What are the marks of a vital experience of knowing Jesus Christ? It is not a question of uniformity of opinions, because one finds spiritual vitality among the most varied sects and creeds. It is not acceptance of anyone particular form of worship, because virile Christians are found using all forms of worship.
The only test of a living thing is whether it is able to communicate life. The difference between a dead and a living seed is not seen until both are planted in the ground. It is surprising how the emphasis in Christianity is coming to be placed on contagion as the really valid test of spiritual vitality. The early church grew, not because of its organisation or its wealth, or its intellectual brilliance, for it had none of these things. It grew because its members were the channels of supernatural power. Wherever they went new spiritual life came to birth and began to grow.
The early Christians had the secret of victory over a life which was proving too much for most people. They were able to communicate that secret to those who sought it. All may learn the secret. No one is by temperament or training debarred. This experience will ultimately prove the unifying centre of Christendom, as it did in the past. The church which is alive with Christ’s life is spiritually contagious, no matter what its organisation or worship may be. John chapter 15 verse two reminds us that “He removes any of my branches which are not bearing fruit and he prunes every branch that does bear fruit to increase its yield.”
John.
