SHOULDER TO SHOULDER #136 ---- 8/21/00
Posted by: lifeunlimited <lifeunlimited@...>
As We fight The Good Fight
(A letter of Encouragement to People in
Vocational and Lay Ministry)
SHOULDER TO SHOULDER #136 ---- 8/21/00
TITLE: "Spiritual Leukemia"
My Dear Friend and Partner in Ministry:
Greetings in the Name of our Great Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. I'm so
blessed to be able to share my heart with you again today, and hopefully
bring you encouragement as you continue your battle in the trenches for
the lives of men and women. Even in times of physical and emotional
weariness such as today, these moments always lift me. I can't get over
the fact that so many take the time to read the things I share.
So, thank you for blessing me this way.
Well, our youngest grandchild has been dedicated to the Lord, and our
oldest daughter and her family are now in Costa Rica ---- and old Grandma
and Grandpa are trying to recover from an incredibly hectic six days. I
told someone at church yesterday that I thought our lives where shifting
from "hectic" to "frantic".
We're actually home three days before hitting the road again to continue
preparing Dad's house for sale. After three days with him, we'll be back
home for three more and then off to Dallas, TX for a week of conferences.
Praise God for lap tops!
A HORRIBLE SIGHT:
Three weeks ago I watched my mother die from Leukemia. It was something
I never expected her to contract and I never anticipated having to watch.
Twelve days from the day it was diagnosed, she was dead.
Jo Ann and I were excited over the possibilities of possible recovery;
the doctors were very positive, for they had just given her the first of
two planned treatments with a new drug just approved by the U.S. Food and
Drug Administration last May. We walked into her hospital room that
afternoon following a speaking engagement earlier in the day and
enthusiastically heard the report from Mother and Dad that she was having
no side effects as anticipated.
So, we sent Dad home to rest while we stayed with Mother. She was
talkative and very upbeat about the future. About an hour later, though,
things changed.
The pulmonary specialist came in to announce that she needed to be in the
Intensive Care Unit where things could be monitored more closely. He was
very concerned about her cough and her continued shortness of breath. He
put her on 100% oxygen and placed the order for her transfer.
He then took me out of the room and told me ---- things were not good.
He really didn't know if she'd live through the night and, therefore,
needed to know her wishes regarding the possible use of life support
systems if they became necessary.
I called Dad, told him the situation, and then had the doctor talk
directly with him. Dad rushed back over to the hospital where the three
of us talked with Mother about the situation. The doctor suspected
internal bleeding. It turned out to be true; her lungs, because of the
critical absence of platelets, were slowly seeping blood. It had already
been impossible to run some tests for that very reason.
If there are inadequate platelets, blood won't clot and a person can
quickly bleed to death from even a small cut. Tuesday morning the count
was already down to a dangerous 6,000. By Wednesday morning the count
had dropped dramatically to only 400, an impossible situation.
I'VE SEEN THIS BEFORE:
By Wednesday evening Mother was so sedated that she was non responsive;
her hands were cold and clammy. She was in a deep sleep, free from pain.
Earlier that day she had rationally made the decision to refuse
artificial life support, knowing that it would not make anything better,
but would only delay eminent death.
Jo Ann and I went to Mother and Dad's home later that evening to wait for
one of our daughters and her family, the ones about whom I wrote earlier.
Arriving sometime after Midnight Wednesday, we rushed them to the
hospital where they spent time with Mother as I mentioned last week.
After Jo Ann took them back to the house around 2:30 to go to bed, Dad
and I remained in the room with Mother. I realized that supposedly for
the first time in my life, I was literally watching someone die. I
remember wondering just when it was that her spirit would leave her body
and be ushered into the presence of the One Whom she loved and had served
for so many years. When would He have said, "Elaine! Welcome home!"?
I wondered if it would be like when Dad's mother had died. She had been
in a deep comatose sleep when all of a sudden she opened her eyes wide,
looked up, and mouthed the words, "Oh, my! It's beautiful!", and then
closed her eyes and died. I hoped it would be that way, but it wasn't.
It wouldn't have surprised me if Mother had broken out in song, but she
remained silent.
Instead, Dad and I sat there, watching the monitor reveal the progressive
decrease in oxygen level in the blood, the more erratic and eventually
fibrillating heartbeat, and the gradual decline and eventual cessation of
her breathing.
Sitting there with Dad, I felt a resigned sadness. And yet, there was
peace and a quiet joy knowing that Mother was soon to be with the Lord,
totally free from illness, disease, and pain for the first time in over
60 years.
I was still sad, though.
Then the strangest thought crossed my mind ---- as if someone spoke it to
me in words inaudible to the human ear.
"You've seen this before."
