Fire Escape

If you were sleeping one night and a fire happened to break out in your house and you wake up, the only thing on your mind is to escape for your life out of the burning building. If there are loved ones in the house, your instincts will be to alert the others and possibly assist the weaker persons to get out “but everyone has one thought in their minds ” to escape for their lives. There is little thought of the material possessions that will be lost, only thoughts of survival. All the immediate energies are focused on obeying the fire escape rules that they have been taught in order to escape the fire. There is no laughter; no time to waste in socializing; only serious thoughts of urgency.

For many Christians their spirituality is similar to this – it is “Fire escape Religion.” They act in a specific manner only because they are afraid of the fire at the end of the road. They serve the Lord fearfully because they tremble at the thought of being cast into the lake of fire. Their whole religious experience focuses on the rules necessary in order to escape the fire. There is no thought about Jesus or making Him their best Friend. They want to do as little as possible to escape hell fire. There is no delight in their Christian experience. They are often long-faced and miserable. They have a totally false view of true Christianity.

Although fear has its proper place in the religious experience, (“And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.” Jude 23) we need to move on from there because fear is not from God. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Tim. 1:7

“I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4 When we realize that we are in this condition, we can come to the Lord and He will deliver us from these fears. How does He deliver us?

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” I John 4:18. He delivers by love.

Christians who are only serving the Lord, or who are baptised with only the motive of escaping the fire are the ones often heard complaining that the religious standards in the church are too restrictive. We live in an extremely permissive age with an emphasis in the world for everyone to do as they please. There is an unreasonably selfish attitude. There is little thought or concern about others. This attitude has made inroads into religion. Christians are looking for churches that will not interfere with their personal rights and freedoms. They balk at any doctrine within churches that require them to “give up” something.

Many times in the past when we’ve conducted Bible Studies with persons, they have had no difficulty accepting the doctrinal studies, such as Daniel 2 and 7, Christ’s Second Coming and the state of the dead. However, when it comes to personal religion their attitude changes. They do not want to give up anything. I remember one case where a young lady was exactly like this. She happily accepted every point of truth, but, like the rich young ruler, there was one thing she lacked. Her lack was in the area of Dress Reform. She was a beautiful young lady and in the hot summer sun days she decided she wanted to wear short shorts and halter tops. She could not understand why God would not be pleased with this when the weather was hot. She did not think that she needed to cover her body in the hot summer sun. Sadly ? not long after this she completely left the faith. She fell into Satan?s trap that many others have, who “received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” 2 Thess. 2:10-12. Yes, she did not believe all the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Is there danger of this happening to baptised members in God’s church? Yes there most certainly is. There have been those in the church who complained about this ?rule? or that. They have claimed that the people who are very careful to obey the word of the Lord are fanatics. They are extreme in their adherence to the “rules.” There is danger that a liberal spirit can infiltrate into the church causing church members to turn more and more critical of the high spiritual standards upheld by the church. Some have become embarrassed at the wide gap between the church and the world, and shy away from the idea of being a ?peculiar? people. They argue that the church is being narrow and legalistic and that many fine people are being discouraged from joining the church by this arbitrary imposition of certain “rules.”

If their complaints are valid then something needs to be done about the “rules.” Changes need to be made in the doctrine of the church.

In days of Jesus, the Pharisees had created many rules from tradition. They had hundreds of rules on the proper way to keep Sabbath. They became very perturbed when Jesus “broke” their rules of tradition. He, however, demonstrated the true spirit of the law. This angered them and they became critical of all His words and actions. They had fire escape religion. Their complete focus was on the rules and not on Jesus.

If the church rules indeed are valid then we need to know how we can present them in a manner that will encourage others to see them in the light of the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy. What needs to be determined is whether these “rules” are made by God or by the church. Are they arbitrary prohibitions or are they God?s loving regulations for our own happiness?

