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THE
NEW LIFE by
John Marshall
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Chapter
19 • THE PROBLEMS
OF LIFE
THE new life is a wonderful life: it is one of majestic vision;
of mighty purposes, and of unsurpassed worth. There are times
when we see these things of the spirit so clearly and in such
beauty that we are uplifted by them and can sympathize with
the feelings of the Apostle Paul who wrote of a time when
"he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable
words which it is not lawful for a man to utter". But
these moments of exaltation are all too rare.
There are other times when we become depressed and dispirited
and all the spiritual warmth goes out of our lives and we
wonder what has gone wrong, and why we have lost our zest
and enthusiasm for the things of God. But if the Apostle Paul
had his moments of exaltation, like us he had his periods
of depression when he could write: "We are troubled on
every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, yet not
in despair; cast down but not destroyed." This is the
rhythm and the anguish of the spiritual life; the struggle
against the tug of evil, when we would do good.
Few of us will lay down our heads in our last dreamless sleep
(if Jesus has not returned) without having been faced with
difficulties of one kind or another.
Problems will differ in their nature according to one's character
and temperament. What seems to be an insurmountable problem
to one, may be of little consequence to another. Because of
this, when we are asked to help another who is in difficulty,
it is dangerous to assume that his attitude to the problem
will be the same as ours. Therefore, we must strive to be
clear about the strength of his feelings about it. Thus sympathetic
discussion of the issues involved may prove of immense help
to both parties.
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References
2 Cor 12v4, 2 Cor 4v8
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Chapter
19 • THE PROBLEMS
OF LIFE
What
are the Problems?
Problems beset brethren and sisters of all ages. In the modern "permissive"
society it is all too easy for a young brother or sister to get
into serious trouble, as was pointed out in an earlier chapter.
The crisis arises when the young one realizes the enormity of the
sin in the sight of the Father; and unless some one is available
to ease the burden, the sense of guilt may be so strong as to cause
him to commit spiritual suicide by turning away from the Truth.
In the case of older brethren and sisters one would think that years
of experience in the Faith would be a safeguard against serious
difficulties arising: but the spiritual life is not like that. We
need to be constant in prayer, consistent in practical fellowship,
regular in Bible study and unfailing in attendance at the memorial
feast. Then, at least, we may be able to cope with the troubles
that will still come.
A distressing problem that may almost overwhelm one for a time is
not so much a complete loss of one's first love, but a serious weakening
of that love because of a staleness which may infect one's spiritual
life. This can happen to an ecclesia too, which, with "a little
folding of the hands", can placidly settle back to receiving
the Father's spiritual gifts and doing little or nothing in return.
What is particularly dispiriting in such a situation is that one
may reach the stage when very few meetings satisfy. Exhortations,
though clearly expounded, may not meet one's personal needs. Sunday
evening "lectures" though well presented for the visitors
(who unfortunately are so rarely present) have little appeal for
the saint who cries out for spiritual sustenance; and Bible class
talks, whilst they may inform and instruct, do not arouse an active
spiritual response. In such a situation one can despair of finding
a renewal of love for the faith.
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References
Prov 6v10, 24, 33
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