At first I couldn't harmonize the thought with my own experiences of
life; I could never remember a time when I had seen another person die in
any way, much less this one.
Then the light went on. "Yes! I HAVE seen this before! Many times!
"I saw this when I watched a church die."
Throughout the more than 44 years of vocational ministry, I've seen the
same picture ---- churches, slowly, quietly, evenly painlessly, die a
spiritual death from religious leukemia.
Maybe you have, too, my friend.
If your heart is tender, you will feel the quiet sadness. You may even
feel some sense of quiet peace in knowing that those folks are finally
out of their misery.
However, you'll probably also be thinking, "This didn't have to happen."
That's what I felt about my Mother's death. If it had been detected
sooner, it could have been avoided.
But it happened.
WHAT IT IS:
Mother suffered for years from congestive heart failure, edema, arythmia,
angina, diabetes, retinopathy, macular degeneration, renal failure, and a
cerebellum disease similar to but not related to Parkinsons. It, along
with congestive heart failure and renal failure, were terminal. We
expected her to die from one of those.
Little did we expect that Leukemia would ever come into the picture.
I am less than a novice when it comes to knowing about and understanding
such a disease. However, as I stood by my Mother's bedside caressing her
cold hand, with Dad on the other side, that thought kept coming back to
my mind ---- "I've seen this before. But, it didn't have to happen."
The very nature of cancer assured me I had seen it before. In its most
basic form, cancer is essentially a human cell in the body that for some
reason has rebelled against its Divine design and has begun to attack the
other cells in the human body. In essence, a cancer is nothing more than
a cell in rebellion.
Leukemia is a cancer ---- of the blood and/or the bone, as I understand
it. And, as doctors now know, it can be identified early on, because
such a cell has a protein attached to it that other healthy cells don't
have. Because of certain conditions or circumstances, something has
attached itself to an otherwise healthy cell.
Whatever that certain protein is, it causes the cell to begin attacking
its own kind, and also begin trying to destroy elements in its
surroundings that are necessary for health and for life itself, namely,
bone marrow, red blood cells, and platelets.
Bone marrow produces blood. Blood is essential to life (in fact the
Bible says so) because it carries nutrients and oxygen to the varied
parts of the body, and it carries out the waste and toxicities that can
harm the body if remaining there.
Blood consists of plasma, red and white blood cells, and platelets.
Plasma is the liquid part of blood in which the cells (or corpuscles and
leukocytes) are suspended and moved about the body. The blood cells
themselves contain and transport the nutrients and oxygen required for
life. Platelets, smaller than the blood cells, are necessary in order to
cause the blood to clot wherever there is bleeding.
In the spiritual realm such things exist as well.
Any church that is going to be healthy and life producing, must have a
solid and healthy foundation structure. That structure must have embodied
in it elements which produce the circulatory system needed to provide
adequate nourishment and oxygen, and which can quickly and efficiently
remove all forms of toxicity and waste that would endanger its health.
In addition that church also must have the life savers that quickly rush
to the rescue when either internal or external "bleeding" takes place
from either injury or disease.
A church without such a vital system in place and fully operational will
eventually be attacked by spiritual leukemia.
WHAT BROUGHT IT ON:
I have wondered just what brought on Mother's Leukemia. It was so
sudden, so recently discovered, so unexpected. Though expecting her to
die from other causes, we were in no way prepared for what took her life
so quickly.
So, the natural question was, "What brought her Leukemia on?"
The doctors told Dad that they have no idea ---- it could have been any
number of things.
Generally, it had to come from the obvious ---- something either internal
or external.
Many doctors believe that every human being is born with a cancer cell
already present, and under certain conditions is activated. An injury,
an illness, unhealthy pressures, or improper nutrition can cause that
cancer cell to "wake up" and begin its ultimately fatal function.
We do know that things such as stress, certain diseases, carcinogens, or
even certain foods can create a chemical reaction that seems to flip the
switch on that cell, causing it to become active.
It is evident also that certain chemicals and elements can be ingested in
some way and will do the same. Radiation, ultra violet sun rays,
cleaning agents, toxic waste, certain food additives, and the like can
also create a mutancy that produces cancerous activity to an otherwise
healthy cell.
I've thought some about that concerning Mother.
She was born in a coal mining area of upstate Pennsylvania, though she
didn't live there long. She had Rheumatic Fever as a very young child.
She had a poor diet during her early childhood prior to and during the
Great Depression. For nearly twenty years she breathed the polluted air
of the steel mills of Gary, Indiana. She was deeply involved in oil
painting, ceramics, and doll repair where she was in constant contact
with dangerous cleaning agents and paints both breathing the fumes and
having contact with her hands.
So, who knows how she contracted Leukemia? Maybe all of the above, or
none.
