The “Church universal” – composed of all the decent, God-fearing, basically
good people in a nation – requires a “Church specific” in its midst.
The New Church, founded upon the Heavenly Doctrine in which the Lord
has made His second coming in His Divine Human, is the Church specific
today. Although its existence is largely unknown, its influence is essential if the
modern age is to be redeemed from the skepticism and materialism which are
dragging it down and threatening to destroy it.
It is not just for the sake of the world, but for the sake of our young people
themselves that we so fervently want them to stay in the Church and carry
on its work. We know that the quality of life that they and their children will
experience will be far less rewarding in a world without the Church.
“No man is an island.” We are social creatures. Our humanity is nurtured
by connection with others, and a shared religion forms the deepest, most
vital and most satisfying connection between people. The ties that bind the
social order together are the Ten Commandments – not as ideals floating
about in space, but as living principles in the hearts and minds and lives of the
individuals who make up a community.
The people of the Church are imperfect, of course – they know that, which
is why they know they need the Church – but all noble human enterprises (art,
science, philosophy, religion, government) are carried out by imperfect human
beings. If you’re going to reject the Church because it is not perfect you might
as well reject science because it is not perfect; and government, and business,
and human society generally, for that matter.
Our grief over young people leaving the Church is partly because we love
the Church and want it to survive, but it is also, especially, because we love our
children and fear that without the Church their lives will be less touched by
holiness; that they will not develop an awareness of the Lord’s presence with
them; and that the silver cords that connect their souls with heaven will fray
and perhaps even break.
(WEO)
but what can we do?
The most basic thing we can do is to trust in the Lord to provide for His
Church. This may sound like a nice platitude that has little practical value, but
it is actually very realistic. Innocence is the greatest protection and strength
the Church has.
“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness . . . do not worry
about tomorrow. . . . Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure
to give you the kingdom.” (Matthew 6:33-34; Luke 12:32)
We must exercise prudence in our stewardship of the Church, of course,
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