The Apostle Paul wrote the book of 1 Corinthians to admonish the believers for their departure from the Lord. They became very self-righteous in many areas. Perhaps they were seeking to close the gap between the church and the world and also seeking for worldly honour. Therefore Paul told them that, “we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.” He went on to contrast his own humility with their pride and haughtiness. “We are fools for Christ’s sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised. Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace; And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: Being defamed, we entreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day. I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.” I Corinthians 4:9-14. From these verses we see what type of life the true Christian can expect. There is a difference between the world and the true followers of Christ. Those with fire escape religion balk at any differences. They seek to conform to the world as much as is possible without jeopardising their reputation or membership in the church.

IT’S NOT AN EASY ROAD

The reality is that the path to eternal life is not a soft and flowery path. It is so clear in the Bible that we would have to be blind to miss it and yet the Pharisees were blind to it. Jesus called them, “blind leaders of the blind.” Matthew 15:14.

“We must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” Acts 14:22. “Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.” Luke 13:24 “And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” Luke 9:23

Though self denial is often talked about in religious circles, it often is not taken very seriously. The next time you are out at the store buying something, stop and ask yourself, ?Would Jesus purchase this item?” or “Do I really need this” Or is it just something I want? Can I do without it and give the money to the Lord instead?” Those who are experiencing Fire Escape Religion never let these kinds of thoughts cross their minds. As long as they pay their tithes and a meagre offering, they feel the rest of their money is to be used at their discretion and if they have an excess, it is to be used to gratify their own selves. Little thought is given to the new mission fields opening up in Northern Africa and other areas of the world, that need our financial assistances. “Some think that only a portion of their means is the Lord’s. When they have set apart a portion for religious and charitable purposes, they regard the remainder as their own, to be used as they see fit. But in this they mistake. All we possess is the Lord’s, and we are accountable to Him for the use we make of it. In the use of every penny, it will be seen whether we love God supremely and our neighbour as ourselves? He who realizes that his money is a talent from God will use it economically, and will feel it a duty to save that he may give.” COL 351.

THE JOY OF THE LORD

Yet is being a true Christian a sad and sorrowful experience? “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.” 2 Cor. 4:8,9 “The joy of the LORD is your strength.” Neh. 8:10. “Count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations.” James 1:2.

To the true seeker of God, no sacrifice is too great to make for the Lord. “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18. “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” 2 Cor 4:17.

Jesus illustrated this joyful sacrifice in several parables. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.” Matthew 13:45,46. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.” Matthew 13:44. The promised reward is of more value than anything this world has to offer. Fire escape religionists do not see it this way. They moan and groan at any sacrifice they are required to make as though the road to salvation was some kind of initiation process of self-denial for no apparent good purpose.

Then there was the widow who cast her last two mites into the Lord’s treasury. “And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury. And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all.” Luke 21:1-3 Are you like one of the rich men? Or the widow? Do you think she died of starvation after this? Or did the Lord take care of her in a miraculous manner? Do we love our money more than we love God? Many put their money before God without realizing it. The final 90% that is yours after tithes is not meant to be used for selfish purposes alone. The position of Christ was so strong on the point of putting anything else between Him and ourselves that He went on to say, “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me.? Matthew 10:37. “Whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:33

Although there are “rules” and commandments involved in the Christian life it is important to search for the kindliest, most tactful and loving way to present the claims of the Christian life to men and women. “The wonderful love of Christ will melt and subdue hearts, when the mere reiteration of doctrines would accomplish nothing.” DA 827. “Tact and good judgment increase the usefulness of the labourer a hundredfold. If he will speak the right words at the right time, and show the right spirit, this will exert a melting power on the heart of the one he is trying to help.” Ev 638. “It requires much forethought and wisdom from God to labour successfully for the salvation of sinners. If the soul of the labourer is filled with the grace of God, his teaching will not irritate his hearers, but melt its way to their hearts and open them for the reception of the truth.” 4T 263

Even if the message is brought in the correct manner, it will make little difference to individuals who have no love for the Lord Jesus. The fault then does not lie in the message. Although some fault may lie with the preachers and their method of presentation, a great degree of fault also lies with the complaining Christian who feels rebellious against the truth because it requires a degree of self-denial (the fire escape Christians).

