Bulletin Articles: Full Article for Record Number 1075
Tearing Down And Building Up
by Larry Ray Hafley
"See, I have this day set you over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out and to pull down, to destroy and to throw down, to build and to plant" (Jer. 1:10).
There is so much religious confusion and division that one could spend every moment in opposition to false systems, fraudulent schemes, and bogus brethren. However, in the fray for the faith, stress must also be placed on positive affirmation of truth and righteousness.
When the pioneers crossed our country in the nineteenth century, they necessarily employed long hours in "pulling down and rooting up." But suppose that is all they did. What, then? The area between the Mississippi and the Pacific would be nothing more than a leveled wasteland. But with the clearing there was also sowing and building, and a nation became an empire "from sea to shining sea."
Likewise, if Christians and churches of Christ are to grow, they will cast down human reasonings and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God (2 Cor. 10:3-5). However, spiritual Israel must also plant and reap midst the din of destruction. As in the days of Nehemiah, so must it be now:
"And it came to pass that from that time forth, that the half of my servants wrought in the work, and the other half of them held both the spears, the shields, and the bows...and the rulers were behind all the house of Judah. They which builded on the wall, and they that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon. For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so builded" (Neh. 4:16-18).
Yes, let us declare war on the encroachments of error that they may wither before King Jesus. Then, with all zeal, in faith and love, let us build summits of strength, fortresses of faith, and towers of truth on the plains of the paradise of God.
