06.11.06 Bulletin Article -- Truth in Labeling

It certainly has been a great past week. Our Homecoming and Gospel Meeting were certainly successful from a spiritual perspective; the Word was proclaimed, hearts were encouraged, and bonds were strengthened. The Youth Group also had a tremendous week: a wonderful Saturday with a Smile on the 3rd and then the Connect Summer Kick-Off Lock-In on the 4th-5th (with a trip to Winfield for a singing thrown in). It was also a noteworthy week for politics. The Primary Elections took place this past week. On a good note, Alabamians overwhelmingly supported a ban of same-sex marriage...Lord willing, that will continue to have success as it passes through our legal system.

One thing that traditionally accompanies elections is mudslinging. Because this was a primary election, people simply couldn’t vote across party lines but had to make decisions within their respective parties. Therefore, candidates were fighting over who was the most “conservative/progressive/etc.” The abundance of commercials and advertisements emphasizing this practice got me to thinking about labels.

It’s sad to say that even within the church there are constant battles over labeling. Almost all labels that we might use to describe congregations, preachers, or schools are technically relative terms. The worst terms we can use are the ones that are mainly relative to our position. We are probably most familiar with the terms “conservative” and “liberal.” I find it disturbing that I, for example, would be considered “conservative” by many brethren and yet would be considered “liberal” by many brethren also. The point is that if we depend on labels, we often fail to recognize the importance of Truth. Notice what some New Testament passages say about what we are to cling to instead of man-made labels:

“Follow the pattern of sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you” 2 Timothy 1:13. Paul not only says that there is a pattern, but he says to follow the pattern of sound words—or words that are “healthy.”

Later, Paul would tell Timothy the importance of the scriptures in the lives of men: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work” 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Not only do the scriptures come straight from God, but notice what they do: teach, reprove (rebuke), correct, and train so that we as Christians can be completely equipped (ready) for all good works. Adhering to Truth demands that we adhere to the source of Truth—the Word of God.

In Titus 2:1, Paul said, “But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine.” Paul didn’t say, “teach what most brethren would consider conservative.” He didn’t even say, “teach what’s always been taught here.”

There is a single standard of absolute truth. We are to abide by it; we are to determine the faithfulness of others by it (not wrongful judging, though); we are to teach it; we are to protect it.

Truth is not conservative, liberal, progressive, traditional, etc. Truth is Biblical, righteous, sound, and holy. May we always remember the Truth and do our absolute best to make sure others know it and follow it. God bless with another wonderful week in His service.