Unity Without Idols

When the word of the Lord was rare, He still spoke; but He spoke not to flatter the old order. He called the child who served, and He judged the house that had grown dull, indulgent, and corrupt. The same Lord speaks in Ezekiel against elders who sit before Him while keeping idols in their hearts. Outward nearness to holy things does not save a man. Eli was near the ark; the elders sat before the prophet; yet judgment stood at the door because they would not put away evil.

Ignatius sets the matter plainly: “that Samuel, while yet a little child, was called a seer, and was reckoned in the company of the prophets, that he reproved the aged Eli for transgression, since he had honoured his infatuated sons above God the author of all things, and had allowed them to go unpunished…” Age, office, and lineage do not excuse disobedience. If we honor family, gain, or reputation above God, we are not upright because we stand in a sacred place.

Yet Psalm 133 shows what the Lord loves: brethren dwelling together in unity. This unity is not a cloak spread over sin, but concord in the truth, like oil poured from the head downward. It is received where hearts are cleansed of idols, tongues are bridled, and each man bears his own repentance. For as Cyprian warns, “they themselves only shall be delivered.” No righteous friend, parent, or pastor can repent in our place.

Therefore let each one become teachable as Samuel, severe with his own sins, faithful in the household, and earnest to keep the peace of the brethren without making peace with iniquity.