Despising Church Politics
All rational thinking Christians agree there is an objective right and wrong. That is, there are things that we must agree are true, or false, regardless of who, what, when , where, how, or why they are stated. These objective rights and wrongs are clearly seen when we are honest and keep an open mind to their possibilities. After all, an open mind is what led us to accepting the truth, and is what we expect others of false persuasion to keep in order to see the truth. Now, it should go without saying, that, once we acknowledge the truth, we must keep the same mindset in order to remain in the truth. If not, then there is a double standard and no honest thinking Christian would live by such a standard. Why should we be concerned about such? Well, it may perhaps be that after obeying the gospel we come to conclusions that are unwarranted through deceit or by some other means. If we fail to keep open minds we may never come to realize the error of our ways. Should it not be our utmost concern to hold to “sound words” ( 2 Tim 1:13). Let it be suggested that the only way we can do such is to keep an open mind, thoroughly examine the facts that are presented, and base our conclusions upon those truths regardless of how, when, where, or by whom they are stated. Now, do these external factors (how, when, where, or by whom) determine the fallacy or validity of that which is objective? If we are honest, we must answer no. Are we ever at liberty to base truth on merely the fact that it was stated by a certain one, other than God? While the answer is obvious, it is this very thing many are guilty of doing.
Consider the following scenario in order to illustrate this point. It has been stated, “since brother X said it, it must be true, and there is no need for further consideration”. This mindset makes the verbal and written words of brother X authoritative. In many cases, what brother X says is sought more than what the Bible says. Instead of speaking where the Bible speaks and being silent where the Bible is silent, we, speak where brother X speaks, and are silent where brother X is silent. Does this not compare to the various creeds to which many religious organizations hold. While brother X may be trusted to speak the truth, we still have a responsibility to compare what brother X says to what God said. This issue also promotes a political war field in which subjective opinions are held as objective truths. The opinions of brother X are made to be objective truths thereby becoming authoritative. Then the church no longer stands as the church of Christ, but as the church of brother X. Must we be reminded that we have the Bible, and that Bible does not say, “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of brother X”, but rather, “ Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus” ( Col. 3:17).
This undoubtedly leads to further problems for truth seekers and proclaimers. Once again, consider the following scenario for further illustration. Brother X has had many years of experience, is older in age, and is well renown in the minds of not a few. Brother Y comes on the scene, is considerably younger than brother X, and has less years of experience. Both brother X and Y came to a knowledge of the truth by being open minded and they both speak the truth as pertaining to biblical doctrine. Now, brother Y suggests something other than brother X, and consideration is deemed unworthy because brother Y is not of the status of brother X. This leaves the impression on the mind of brother Y that in order to be heard and taken serious, he must join a political ring of sorts, pay his dues, and rise to the status of brother X, when in fact this is the situation of which brother Y wants no part. This scenario is based on real issues that are dividing and tearing asunder the church and is the cause of discouragement for many a preacher.
Did not Jesus address this sort of mindset in dealing with the Jews who sought the praise of men (John 12:43). Let it be suggested, there is no difference when we praise men over God. This is a point the apostle Paul clearly made in I Corinthians 1-4, and is the reason he told Timothy “let no man despise thy youth” (I Tim. 4:12). No brethren are justified when they look down upon another brother because of reasons other than the fact that false doctrine has been spoken. In fact, when it is perceived he has spoken false doctrine, we best make sure its fallacy is in contrast to the Bible and not brother X. Besides, I know of a few brethren gone by, who were “men of renown”, but held to conclusions not warranted by scripture. Others who hold to such conclusions would indeed be, and are, considered false teachers, but yet these brethren are held in high esteem. Is it not hypocritical when we overlook the errors of such while overlooking the truths of others.
It has been suggested that this is a part of the politics of the church. It has also been suggested that while church politics should not be, they are unavoidable. I strongly disagree. We are to be people who stand for the truth and against error. If church politics should not be, they should not be. We do not turn our heads in allowance of such that should not be because doing so would be considered unpopular. We do not hesitate to speak truths because we are not “men of renown” and how dare any suggest we do so. When students of the Bible study the characters of the prophets, Jesus, and others, they were not necessarily considered “men of renown”, nor were their words popular, but that did not stop them from being spoken. We do not seek the praise of men, but praise of God. When we seek the praise of men, that is our reward (Mt. 6:1) and we can expect no other.
Are we to keep silent while men are revered as God should be? Do we have no other choice but to join the political arena and play the hand we are dealt? If we are honest thinking Christians, we must not, we cannot. If we do so, we war against the very institute which was established for the salvation of man. We must stand and defend the bride of which we are a part , and not allow the politics we fight against deter us from standing.
Adam Comeaux Jr
913 Pear St
Jena, LA 71342