The Realism of Christ

Some critics say that these principles will not work, that in practice they break down, and that even partly applied they lead to failure. It is certainly true that a fully Christian nation could not survive for long in the jungle of human life unless God gave it constant protection. But Christ never envisaged his disciples as statesmen and rulers in a godless world. His statement regarding the strong man armed showed that he recognized all the facts (Luke 11:21). He knew that the law of the jungle would prevail in the Gentile world. He told his disciples that they would be persecuted and possibly even killed. They were to avoid such evils if they could; and endure them faithfully if there was no legitimate way of escape (Matthew 10:16-18, 23, 28). His instruction "when they persecute you in one city flee to another", is a sufficient indication that he was not contemplating a nation. He was clearly thinking of a despised and feeble community such as his followers have always been.

But while it is clear that this complete application of the law of love is intended as a discipline in preparation for a change of nature, it is a mistake to suppose that it would always be an unworkable ideal in private life. There have been times when those who approached nearest to the ideal have been persecuted and slain, but there have been times when such disciples have been respected, admired and even loved by men who have made no profession of Christian principles. Even a boy at school does not encounter such difficulty as might be expected, if he applies the law with any degree of thoroughness. One whose gentleness is born of timidity and cowardice will certainly be despised, but one who is brave and self-sacrificing will not be regarded as contemptible merely because he does not try to injure any one, or seek revenge for injuries received. In the contacts of the world those who try to apply Christian principles of conduct are not hated for their works of love. If they confined their ministrations to the ordinary affairs of mortal life, they might be popular. If, however, they rejoice in all the truth that has been revealed to them, and extend their kindness beyond the bounds of mortality-if, in short, they try to teach the ways of God, antagonism is soon aroused. Then it is that persecution of many different kinds may arise to put love to the test. The trials may take the most extreme form in those persecutions which have made Christians flee from their homes or suffer martyrdom; or they may be in the little vexations of everyday life, with long drawn out tests of patience and forbearance.

We are not given much information as to the life of the Lord Jesus in the first thirty years of his mortal pilgrimage, but it is clear that where he was known his righteousness was recognized. John the Baptist did not know that Jesus was the Messiah until the manifestation of Spirit power at baptism, but John knew that he was an exceptionally righteous man. "I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?" John said (Matthew 3:14). When Jesus went forth on his mission of teaching and healing he was welcomed by the "common people", who heard him gladly (Mark 12:37). It was his proclamation of unpalatable truths which aroused the bitter antagonism of power and authority. So has it been with his disciples. As men of widely differing character have been attracted by Christ there have been many different kinds and degrees of failure. It is sad when those who seem exceptionally well able to cultivate Christian virtues, fail in their duty by suppressing vital truths. It is still more tragic when men of quick understanding arouse the full storm of evil and bitterness by proclaiming Christian truths, and yet fail to live the Christian life.