born into this family. The Spirit of Cod Himself enters our spirit. By this means we have the privilege of access to our Father whenever we desire it. God in His infinite wisdom has ordained that while upon earth we should be gathered in groups. We are not orphans to travel life's path way alone. Through fellowship with other believers we are strength ened, sustained and encouraged to go on in this pilgrimage. Each of us should be called to a life of total commitment. There are certain undergirding principles for com mitted people. The first is “ open ness" (II Corinthians 6:11-13). There had come a strain into the Corinthian Christian community through Paul's response to the con gregation's problems. There were some unfortunate misunderstand ings. Where once they had been perfectly open toward each other there were now some unfortunate feelings. The Apostle knew such a condition could not continue to exist. There has to be an openness of speech and heart. Paul points out, “ Your hearts do not love us like they once did." This is a major problem among Christians today. We allow differ ences of opinion and methodology to divide us as we become critical of each other. We do not seem to be able to talk it out. We frequent ly see this happening in marriages. It is too bad that we hold grudges and resentment against another. That is why this principle of open ness is very vital to the health of any group relationship and activity. Paul puts his finger right on the trouble. We cannot come to an agreement until there is an open attitude toward God and each oth
er. Our minds should be open to the Lord's ideas. In this way we will find the door to agreement. Always the solution is for both par ties to agree with Cod. We must be open to the Word and to the will of God. We can be undergirded and di rected by the promises of God. What are some of them? “ I will dwell in them"; "I will walk in them"; "I will be their God"; "I will receive you"; "I will be a Father unto you"; “ You shall be my sons and daughters." These promises motivate us to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and to walk through the door of openness into the arena of agreement. God Himself has prom ised to arbitrate and adjudicate our differences. He will make the way so plain that all of us can see it clearly. In unity we have strength. The great consuming goal to ward which we all move is perfect ing holiness in the fear of Cod. This is the principle of pursuit. We are to follow that completeness of fulfillment which is wrapped up in the word “ holiness." It suggests maturity and full growth. This goes on through all our days of life. We are to forget those things which are behind and reach out for that which is before us. In this manner we will forgive each other for mis takes and failures. We are borne along on the wings of forgiveness, love, understand ing, compassion and patience. In this way we stand together to wor ship, pray, and work. If need be we can also suffer together so that we may reach the goal of perfec tion. We want to hear from the Saviour's lips, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." Page 47
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