State of the Church: The Celtic Revival (14)
O you are enemies of God and not priests, veterans in evil and not bishops, traitors and not successors to the holy apostles or ministers of Christ; you have heard the sound of the words in the second reading from the apostle Paul, but you have in no way retained their warnings or virtue…You desire a bishopric greatly, because of your avarice and not on the pretext of spiritual advancement it offers, and you do not at all regard good work as suitable to it.
– Gildas, The Ruin of Britain
Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things.
– Philippians 3.17-19
In every generation
The conditions Gildas exposed and denounced among the pastors of Britain in his day were nothing new. Paul contended with false teachers, self-serving shepherds, and assorted theological ne’er-do-wells in his own day. Wherever the Gospel goes and the Kingdom takes root, the rot of avarice, pride, jealousy, and a host of other traitorous notions will soon enough appear.
And when they do, faithful believers in all callings must recognize and expose deeds of darkness in all forms and warn the people of God against them, just as Paul and Gildas did (Eph. 5.11).
We must not wait around for someone else to step up and shine the light of truth into the darkness of self-centeredness and evil. God has made us all to be watchers on the wall of His holy temple, the Church. We must be alert to any wickedness that comes our way, ready to resist it with all the weapons of our warfare, and careful to protect those in our charge against misguided teaching and affections.
What to do?
So, what should we take away from Gildas’ grim report? Much, indeed. First, we must keep a close watch on ourselves. Are we faithful in hearing and obeying the Word of God? Are we guarding our heart against evil affections? Making sure that all our words are true and edifying? Is the path before us the one that Jesus walked (Prov. 4.20-27; 1 Jn. 2.1-6)? If pastors and bishops are susceptible to disloyalty, why should we think ourselves invulnerable?
Second, we must make it our business, as often as we can, to stimulate and encourage our fellow believers to love and good works (Heb. 10.24). The Holy Spirit—the Encourager—can use our faithful and sincere works of encouraging one another in powerful and transforming ways. We all stumble. We all neglect our disciplines and callings. We all become weary. Thus, we all need encouragement; but we must not wait around for others to reach out to us. Make it a point to encourage others day by day as a primary effort in your Personal Mission Field.
Then, pray for your pastor and for pastors in general. Paul sought the prayers of the Ephesians because he understood the nature of spiritual warfare and his need for prayer support (Eph. 6.18, 19). Pastors are not immune from the temptations you and I face. Pray that God will give them strong souls, a clear vision of Jesus, and mercy and grace sufficient for all their times of need. Follow-up your prayers with encouragement as often as you can.
Devote yourself to serving Jesus in everything you do. All day long He presents us with opportunities to show His love, share His grace, and bear witness to His truth. The more faithful we are in even the smallest or briefest of these opportunities, the more we will grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord and will spread His grace to others (2 Cor. 4.15).
And don’t be afraid to step up and raise a question or two when it seems things or people are beginning to stray. Jesus instructs us to judge with righteous judgment whatever we see to be in need of correction (Jn. 7.24). When we do, we must be quick to listen and slow to speak or to become angry; and we must make sure that all our words are spoken in love and unto edification (Jms. 1.19; Eph. 4.29).
The ruin of church and nation that Gildas observed can happen right before our eyes. But we are the salt of the earth, and salt’s duty is to preserve all that is good against rot and decay. Look to Jesus and take your stand in Him.
For Reflection
1. How do you pray for your pastor(s)? When?
2. Whom will you encourage today in seeking the Kingdom and righteousness of God?
Psalm 119.12
Passion Chorale: O Sacred Head, Now Wounded
Be blessed, O God our Savior. Teach us Your holy Word!
Our lips proclaim with favor the statutes of the LORD.
How great our joy, dear Jesus, to follow in Your ways;
What more than this could please us, or brighten all our days?
T. M. Moore
If you have found this meditation helpful, take a moment to give thanks to God. Then share what you learned with a friend. This is how the grace of God spreads (2 Cor. 4.15).
Other columns of interest: This week: In our ReVision series on “The Church” we consider the work of God’s people in ministries of grace. Our Read Moore podcast is working through our book, The Kingdom Turn. The focus of our Scriptorium daily study is on “Matthew: The Coming of the Kingdom.” Click here to see all the other columns and writers available to you.
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Except as indicated, all Scriptures are taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing are from The Ailbe Psalter.