Churches are similarly affected.
If the Church is described as the Body of Christ, then it stands to
reason that members are "cells". It only takes one member spiritually
out of sorts and in rebelling to the purposes of God and the leadership
God has established for a spiritual leukemia to begin its destructive
work.
On the other hand, dangerous doctrines, false teachings, moral
compromise, the world's methods of doing things, and a host of other
outside elements can do the same thing.
Both approaches are likely, and equally damaging. The internal origin is
dangerous because it is so unexpected. The external is because it is
usually so appealing. Either way, the outcome will be critical.
WHAT IT DOES:
>From what I could gather from reports from Dad and the few doctors to
whom I talked, three things were happening to Mother.
First, the bone marrow was being attacked directly. That was critical,
because the bone marrow produces
blood elements. Without it, life giving and life sustaining blood cannot
be adequately produced. Interesting how Leukemia goes to the very root
source of things and attacks.
Then the red blood cells are attacked and destroyed while white blood
cells (leukocytes) multiply. In so doing, the leukemic condition
intensifies while the supply of nutrition and oxygen and the ability to
eliminate toxins is progressively diminished.
Finally, the one thing that is necessary to stop hemorrhaging is attacked
---- platelets. Without an adequate platelet count, a person will
eventually bleed to death.
This is what happened to Mother. The doctors had two tests that were
unable to run early on in the situation because they could not risk
making any type of incision required to thread the equipment into her
lungs.
So, basically, with no platelets, Mother's lungs began to accumulate
blood which was simply seeping through their walls. Had she not died as
a result of the loss of oxygen and blood pressure, she would have
eventually died as her lungs continued to fill.
I know this may sound gruesome, but I want you to get the picture of
spiritual leukemia in the church. It is a fatal disease accompanied by
unbelievable pain, misery, and grief.
At least three times (Lev 17:11, 14: Deut 12:23) the Bible tells us that
"Life is in the blood". The word "blood" appears over 430 times in the
Bible, always in reference to life, forgiveness, cleansing, sacrifice,
and the like.
To the Christian, the blood of Jesus is the absolute key to what we have
received from Him. For example . . .
1. Forgiveness of sin: Eph 1:7 ---- "In Him we have . . . . through His
blood . . . . the forgiveness of our trespasses . . . ." (See Matt
26:28)
2. Removal of sin: Heb 9:22 ---- " . . . . without shedding of blood
there is no remission (removal)."
3. Redemption: Eph 1:7 ---- "In Him we have redemption through His
blood . . . ."
4. Cleansing: I John 1:7 ---- " . . . . the blood of Jesus Christ His
Son cleanses us from all sin."
5. Protection: Exod 12:13 ---- " . . . . when I see the blood I will
pass over you, . . . ."
6. Overcoming Victory: Rev 12:11 ---- "And they overcame Him by the . .
. . blood of the Lamb. . . . ."
There are scores more references to the role the blood of Christ plays in
our lives.
So, it should be no great surprise when the blood comes under demonic
attack at the very start ---- from things such as removing the word from
hymns because it is "too gross", denying the importance of the blood for
salvation, or trying to destroy the effectiveness of the blood in our
lives through a cancerous invasion into the very life blood of the
Church.
This "leukemic spirit" attacks the veracity and truth of God's Word in
the church, knowing that if questions, debates, and doubts concerning it
can be initiated, it is only a matter of time until the spiritual
nutrition necessary for life can no longer be transported throughout the
body.
Once that happens, then the oxygen necessary for life and energy will
eventually be cut off, and the build up of waste and toxicity will be
inevitable, only intensifying the poisons running rampant in the system.
Ultimately, when the clotting action is lost, death will be eminent. The
end is near.
HOW TO AVOID IT:
"Is there something that could have been done?" was a question we asked
ourselves regarding Mother's condition. But, it's a little late to ask
such a question after the fact of her death, isn't it.
However, if we could, here's what we would have done.
1. We'd have protected her from the outside contaminants of the mines
and mills and made sure she breathed clean and pure air.
2. We'd have made certain she was not exposed to chemicals and
unnecessary additives that would be ingested into her system.
3. We'd have insisted that she wear proper protection on her hands and
face when handling dangerous chemicals and solvents.
4. We'd have demanded more frequent medical check ups and monitoring
over the years.
5. We'd have been sure she was getting all the good nutrition she needed
back in her earlier years rather than waiting until she was in her 60's
before doing so.
6. We'd have been more cautious about some of the unproven though
appealing remedies the world's fringe groups offered.
A church must do the same thing if it is to have a chance of avoiding
spiritual leukemia. While the world offers appealing prosperity, it
always is accompanied by polluted environment and air.
