Let it be seen that there is no selfishness, no party spirit, at the bottom of the rebuke or the discipline, but a true desire for God's honor, and His blessing will go with us. How many have had occasion to bless God for the faithful dealing of a fellow-Christian, or even of a whole assembly. But let us remember, we are to walk with God if we are to act for Him.-ed.]