Numbers 2:2

"Handfuls of Purpose"

For All Gleaners

"Every man... shall pitch by his own standard!" Num 2:2

Order is necessary to success. Men cannot be allowed to run from standard to standard. Obedience to this precept would reconstruct the Christian army. There is a natural fondness in the human heart in the matter of changing standards. Such changing represents action without progress. It is to be especially noticed that there is a standard for every man. Individuality is the gift of God. Individuality does not destroy the social bond; while contributing to its strength it adds much to its variety. Denominationalism in the Church has its uses. As no one standard is the army, so no one denomination is the Church.

There is a psychology of denominationalism. Moral or intellectual constitution renders it impossible that all men should be content with the same ecclesiastical conditions. Every temperament has its own standard. No man should say that another is not in the army because he does not belong to some particular standard. Loose-mindedness which supposes that it is a matter of indifference as to whether any special standard should be chosen is strongly discouraged by the spirit of this text. Observe, every man is not called upon to direct the army. Some men have simply to pitch by their standard, and wait for orders. "Blessed is that servant who, when his Lord cometh, shall be found watching." "Choose ye this day whom ye will serve." Enemies of Christ are sometimes bolder in the avowal of their standard, than his friends. Boldness in the faith when regulated by intelligence and chastened by patience is a sign of progress in the highest life.