Healthy air is produced through "spiritual breathing" ---- exhaling sin
through confession and repentance, and inhaling health and fullness by
appropriating the fullness of the Holy Spirit.
While the world is providing appealing food, clothing, and entertainment,
they almost always have carcinogens that will destroy the spirit over
time.
A church must wear the protection of the full armor of God, used both for
defensive and offensive purposes, and time with God in the prayer closet
for spiritual check ups is imperative.
Thinking a church can make compromise with the things and the ways of the
world must be replaced with an attitude of being separated from the
things of the world. While it lives in the world, it must not become a
part of it, its philosophies, and its methods.
A church must be certain it is getting the nutrition of sound doctrine
and truth from God's Word itself rather than warmed over or predigested
interpretations from some popular speaker's books or a sensational TV
program.
A church must be constantly living in the presence of the Holy Spirit
with His work of examining, exposing, convicting, and healing.
FINALLY:
Friend, I am convinced that many churches are absolutely sick to the
core, and near death. They have a spiritual leukemia that is so familiar
that it is neither detected nor feared.
Just yesterday morning I found a booklet, "Then I Will", lying on the
desk of the pastor's study where I serve as interim pastor. Written by a
layman, Carl Thompson, it was accompanied by a heart wrenching personal
letter to me, describing his broken heart over the conditions he sees in
the churches around America as he travels.
In the final section of the booklet, Signs of Apostasy, he identifies
some Biblical characteristics that I see as contributing to the spiritual
leukemia found in so many (praise God, not all) churches. I want to
conclude my letter by quoting him.
Consider the following:
------------------------------
(1) " . . . you have left your first love." (Rev 2:4 NAS). . . . the
main thing is not the main thing anymore. We major on the minors.
"Lovers of self, rather than lovers of God" (II Timothy 3:2-4). "Why do
you call me Lord and do not do what I say?" (Luke 6:46).
(2) " . . . you have people who hold to the teaching of Balaam" (Rev
2:14 NIV). False prophets have slipped into our midst and led us down
the roads of half-truth and deception. We have lost our ability to
discern between the "spirit of Truth" and the "Spirit of Error" (I John
4:6). We must pray for wisdom and discernment.
(3) ". . . . you also have those who hold to the teaching of the
Nicolaitanes" (Rev 2:15 NIV). The organized church has produced an
"overlord" structure that desires to control the laity. The Lord says,
"Repent, or else" (Rev 2:16).
(4) " . . . you tolerate Jezebel" (Rev 2:20 NIV). There is a "Jezebel
Spirit" that has taken up residence in many churches across this land.
Perhaps, the best tool in the devil's toolbox in these times ---- it is a
spirit of manipulation and intimidation that says, "my way or the
highway!"
(5) "I have not found your deeds complete (Rev 3:2). We have approached
Him with half-heartedness. We have pursued our ways and not His ways.
As He looks upon the church at the end of the age, He says, "The job is
not done!".
(6) " . . . you are neither cold or not" (Rev 3:15 NIV). Lukewarm is
not hot. You cannot serve two masters. Oh, that the church would be hot
again!"
-------------------------
Wow!
If what this brother says is true, then it's no wonder many churches
suffer from spiritual leukemia ---- slowly dying inside, not even knowing
it, and certainly not showing it . . .
Until it can't be hidden any longer. But then, like with my Mother,
apart from an absolute miracle of God, . . . it's too late.
IS THERE A CURE?
Most certainly! There is indeed a balm in Gilead that will make the
wounded whole and heal the sin sick soul.
Total forgiveness is quick to follow genuine repentance. The blood and
stripes of our Lord Jesus Christ offers healing and restoration to even
the most terminally ill.
But, you've got to go to the doctor first!
Do you know of a church that is dying from spiritual leukemia?
What will you do about it ---- just complain and criticize, or take them
to the Great Physician?
There is indeed a cure. The question is whether or not there is an
orderly in Admissions willing to get them to the doctor in the Emergency
Room.
Friend, let's not hide our heads in the sand. While God is doing
wonderful and marvelous things in many churches, there are other churches
around us on the verge of collapse or even annihilation from this
disease. Don't you think such a church is worth saving? Worth praying
for? Worth interceding for? Worth ministering to?
Jesus does.
In His Bond of Mercy and Grace,
Bob Tolliver ---- (Rom 1:11-12)
Copyright August, 2000. All rights reserved.
We would love to hear from you ---- prayer requests, insights, etc. Feel
free to drop us a note at <[email protected]>.
If this letter has blessed you and you know of someone else who needs to
be encouraged, feel free to forward it in its entirety to all such people
you know.
If you would like a list of past issues which you could receive upon
request, just let us know. Write <[email protected]>.
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Hang in there! I'm with you!
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