Notes on the book of NumbersMackintosh, Charles Henry
Religion
Notes on the book of Numbers
Mackintosh, Charles Henry
Bible. Numbers -- Commentaries
Still, be it ever borne in mind, their work did vary; and, moreover,
each was called to work under Aaron. There was individual responsibility
with the most harmonious corporate action. We certainly desire, in every
possible way, to promote unity in action; but this must never be suffered
to trench upon the domain of personal service, or to interfere with the
direct reference of the individual workman to his Lord. The Church of God
affords a very extensive platform to the Lord’s workers. There is ample
space thereon for all sorts of laborers. We must not attempt to reduce
all to a dead level, or cramp the varied energies of Christ’s servants
by confining them to certain old ruts of our own formation. This will
never do. We must, all of us, diligently seek to combine the most cordial
unanimity with the greatest possible variety in action. Both will be
healthfully promoted by each and all remembering that we are called to
serve together under Christ.
Here lies the grand secret. _Together, under Christ!_ May we bear this
in mind. It will help us to recognize and appreciate another’s line of
work though it may differ from our own; and, on the other hand, it will
preserve us from an overweening sense of our own department of service,
inasmuch as we shall see that we are, one and all, but co-workers in
the one wide field, and that the great object before the Master’s heart
can only be attained by each worker pursuing his own special line, and
pursuing it in happy fellowship with all.
There is a pernicious tendency in some minds to depreciate every line
of work save their own. This must be carefully guarded against. If all
were to pursue the same line, where were that lovely variety which
characterizes the Lord’s work and workmen in the world? Nor is it merely
a question of the line of work, but actually of the peculiar style of
each workman. You may find two evangelists, each marked by an intense
desire for the salvation of souls, each preaching substantially the same
truth, and yet there may be the greatest possible variety in the mode in
which each one seeks to gain the self-same object. We should be prepared
for this; indeed we should fully expect it. And the same holds good in
reference to every other branch of Christian service. We should strongly
suspect the ground occupied by a Christian assembly if there were not
ample space allowed for every branch and style of Christian service—for
every line of work capable of being taken up in individual responsibility
to the great Head of the priestly house. We ought to do nothing which
we cannot do under Christ, and in fellowship with Him; and all that can
be done in fellowship with Christ can surely be done in fellowship with
those who are walking with Him.
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