As we talk about holding a cosmic optimism, the many, many futilities and immaturities within the Christian church itself rise up before us. These things dampen, if not destroy, that optimism. They stand out especially now against the background of world need. We have built up things about Christ that embarrass Him—and us. 

   A pious monk found that a little mouse disturbed his devotions, so he tied a cat to a nearby post in order to frighten away the mouse. After his death his followers wanted to do everything just as the master did, so they tied cats to the posts in rooms where they meditated. Over the course of time, the original reason for tying the cat was forgotten, but they had long discussions on what kind and color of cat should be used, how far from the worshiper, and so on.

   Many things that occupy our attention in Christendom today are as meaningless as tying cats in devotional hours. This tendency drives one almost to despair—except for one fact. The Christian system has a built-in corrective in the person of Christ. He has an antiseptic influence upon our irrelevancies. He exerts a constant cleansing impact from within. This inner corrective is our hope.   

Victorious Living - E. Stanley Jones