“Assemble yourselves together frequently to seek
the things that benefit your souls, for all the time of your faith will not
profit you unless you are perfect at the last. For in the last days, false
prophets and seducers will increase, turning the sheep into wolves; and love
will be turned into hate.” Didache
(The Teaching of the Twelve), chp 16
The Didache (did-ah-kay) is an ancient document
said to have been written sometime in the late 1st century-early 2nd
century. Some scholars suggest it may have been written by the Apostles
themselves, but there is no real consensus. For purposes of study,
however, it is a reflection, summary, and in some cases, clarification of what
is taught in the Scriptures. If there can be anything written that can
said to be “the basics” (Acts 15), the Didache may fit that bill.
Understand, however, that this document nor any other should ever replace the
Scriptures themselves for disciples’ daily study and devotions.
The above-quoted passage itself seems to bear
this out in that the faithful are called to gather “together frequently”.
This surely includes not only small-group Scripture studies but worship and
fellowship as well (not either/or). This passage also makes clear what is
fundamental to the Methodist movement from the beginning; that we work with one
another to hold one another accountable to the faith for the sake of “the
things that benefit your souls”. Studying together, praying together,
fasting together; as much as we can do alone, there is much more we can do when
we are “assembled” as the “flock” of the Lord (Luke 12:32).
Working
together and staying together as the “flock” (that is, the Church) is the point
of striving for “perfection” as it is written in the Scriptures and as the
Methodist movement began to grow beyond that moment of spiritual clarification,
of justification, and pursuing “sanctification”, to continually grow in faith
and in love; for truly, what is “love” if not expressed outwardly in works
toward the building up of the Body, especially the “neighbor” whom Jesus
defines as one who needs our help? If we do not “love” them enough to
help, then it can be said we “hate” them, for there is no gray area. We
must also remember that predators do not attack a whole body; rather the
predator works to separate one from the flock, preferably the weakest. So
do false prophets seek out the weak among us to seduce with half-truths and
outright lies, and work to capitalize on our doubts and fears.
We
need each other, “for all the time of your faith will not profit you unless you
are perfect at the last”. It is as Jesus states in Matthew’s gospel: “You
shall be perfect just as your Father in heaven is perfect” (5:48).
The Twelve did not seek to call forth a bunch of individuals; rather they were
apostles to the Church, to build up the Body of Christ in the world, to work
with one another, to strive together, and to be prepared for the Coming of our
Lord. And make no mistake; there is much to be done.
Blessings,
Michael
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