A LESSON FROM MARRIAGE

Marriage is often used as an illustration to compare the love of Christ for His church (The bridegroom and the bride). In the parable of the Ten Virgins, the virgins were waiting for the bridegroom to come and usher them into the marriage feast. In heaven there will also be a marriage supper of the Lamb. However, if you think of it, marriage is one of the most restrictive experiences that any human being can enter into and it is entered into voluntarily. The man promises to surrender all his former attachments and practices as well as to financially support his wife. The bride also gives up the right to date any of her former male companions and has apparently more restrictions on her life, such as cooking and cleaning for her husband and family. Yet you never see a bride and groom complaining of the “rules” of marriage that are imposed upon them. Rather their wedding day is often the happiest day of their lives.

The most miserable people on earth are those who are married and no longer love each other. It is literally hell on earth. They complain about the restrictions imposed upon them. In a similar fashion, the most miserable Christians are those who are married to Christ through baptism, and yet do not love Him. They are often bitterly blaming the church for imposing upon them a narrow, restrictive religion. The leaders and ministers are often the focus of their blame, however they are not at fault. These people have much head knowledge but are lacking heart knowledge. They may be familiar enough with all the Bible texts to intelligently argue for the doctrines of the faith. They may know all the last day events in explicit detail, but they may have no personal connection with Jesus. Somewhere along the line they missed the true goal of Christianity. It is not a set of rules or a list of doctrines, but a deeply personal involvement in a love affair with Jesus Christ.

The happiest people on earth should be Christians. They should be happier than newlyweds on their wedding day.

The real reason why some Christians chafe and complain about the rules and the strictness is that they have only enough religion to make them miserable. Their entire Christian experience is based on a struggle to live up to the rules – to keep the law. While there is nothing wrong with obeying the commandments of God, if the demands of the law are the only reason for obeying it, then something is seriously wrong with the Christian. They have a fire escape religion, they are lacking in love. Love lifts the legal load and makes delightful what appears to be a burden and strain.

TRUE LOVE

“From a worldly point of view, money is power; but from the Christian standpoint, love is power.” 4T 138

“True love is not a strong, fiery, impetuous passion. On the contrary, it is calm and deep in its nature. It looks beyond mere externals and is attracted by qualities alone. It is wise and discriminating, and its devotion is real and abiding?”

“Love is power. Intellectual and moral strength are involved in this principle, and cannot be separated from it. The power of wealth has a tendency to corrupt and destroy; the power of force is strong to do hurt; but the excellence and value of pure love consist in its efficiency to do good, and to do nothing else than good. Whatsoever is done out of pure love, be it ever so little or contemptible in the sight of men, is wholly fruitful; for God regards more with how much love one worketh than the amount he doeth. Love is of God. The unconverted heart cannot originate nor produce this plant of heavenly growth, which lives and flourishes only where Christ reigns.

“Love cannot live without action, and every act increases, strengthens, and extends it. Love will gain the victory when argument and authority are powerless. Love works not for profit nor reward; yet God has ordained that great gain shall be the certain result of every labour of love. It is diffusive in its nature and quiet in its operation, yet strong and mighty in its purpose to overcome great evils. It is melting and transforming in its influence, and will take hold of the lives of the sinful and affect their hearts when every other means has proved unsuccessful. Wherever the power of intellect, of authority, or of force is employed, and love is not manifestly present, the affections and will of those whom we seek to reach assume a defensive, repelling position, and their strength of resistance is increased. Jesus was the Prince of Peace. He came into the world to bring resistance and authority into subjection to Himself. Wisdom and strength He could command, but the means He employed with which to overcome evil were the wisdom and strength of love”

“Pure love is simple in its operations, and is distinct from any other principle of action. The love of influence and the desire for the esteem of others may produce a well-ordered life and frequently a blameless conversation. Self-respect may lead us to avoid the appearance of evil. A selfish heart may perform generous actions, acknowledge the present truth, and express humility and affection in an outward manner, yet the motives may be deceptive and impure; the actions that flow from such a heart may be destitute of the savour of life and the fruits of true holiness, being destitute of the principles of pure love. Love should be cherished and cultivated, for its influence is divine.” 2T 134-6

TRUE CHRISTIANITY

True Christianity is not composed of just do’s and don’t’s. There are restrictions, yes, just as there is in a physical marriage, but these restrictions are imposed by love, which seeks always, and ever to please the object of the affections. Those Christians who are in love with Christ are filled with joy and happiness, while the “fire escape” Christians are miserably enduring their Christian experience. They are bitter and complaining about not being able to eat what they want to eat or dress as they choose to dress. They blame the church for their being forced to “give up” so many things. Their joyless attitude seems to assume that their religion is the product of the church committee that is bent on including all possible prohibitions that could make men, women and youth unhappy.

