Neal Pollard
On May 10, 1869, a telegraph operator who had watched a golden spike driven into the last, connecting track on the Transcontinental Railroad, sent a one-word message from Promontory, Utah, that simply read, “Done!” The Government-induced race between two railroad companies was filled with suspense and drama, keeping a spellbound nation captive through daily newspaper headlines. One of the most dramatic subplots involved Central Pacific’s desperate decision to employ Chinese immigrants to lay track. Central and Union were paid for every mile of track laid. It was very interesting to notice something about these unsung, Asian heroes of this grand expedition. First, they were distinct from all the other workers, in looks, habits, and diet. Second, they were willing to risk their lives to complete a variety of difficult tasks and life-threatening hazzards. Third, they were diligent, relentless workers whose ethic astounded their bosses and bystanders. Finally, they did their work without benefit of automated, hydraulic, or powered tools of any kind. A pickaxe, hammer, wheelbarrow, and nitroglycerin were all they had to build tunnels and roadbeds through the highest, fiercest mountain ranges of the continental United States.
There is much in this fascinating story to remind us of the more important, spiritual achievements of the early church. They labored for something of eternal consequence. They faced greater risks. As a direct result of following the doctrine of Christ, they stood out distinctly from others around them (1 Pt. 1:15-16; 4:4; Acts 4:13; . The difference was not ethnic or necessarily dietetic. They lived holy lives, abstaining from fleshly lusts that would war against their souls (1 Pt. 2:11). They were also relentless in taking the gospel to the world (cf. Col. 1:23). They faced imprisonment, persecution and death (Acts 8:3; 2 Cor. 11; Rev. 2:10a).
Yet, they had a profound influence on the entire world and that without benefit of modern transporation or technology (Acts 6:7; 8:4; 17:6). Ordinarily, they were not the biggest, wealthiest, or most prominent citizens of their respective communities. What they had going for them was God’s power, God’s precepts, and God’s plan! They planted and watered, and God gave the increase (1 Cor. 3:6).
Can we do such amazing things in today’s world? We can, but we must be willing to imitate the dedication, work ethic, faith, and commitment of our ancient and primitive counterparts. Only then can we, like them, “Turn the world upside down.”
Much of this information gleaned from: Greenberg, Morrie. American Adventures: True Stories From America’s Past, 1770-1870 (Northridge, CA: Brooke-Richards Press, 2002).
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