...The first World War was essentially a war between Germany and France, with other nations coming to the defense of France for fear of the aggressive ambitions of Germany. When Germany was finally pushed back behind its own borders, France determined to set up a line of defense to prevent such an invasion from ever happening again. The result was the Maginot Line, a formidable line of fortification along the border between France and Germany.
One young French army officer, Charles de Gaulle, tried to warn his superiors in the army and in the government that this would not be enough. He told them that they were preparing for the last war and that, when the enemy came the next time, he would not come in the way they were expecting. He wrote of how a modern army would have to be highly mobile, ready to face an aggressor at any time, any place. His superiors thought him a troublesome young fool, considering themselves to be dwelling in safety behind the Maginot Line. But in 1939 the German Panzer divisions came sweeping through Holland and Belgium, completely bypassing the Maginot Line, and swiftly made themselves the masters of France.
Are the Conference decisions in some measure our Maginot Line? They are a record of how the church has faced and overcome challenges to the faith in the past. Have we perhaps become complacent, believing that we are dwelling in safety behind the protection of these decisions? But the enemy is attacking today in ways that were hardly dreamed of in the past. Can we protect our beloved church from these attacks by continually erecting new fortifications?
There is no room for complacency in this battle. There is no security to be found solely in a scrupulous obedience to the Conference decisions of the past, even though we believe those decisions to have the blessing of the Holy Spirit. Much more is needed to be victorious in this battle. Self-denial, cross-bearing, and a vibrant, living faith are required in the heart of every person who calls himself or herself a believer.
Remedy for Empty Religion
Adult & Youth Sunday School Lessons
Volume 47 . No. 2
Seems like the common reason for empty religion is 'phariseeism'. We fit the mould and we are happy. The shallow generation of youth is almost free of hardships or persecution... this is really not conducive to vibrant, committed Christian life. How do we break the mould without losing vision of the Faith... how do we take our religion off our sleeves and wear it in our hearts? The challenge: to introduce our children to a spiritual, God-led Christian life.... not a life of form.
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