Thoughts on Christian Living Book #2 by Dr. W. A. Dillard - HTML preview

BIG “I’s” AND LITTLE “YOU’s”

“But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of

the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:25-28.

Maneuvering for position and power is not unique to Gentiles, rather it is inherent in all men as a result of their sinful nature. In the text above, two disciples sought advantage over their brethren, and thought to be successful by hiding behind their sweet mother whom they felt Jesus would surely not deny. They were stricken with the “Big I, and Little You” syndrome. It has not ended, but will continue as long as there are sinners. This, as most things that are commonly understood, needs little proof or support arguments.

However, it is sad when the carnal mindset permeates the Lord’s churches. Today, there are superstructures of churches in the form of some associations and conventions built on this ancient disorder. Churches that are larger in number, and/or financial strength are considered more important, and given greater credibility and decision making power than smaller ones without regard as to how well they fit the New Testament pattern. It is the old “Big I, and Little You” syndrome. Moreover the pattern of that mindset plays to the social and numerical model rather than to the spiritual one. But, large churches often cave to pressures regarding baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Then they often lose the power of discipline. When that is gone, the removal of the candlestick is not far behind, Rev. 2:5.

The example of Jesus should teach us much. During His personal ministry, His concern was centered on the twelve. After His ascension, and on the day of Pentecost, there were 120 gathered together. Not a large church by most any criteria. It may have swollen to over 50,000 in the next few months, but it was a purposeful enlargement to facilitate scattering around the Mediterranean world and beyond in fulfillment of the Great Commission, Matthew 28:18-20.

Jesus knew well the carnality that would infect people in His churches. Perhaps that is why large churches are not mentioned or encouraged as such in the New Testament, but several mentions are made of smaller ones. Jesus said, “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32. Paul addressed an epistle to Philemon and “the church in thy house.” Philemon 1:2. The prospects of large church survival of the theological pressures of the age seem to dim in view of the statement of Jesus, “. . . Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? Luke 18:8.

Still, regardless of its number or financial power, a church of the Lord

43