November 21, 1999 Humble Messenger
The Path of Fanaticism W.R. Jones
In the world of nature there are laws and paths to be followed. Thus, we
read about the "path" of a hurricane. We also use the word path to describe the
beaten trail in the woods. In this sense "path" indicates a course which will
lead us to a given point. In this short article I will try to describe the "path of
fanaticism." In James chapter three, starting with verse thirteen, we read about two
kinds of wisdom. The wisdom that comes from "heaven" and the wisdom of this
"earth." In describing the "earthly wisdom" he writes, "But if
you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the
truth." (James 3:14) I believe this "bitter envy and self-seeking" is
describing what we commonly refer to as "fanaticism." Of course, one is not a
fanatic simply because someone calls him a fanatic. If that were the case then everyone
with an ounce of conviction and the courage to speak it would be nailed as a fanatic. Now,
let me try to describe the development of "fanaticism" step by step.
STEP ONE: A person starts out advocating a particular point of view. If it isn't the Truth
he shouldn't teach it in the first place, but for sake of illustration let us suppose his
view is the Truth. His intentions are good.
STEP TWO: As he teaches this view he runs into opposition. Because the opposing view has
been expressed, he now has a responsibility to give an answer. We now have a
"confrontation." Not only a confrontation of views, but a confrontation of two
people. If both parties are persistent in their arguments there is likely to be a heated
exchange. This is a dangerous point and this is where "fanaticism" can easily
take over.
STEP THREE: The position of Truth has now been well explained and the false view has been
fully exposed. Instead of allowing the Truth to stand on its own feet and sink into the
hearts of those who are listening, the battle intensifies and the spirit "personal
confrontation" begins to take over.
STEP FOUR: This advocate of Truth started out upholding it for the Lord, which was the
proper thing to do., But, in the intensified heat of "personal confrontation" he
is gradually being sidetracked from fighting for the Lord to fighting for himself. It is
now becoming a contest for "personal victory" over one who would oppose him . If
we fight the Lord's battle, we will do it by His rules. If we start fighting the battle
for self, in our "passionate determination" for victory, we are likely to fight
by rules and that will not be to the glory of God, you may be sure. STEP FIVE: With a
burning desire for "personal victory" over the opponent this teacher now becomes
so "obsessed" with his arguments that he hardly remembers there is anything else
in the New Testament. Even though his view is the Truth he has been sidetracked to such
"bitterness" that few will see what he is really advocating. He is just singing
"one note" and he no longer sings it very well. He has become a fanatic, He is
filled with "bitter envy and self-seeking." He still considers himself a
crusader for Truth, but he is not; he has become a crusader for himself. This spells
destruction! Two great enemies always stand before us. "Liberalism," which will
lead us into apostasy and "fanaticism" which destroys from within. James says,
"For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing will be
there." (3:16) Contending for the Truth is "noble." Contentiousness is not!
WHAT CAN WE DO TO OVERCOME THE PROBLEM?
1. Let us remember we are fighting for the Lord and our battle must be by His
rules and not according to the foolishness of this world. Use that "wisdom" that
comes from above.
2. Let us remember that we cannot make anyone accept what he doesn't want to accept.
To do so is an exercise in failure. We must present the Truth plainly and firmly. Leave no
stone unturned in exposing false doctrine. When we have persistently done this it is
between those who hear and God. But, let us be sure we don't get sidetracked while doing
our work.
3. Resist being pulled unto a group which has the "party spirit." When people
are caught up in the "party spirit" they are likely to quit thinking for
themselves. If the part is disposed toward "fanaticism" one is likely to go
along with it. It is easy to get into a "party," but it is not always that easy
to get out.
4. When brethren decide to put Christ, His church and His Word above
everything else, most problems vanish like the "mist before the kind of day."
Try it, you'll see.
***
News of Interest
Gary Tuttle had a heart catheterization last Tuesday at Herman hospital. No
blockage was found and he was able to return home on Wednesday. . . Matthew
Hodges' myelogram last week showed he has deteriorated disks in his back along with
severe curvature of the spine . . . REPORTS: Wayne Chamberlain's; Vincente Ramirez;
James Wilson . . . ELDERS: We will have a special assembly this morning in order to
recognize the men the congregation has selected to serve as elders. Doug Bernard
has chosen to withdraw his name for the present time. Doug is a good and godly man,
dedicated to the kingdom of God. Pray for him and encourage him that he may continue to
desire to serve in this noble work when the time is fitting. Boyd Hurst, Gregg Hutson,
and Larry Legg will be given time to address the congregation. This will be in lieu of
the period usually allotted to the sermon. Pray for these good men as they undertake this
new and solemn responsibility. And pray for all the elders that they may work in harmony
and peace to further the will of God and make the church here a "pillar and ground of
the truth" as God desires. . . WEDNESDAY AM CLASS: There will be no Wednesday morning
class this week. Class will resume next week, Dec. 1, the Lord willing . . . DATES FOR
WINTER MEETING: We are attempting to reschedule the winter meeting with Joe Fitch.
Of the following dates, please make known your preferences to the elders: Jan 9-14; Feb
13-18; Feb 20-25 . . . GOSPEL MEETINGS: Nov. 21-24, Norhill, R. J. Stevens.
Special times today: 2:00-2:45 p.m., Singing; 3:00-4:00 pm, evening worship . . . The door
out of the side of the auditorium was found partly open. Please check it if you use it to
exit the building.
***
Schedule
Sun. 9:30 a.m..- Bible Classes (Age two - Adult)
Sun. 10:30 a.m. - Worship
Sun. 5:00 p.m. - Worship
Wed. 10:00 a.m. - No class this week. Next class Dec. 1
Wed. 7:30 p.m. - Bible Classes (Age two - Adult)
***
Transportation for Zelma Bobbitt
-- November --
Sun., 21, am - xxxxxx pm - Doug Bernard
Wed., 24, pm - Rocky Rodriguez
Sun., 28, am - xxxxxx pm - Robert Rice
-- December --
Wed., 1, pm - Jim Crain
Sun., 5, am - xxxxx pm -
Wed., 8, pm -
Sun., 12, am - xxxxx pm - Hurst Wed.,15, p -
Sun., 19, am - xxxxx pm -
Wed., 22, pm -
Sun., 26., am - xxxxx pm -
Wed., 29, pm - Rocky Rodriguez
***
SCHEDULED TO SERVE
Wednesday, Nov. 24
Song Leader: Boyd Hurst
Sunday AM, Nov. 28
Announcements: Tod Aldridge
Song Leader:
First Prayer: David Osteen
Lord's Table:
Bread: Ennis Osteen
Fruit of the Vine: Rocky Rodriguez
Contribution: Charles Tu
Assistant: Mark Schindler
Closing Prayer: Verlan Wilson
Sunday PM, Nov. 28
Song Leader: Craig Ottersbach
First Prayer: John Whitehead
Lord's Table:
Bread: Michael Gove
Fruit of the Vine: Tod Aldridge
Contribution: Mark LaBurt
Closing Prayer: Mark Ary