Putting The Cart Before The Horse

 

When James Garfield, former President of the United States, was principal of Hiram College in Ohio, a parent asked him if the curriculum could be simplified for his son. “Certainly,” Garfield replied, “but it all depends on what you want to make of your boy. When God wants to make an oak tree, He takes a hundred years to do it. When He wants to make a squash, He requires only two months. Do you want your son to be a squash or more like an oak tree?”

The old saying, “Putting the cart before the horse,” has been widely used to clarify priorities, probably lost to our younger generations. It requires thought if not experience. Horses don’t push – they pull. Therefore, even if we have all the right components, if they are not put together properly it is of no practical value. In Romans 1:16 we are told that the gospel is God’s power unto salvation. In Matthew 28:18-20 we are told to spread it. In the first century, people believed it and did it, at least some did. Today, people believe it and do it, at least some do. The wild success of the first century compared to the growth of the church that is mediocre at best today, is a curiosity to me. To help unravel this in my mind I first examine the differences. With few exceptions, first century folks were poor and had nothing but their lives and their mouth. We on the other hand have money, comfort, mass media, postal service, cell phones, computers, etc. From a logical point of view, the success rate of saving souls should be higher in our time – but it isn’t. Churches now have PowerPoint. One doesn’t even have to look at the preacher, nor does he have to look at you. The youth have tons of specialty programs meant to hold appeal. And it seems all they are learning is that churches must have appeal. What about knowledge? The first century church saved souls because they loved souls. They had nothing but the Word and the belief that it was true. That’s all they needed. That’s all we need today. Programs and comfort are great, but that’s not going to get one through the trials of life. There must be enough knowledge of the doctrine and nature of God to create a change in one’s life and therein lies the problem. If the power of God doesn’t cause a change, then one doesn’t have it. Stop trying to make the message appeal to people. “Putting the cart before the horse.” It already appeals to those who are seeking and wanting hope. Christians of the first century died rather than give up that hope and we have trouble getting people to Bible study who will then show up for worship to profess their loyalty.

[Ecclesiastes 12:13-14] James Garfield was a Bible scholar and faithful member of the Lord’s church. He was a preacher and an elder. Before taking the oath of office as President, he spoke these words to his congregation, “Today I step down from the highest office on earth to become your president.” Solomon had looked at every aspect of life before he summarized: “…Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil.” If we want to have a proper “fear” of God we must have knowledge of Him which can only be achieved through diligence, with the need to be obedient to the rules that have been established. The laws of God are for a reason. What would society be like with no laws of morality to follow? Our lives are better and more fulfilled when we fear our Creator and listen to His direction, carefully following the paths established by Him. Every deed of this life, whether good or evil, will be brought before the Judge at the end of time. Nothing can be hidden from Him, and the law will be administered by a perfect judge. The rewards are great for faithful obedience and so are the penalties for disobedience. Truth!