Did the first father love his son? Yes, he did, in a sentimental manner. Did he give him what he pleaded for because he cared for his well-being? Obviously not. He indulged him and gave him dangerous items because he wanted his son to love him, not because he loved his son. The first father was self-centered. He was in love with himself.

Peter was in love with himself when he exhorted Jesus not to go to the cross. Peter was identifying with Jesus and thinking of the possible consequences to himself. Peter was not considering God's will or judgment in the matter or what truly was best for the Lord.

Many times the second father had to resist the pleading of his son. But when the boy was older he recognized his father loved him and took proper care of him.

So it is today. The ministers who do not confront their congregations with the discipleship demands of Christ but who say pleasant things to them in order to "keep them coming to church," do not truly love their listeners. Rather, these shepherds love to be loved. They are in love with themselves.

But the preachers who warn their congregations of the coming wrath of God against all lukewarmness, who point out clearly that an individual cannot possibly be a Christian unless he forsakes his own life, takes up his cross, and follows Jesus—they are the ones who love their congregations. Their listeners will understand that fact clearly when they stand before Christ.

The first minister is "loved" today. But it will be a different story when he stands with his spiritually apathetic congregation before a frowning Christ in the Day of the Lord. The second minister may not be popular today. But those who follow his teachings will be glad when they stand with him before Christ and are blessed with the "Well done!" of the Lord.

He who has God's Word, let him speak it faithfully. It does not matter whether or not the people like it or him. We are called to please the Lord Jesus. If we please Christ we will bring our listeners to glory. If we attempt to please our congregations we will bring them down to destruction.

One important reason for the pitifully weak Christian witness of today is that the ministry considers its job is to "save souls." God did not give us the power of His Spirit so that we would be able to save souls, except in a secondary sense. God gave us His Spirit so we would have power to bear witness of His Person and ways. There can be a great difference between "saving souls" and bearing witness.

The Scriptures do not stress that the believers should go forth and "save souls." Rather, the Scriptures emphasize that we should live a godly life in Christ so those who see us will glorify God. What a vast difference there is between the concept of saving souls and of bearing witness by a godly life!

To be continued.