Feathering Whose Nest?

2nd Thessalonians 3:6-14

The Reformer's Fire
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Exposition by Max A Forsythe

Question 74:
What is required in the eighth commandment?
Answer 70:
The eighth commandment requireth the lawful procuring and furthering the wealth and outward estate of ourselves and others.

One of the greatest mysteries of life to the liberal establishment is how there came to be a powerful, mighty and wealthy people on this continent without the help and oversight of their own "benign" guidance, management and direction! I was once shocked at the absolute gall of a liberal presbytery executive in the old denomination, who tried to explain to me how he and his kind actually knew what was best for the small town churches who should be closed, combined and reorganized. It was at that point that I knew there was no future for me in the denomination of my father and grandfather. Even in newer and better denominations that assert their devotion to Scripture and Confession, there are some few who would imitate the corporate management style of liberalism, episcopalianism and feudalism.

More and more, the corporate image and organization is becoming the rule for government, business, charities and even Christ's Church. At least for the church I see no warrant for some "bishops" to think more highly of themselves than they ought. Yes, there may be Doctors and Fathers in the church, but they must earn the respect of any to whom they would give advice and counsel even while they live a modest life worthy of their calling. In our passage from Paul, we are well aware that Christian pastors like the Levities ordinarily may live on an income generated by the Old or New Covenant Church. However, one astute observer within the last few years asserts that the era of full time pastoral calling may be coming to an end as the pulpits, schools and buildings of Christ's true Church are captured by the enemy and turned to wicked and evil purposes.

In our own city of Columbus, one downtown congregation has rented or even given office space to murderous thugs who have supported the ripping of unborn children from the wombs of their mothers. With so much wealth having been acquired by liberal, new age structures, there is precious little of the Lord's tithe left for churches that are true to the word and witness once given to the saints. Therefore, like Paul we are called to imitate the methods and means used in New Covenant congregations to build up the whole structure and design of godly churchmanship.

We are all to use our wealth, talents and natural gifts to build up the whole body of Christ as we are able. I am reminded of a saintly lady at my first church, who never had much in material wealth. However, in her retired years, she had time and enough to pray. And pray she did, almost constantly - for her children, grandchildren as well as the three congregations in the town. Another man in another town, was the school janitor, he and his wife had had fewer children than they wanted and in an age before hired counselors, he gave the best advice and work experience to those fatherless children who needed it most. Another elder in still another town visited the county jail every Lord's Day for over thirty days and another humble family ministered in a rest home for almost as long.

Looking further afield, the greater majority of the colleges and hospitals in this country were established and financed without one cent of tax monies. Year by year they were all endowed freely so that every student or patient could afford the services of the institution. Adam Smith and other capitalistic writers observed the kind charity of those who gave freely to people whose capacity to return any favors was practically impossible. How very different were the biblical principles of stewardship, tithing and giving from the corporate structures of our day and age.

Yes there are many charities, some even Christian by name, but practically all of them have become professionalized and incorporated so that the larger like minded organizations will fund their ministerial aspirations. One of the charities that we have supported in the past has followed this trend because, there are more monies to be found from the board room than in the congregations. Yes, you hear me recite this sad lament, but I do not think we will see a return to privatization in these matters any time soon!

My only hope is that we can keep the corporate wolves from the door of the church. You see, the new school of thought in church planting is to turn loose a corporate CEO and give him enough finances that he can ride roughshod over every small congregation in his path. He will have time of course only for ministers from like minded churches without much concern for members of his own flock, biblical doctrines or brethren within his own communion! But if real corporate success be found, there is certain to be an invitation to the White House, the Governor's mansion or an appropriate country club where other CEO's gather to celebrate their success. In the Gospels, Jesus might observe that in that company - such bishops have their rewards, unless they faithfully challenge the rich and the mighty to follow Christ's example passed on to the Apostles - to build up and encourage others who are doing the work of Jesus Christ.

The principle outlined in our catechism today is that, while the accumulation of wealth is not wicked - at the same time we are earning our own way, we are to encourage and appreciate the struggles of others who are also learning to earn their own way in the world. I have always appreciated the work of a large PCA congregation in Kentucky who faithfully advertised for several smaller congregations in the counties around. In a different reflection of our theme this morning I also remember hearing about the multiplication of wealth in the Mexican Presbyterian Churches. One man who had done very well with a doughnut franchise near a major airport, spent much of his time helping other Christians start their own businesses and advising them in the means of supporting themselves and their employees. More than once I have managed to match up a willing worker with an employer who wants and appreciates hard work and honest endeavor.

While much of our focus today has been on those who have been successful and their responsibilities, we might also encourage everyone who works for someone else to be a model worker - giving their labor as to the Lord and trusting Him for an increase or better job as time and providence allow. I once read of a legal immigrant who was signed up for welfare. With his first check he went out and bought a broom so that he could at least go out on the streets and and earn his money. The local news picked up on this strange character who wanted nothing more than to earn his own way in the world. Within a week he was able to choose from half a dozen employers.

Contrast that activity with the supposed "Will work for food" advertisement of a husband and wife at different intersections on the east side. When finally caught up with they had to admit that they really didn't want any work, but were quite satisfied with the hundreds of dollars given to them by well wishers wanting to believe that their advertisement was true!

In our ministry here at Christ Covenant, we have on several occasions taken people literally off the street. In every case our Deacons and families have insisted upon the discipline of hard work. In one of those situations, the family has found their way to an honest living and every once in a while is able to assist others less fortunate than themselves. This is the work of Christ and His Church to build up one another so that prosperity is increased and together the Lord's people have the means to multiply the means of grace in its many forms. May the Lord bless us all with a heart to work and the ability to give that heart to others in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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