On the Fringe

In thumbing through some commonplace words we find the word “fringe” – and we find it in

part defined as “an ornamental border…” or “as the outer fringe of a crowd.” etc. No doubt there are

fringes in almost everything; but as to actual performance, fringe doesn’t seem to play a very important

part. It is there. It may look well – but it is only on the edge. And that in part describes people who are

“on the fringe,” as well as the fringe on fabrics. Families have their fringe. Clubs and committees have

their fringe. Communities and countries have their fringe. Churches have their fringe. Every

organization, every institution has its fringe of those who hang out on the edge. They aren’t altogether

in or altogether out. They claim to be part of the pictures when there is something good going on but

refuse to be part of the picture when there are obligations to be borne. They want the advantage of

citizenship without assuming their full share of service. They want the privileges of membership without

meeting their measure of obligations. They want the privileges of membership without meeting their

measure of obligations. They want the love and loyalty of the family without carrying their fair share of

the family load. They want the blessing and benefits of the church without conformance or service or

support. They want the freedom, and protection and prosperity of the country without giving full loyalty

or allegiance. Surely there is some stigma in just staying on the edge and never quite being a

participating part. The blessings and promises of life are predicated upon performance, upon

participation, upon doing, upon the living of the law. When we do what we should do, we shall

somehow, somewhere, receive the promised reward. But if willingly we fail to perform, if willingly we

are found on the fringe, if we cannot quite be counted in or out, we shall fall far short of full

effectiveness – and far short of the compensations that come to those who can be counted on.