|
 Many
Christians faced with the problem of choosing a congregation
with which to identify themselves. Regrettably, this important
choice is sometimes determined more by trivials than truth. With
some, the location and appearance of the church building become
influencing factors; with others, the size and friendliness of a
congregation are more persuasive. Still others are swayed by
little more than preacher personality. In many cases, little, if
any, effort is made to determine whether a church is teaching,
practicing and standing for gospel truth. That Christians would
allow such trifles to determine so serious a matter is almost
unthinkable.
The
role of the individual Christian in the local congregation is
not one to be assumed or considered lightly. This together
arrangement is ordained of God and its activities are governed
by His word. Individual responsibilities are not diminished in
this union, no matter how large it may become. The Christian is
no less amenable to God’s truth in this collective arrangement
than as an individual. Any truth - determined obligation in
reference to the local church or its elders is best understood
as being an obligation unto God Himself. Therefore, it is not a
matter of being faithful to the church or to its elders, but to
God and His truth! In view of this principle, one can easily
understand how that members of churches who are led into
unscriptural practices by the elders are no less guilty than the
elders themselves. Every Christian owes primary allegiance to
the great Shepherd and Bishop of his soul (1 Pet. 2:25).
|
|
Truth
is degraded to trivials in con- gregations where error is
condoned or tolerated. Whether it be in the counten- ancing of
false teachers or ungodly members, truth suffers when sin is
allowed. Neither God nor His truth are honored in churches where
unqualified men are allowed to continue as elders. Churches do
not support human institutions from their treasuries in response
to Divine truth. Instead, such truth is being ignored in favor
of “expedients”, human reasoning, sentiment and other such
trifles. If God can be honored by individuals in authorized
collective efforts, then He certainly can be dishonored in the
unauthorized! Every Christian in every congregation sustains a
personal obligation to Divine truth for which an account will be
given.
The
spiritual strength of individuals and churches is reflected in
their regard for gospel truth. The Christian who truly loves and
respects this truth should seek to join himself with like-minded
brethren. Their meeting place may be remote and modest; the
members may be few and plain, but such things are mere trifles
compared to the precious truth to which they are dedicated and
by which they are bound together — an saved.
Submission
to only some of God’s truth is not enough. It must be allowed
to determine every decision an every duty. The individual who
doe not submit to ALL truth doesn’t submit to truth at all!
Dan S. Shipley
[Previous
Article] [Next
Article]
|
