The local assembly is a beautiful thing. It is not an impractical theory or an unreachable lofty spiritual ambition available only to a few. The assembly really works, even in this and–if the Lord has not returned–in the next century.
But with every effort to please the Lord, the enemy is not far away trying to destroy it. The assembly is no different. While it is true, “the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” our own faithlessness can let the enemy gain an advantage in robbing the assembly in many ways. Our own flesh is a ready and willing ally in the battle. Paul was amazed at the Galatian believers’ quick departure from the gospel. And what shall we say about the Corinthian assembly? They wasted no time in getting away from God. Here are a few dangers facing us today:
The danger of spiritual pride. The ever practical James, quoting from the Proverbs, reminds us, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (4:6). It is possible to have a spiritual pride about the assembly. We can smugly point out the errors of religious systems without making a distinction between the system itself and individual believers in those systems. We must acknowledge that many believers, who have not seen certain truths we know, may be more fervent in their love for Christ.
We can be guilty of equating spirituality with our history in the assembly. No one should underestimate the spiritual benefit of a long history in assembly fellowship. The weekly remembrance of the Lord, regular sound teaching of the Scriptures, the faithful proclamation of the gospel, fellowship with like-minded believers, all of these over many years equip us in spiritual things. But when this history keeps us from patience towards new and young believers, or develops constant fault-finding, then we have a problem. Paul warned the Corinthians, in the great love chapter, that “charity” is not puffed up.
The danger of professionalism. This occurs when natural talent, academic training, and intellectual ability are the determining standards by which ministry is measured. These things may be good or can lead to disaster. A spiritual man leaves the glory to God, and his ministry will leave us talking about the Lord. It can be good if the assembly takes it as a gift from God, but at the same time doesn’t prohibit other spiritual believers with less natural ability to also minister in the assembly. People with natural ability are not to be despised. However if we set arbitrary standards in measuring ministry, we can fall into the danger of professionalism.
The danger of legalism. The Galatians were guilty of legalism. They were taught that observance of the law would add value to their justification and bring about sanctification. I do not know of any North American assemblies that insist on observing the Jewish law. But it is possible to be guilty of the same kind of problem, namely assuming spirituality comes from observing outward forms or customs while ignoring the work of the Spirit Himself in the life.
Many young believers (and older ones, too) have been discouraged by those who insist on an outward conformity to mere tradition, without regard to spiritual reality. This is not to say that experience is to be despised. The practices in your assembly may be the result of many years of consideration by mature Christians. We do well to pay attention. And Christian grace demands that I respect my fellow believer. The same flesh that in one person demands legalism in another can also inflame rebellion.
The danger of familiarity. Some behavior is out of place in the presence of God. The holiness of God is not intended to immobilize us in fear, but neither should we be casual in our conduct in assembly meetings. To be continually late, to dress sloppily, seems to make a statement about how we value our meeting with Him. To be cavalier or silly in our public expression, or to fill our platform ministry with talk about ourselves, exposes our small thoughts of God. How did the disciples speak of Him?
The New Testament will tell you.
How do we avoid these dangers? One safeguard is to give the Lord the supreme place of honor in the assembly, “holding the Head.” When His glory is pre-eminent, then everything else finds its proper place.