|
Morning Thoughts |
|
Morning Thoughts |
|
This morning,
there is not a particular verse on my mind, but rather, I have been considering
the difference between things that are theological imperatives and things that
could be classified as lifestyle decisions. There are certain things that the
religious world likes to regulate under the heading of theology that the Lord
did not design for the church to judge over. At other times, they classify
things as a "lifestyle decision" that the Lord specifically condones or
condemns. More often than not, the religious world is backward, and they have
the wrong classification on a particular subject. So, let us look at some
examples. The religious world claims that what a person believes is less important than their attendance at service. Many times in the last few years I have heard someone say, "Well, I attend so-and-so church, but what really is important is that you are a Christian." That very statement is a contradiction in itself. To be a Christian means to be "Christ-like." Now, what did He say? He said that we MUST worship the Father in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). It is not good enough to just have a zeal of God, but some knowledge of the truth must accompany it. Therefore, this is not a "lifestyle decision" but rather a theological imperative. Some in the religious realm are advocating all kinds of things when it comes to raising children. Many of these issues have good motives, but their application is misplaced. They say that children must be home-schooled, the families must attend child-raising counseling (by their pastor or otherwise), and the family must attend social activities within the confines of church authority. Now, these are not theological imperatives, but they are discretionary measures for the parents. Indeed, parents should teach their children at home, but that does not imply that they cannot attend secular schools. Also, the church does not have the authority to regulate all family social activity. The Lord has established bounds between moral and immoral activities. Therefore, the family can engage in different social (non-immoral) activity without having to seek the church's guidance. Also, the church does not have the authority to have "social activities" as the church has only been given the authority to have services of worship for her Rock and Founder.
On the other
hand, some advocate that spanking of children is just one of many choices that
parents can make when disciplining their children. Some even go so far as to say
that it is one of the least effective methods. This is not a "lifestyle
decision" for raising children. It is imperative for their well-being and
behaviour, for the Lord specifically instructs parents to do so in Proverbs
22:15. He also does not say that it is something that may or may not be needed.
It is laid out in the Proverbs as something that is going to have to be done at
some time or many times (if the children are as unruly as I used to be). These
are just a few examples, and there are certainly many more. However, let us not
be found over-stepping the bounds of family behaviour under the heading of
theological imperatives and vice versa.
|
