Editorial:

We present this month for the careful consideration of our readers some very important matters of a very practical nature, having to do with manifestations of Fellowship and Unity as seen in the gathered together people of God in a locality. While we have delighted in the fact that in Christ there is a one-ness which requires nothing on our part for its attainment, we must have realized that the Lord looks for conduct on earth which will correspond to the place we have in His eternal purpose for us. We are heavenly men still on the earth, with earthly responsibilities to a heavenly Lord, and those earthly things have to be judged by us as those who are very conscious of being partakers with the Lord. It is not sufficient to know that we are in that unity which is known as the Church the Body, and an esteemed contributor from New Zealand shows clearly this month that in any locality the gathered people of God are seen in a church of God in which there are human responsibilities, one of which is to maintain the manifestation of unity as seen between churches of God spread world-wide.

Another esteemed contributor abjy deals with human responsibility in planting and building, a responsibility lying not only upon those who plant or build, but also upon those who are planted or built in. The local church is that which manifests upon earth the character of the Lord Jesus Christ who is the Builder for eternity. There needs to be conduct fitting the lofty place of service which is given to believers gathered together for testimony in a church of God.

Very aptly, our beloved friend who has been presenting us with studies in Ephesians also deals this month with the matter of conduct. As heavenly men we are children of the light, and must not walk in darkness nor be found associated with the things which are of the world and the Devil. Alas! without great care on the part of all it will be found only too true that in many things we all stumble, and we therefore stress the need that exists for conduct well-pleasing to the Lord. We all know what we ought to do, but the Adversary finds many specious arguments to deflect us from doing right. If we remember that Fellowship and Unity are firstly with the Father and Son it will help us to consider our' testimony on earth, individually and collectively.

Finally, this month we take the opportunity of publishing some excellent advice to young people on Christlikeness. To be in a church of God is good for young people, for there they can serve the Lord that loved them, but the manifestation of Christ by the life of the believer is an integral part of the testimony on earth. Asa had a perfect heart and sought to instruct the people as to the will of God, but his life and acts showed that God was with him, and so there fell to him in abundance out of Israel. An uncomely, un-Christlike life will repel those who otherwise might have loved the Word of God and the place of His testimony. A.T.D.

unknown | Aug 1950
Editorial: