By What Authority?

We like to discuss topics. They can vary widely. How bad is Trump? How much religious freedom should we have? What kind of music should be played in church? Politics, economics, cultural or social issues, relationships, religion ... lots and lots of things to discuss. Now, as Christians, these discussions should be informed and shaped and pinned to our worldview as Christians. That is, if "Christ in you" is the primary issue of our lives and the glory of God is always our primary aim, everything we do and say should be informed by those principles.

Here's the problem. Let me illustrate. The other day a Christian friend was discussing with another Christian friend the issue of what we should wear to church. One said, "We should dress up for church ... wear our best apparel." The other said, "No, I think God takes us as we are and we should dress comfortably for church. I mean, I don't think God really cares what we wear to church." Now, I'm quite sure that you, the reader, are already mentally weighing in on the discussion. The question I don't think most of us are asking, however, is "What does God say about it?" And the reason isn't too hard to imagine. You won't be able to turn to the pages of Scripture to find a "dress code for church". It's just not in there.

And that's the problem. We Christians are often willing to debate, to moralize, to strategize, to take stands on things without authority. Mind you, that's not necessarily wrong in itself. It was Paul who said, "Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind." (Rom 14:5) On matters of nonbiblical nature, the rule is basically, "Whatever does not proceed from faith is sin." (Rom 14:23) (There are clearly a few other considerations, but you get the idea.) But we often don't really pay much attention to that. "That guy is wrong for wearing shorts to church!" "Can he even be a Christian if he's a smoker?" We apply our notion to others as a principle, and I have to ask, "By what authority?"

The truth is the Bible does not cover every topic. You won't find a biblical reference to freedom of religion. You won't actually find a reference to smoking. You won't find verses on exercise regimens. On the other hand, the Bible has statements or principles that touch a far greater portion of our lives than we give it credit for. So here's what I'm suggesting. By all means examine all those topics you wish to examine. Discuss them. Debate them. Fine and dandy. But if your basis for why this should be this way or that another is "Because that's what I think", try not to impose that on others. More importantly, try not to make that your basis. Instead, we should always be asking, "What does God say?" He is the Creator and the King of kings. He very likely does have some input on most things. If we are to be representatives of Christ dedicated to the glory of God, it would probably be wise to place every topic under biblical scrutiny -- to let God have the first and last word. And, of course, if God does have something to say about it, then it isn't "by my authority", is it.