Some of Their Lies

Many of our opposers fabricate an image of us that is com­pletely false, but which they ascribe to us nonetheless. They are so impudent that they insist that this is how we are, and then they attack this image which they themselves have fabri­cated.

Smith’s Friends don’t evangelize, it is said. The truth is that we are engaged in missionary work to the tune of tens of mil­lions of crowns, though they accuse us of doing nothing. It is time to view us with new eyes instead of perpetuating these lies. We have been doing extensive humanitarian work for years, particularly in South America and Eastern Europe—long before the fall of the Iron Curtain.

They accuse us of being a closed assembly and say that we aren’t open to other people. The fact is that we are repre­sented in all areas of society, except politics. We extend the hand of fellowship to anyone who wants to walk in the light. “The life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us—that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. . . . But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” 1 John 1:2-3, 7. We do not believe we are the only ones who have a desire for fellowship in the light. We constantly meet others who have a longing for victory over sin. These are the dis­ciples of Jesus today—and they are all heartily welcome. We believe in Jesus’ Words about the leaven and its development. Though it may develop slowly, it has life-giving power.

It is said that we oppress women. Johan O. Smith’s esteem for women was far ahead of his time. He showed women far greater respect and acknowledgement than was common, even before women were permitted to vote in Norway. If any­one were to ask the women among us today, I am absolutely convinced that many would testify boldly and enthusiastically about the wonderful life they enjoy! The Scriptures say that a woman is not to teach in the church assembly, and we hold fast to that Word. We keep the Word of God. That is what we stand for! That women can hold other positions of importance in society is another matter entirely, about which God’s Word does not set any limits.

What we say to the women among us, we want to say to all Christian sisters: Do not sit passively, waiting for someone to propose to you. Start working, and get an education accord­ing to the gifts and abilities that God has given you. Do some­thing useful, and keep your thoughts away from the fire of your lusts. If you do this, you will have a far better foundation on which to stand if you marry than they who enter into mar­riage far too early.