Is this really true? If a person would carefully study the church doctrine and standards they would see that all the ?rules? they are complaining about are – in reality ? God?s appointed way for our happiness. Those who love the Lord will ever be studying for ways in which they can please the Lord. Fire escape Christians are seeking the opposite ” seeking for ways in which the Lord can please them and make their lives enjoyable; expecting the Lord to sanction portions of their unconverted lifestyle ” overlooking and turning a blind eye to things they consider of minor importance.

The true Christian will be studying his Bible to find directions from God. They will always be asking themselves, “What does God think of what I?m doing”? It does not matter so much what the church leader thinks, but the all-important question is: “Is it pleasing to the Lord”? We love Him too much to risk displeasing Him. Our delight would be to find in the Bible and put into practice those things which please the One we love and eliminate those things that displease Him. No longer will we be spending our energy seeking ways for God to please us, but for ways that we can please God. There will not need to be any threatening or ultimatums. God is searching for those who will be sensitive to the slightest indication of His will. He is not pleased by those who must be constantly prodded into line by fear of punishment. There is no love in this.

“I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.” Psalm 32:8, 9 Many Christians are like these animals – led by a bit and bridle. They respond only to threats and obey because of fear of punishment.

What convicted Peter of his sin of denying Christ? Did Jesus come and point His finger in Peter’s face and berate him with an angry voice for his lack of courage to stand for what is right; for his blatant out-right lies, swearing and cursing?

?While the degrading oaths were fresh upon Peter’s lips, and the shrill crowing of the cock was still ringing in his ears, the Saviour turned from the frowning judges, and looked full upon His poor disciple. At the same time Peter’s eyes were drawn to his Master. In that gentle countenance he read deep pity and sorrow, but there was no anger there.

“The sight of that pale, suffering face, those quivering lips, that look of compassion and forgiveness, pierced his heart like an arrow. Conscience was aroused. Memory was active. Peter called to mind his promise of a few short hours before that he would go with his Lord to prison and to death. He remembered his grief when the Saviour told him in the upper chamber that he would deny his Lord thrice that same night. Peter had just declared that he knew not Jesus, but he now realized with bitter grief how well his Lord knew him, and how accurately He had read his heart, the falseness of which was unknown even to himself.” DA 712/3

Jesus wants the same from us. We need to be so connected with Jesus that we will be corrected only by a look from Jesus. Only those who love Him supremely and are searching the Bible diligently for guidance are the ones who will be watching for indications of His pleasure and will recognize the loving glance of correction. They will be searching their Bibles for one purpose ” to find out what pleases Jesus. They will then immediately obey the slightest revelation of His will. This is the true essence of Christianity “ordering every level of life in harmony with His revealed will, because of love.

So why are you serving God; to escape fire or because you love the Lord? Why do we love the Lord? What has He done for you? A common sentiment in the world is that we do not owe anyone anything. When people go through difficulties I have heard the complaint ? “God hasn’t done anything for me, why should I do anything for Him.? Or, “I am my own person ? I can do as I please.? But is this true? What is it that we owe God? We only need to stop and count our blessings to see the love of God towards us. We are not hungry, poor, sick or destitute. We have peace in a troubled world; we have happiness and joy. We also have the promise of everlasting life ? eternity to spend with the One who we have learned to love on this earth.

David writes, “O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.” Psalm 34:8

To love God “with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” Matthew 22:37

It is a risk worth taking? Don’t hold anything in your heart back.

Don’t be a fire escape Christian. The rules alone will not bring you happiness and salvation. True happiness is found in maintaining a loving relationship with Jesus and doing happily those things which please Him because we love Him.

Wendy Eaton, Australia