I was in a discussion recently with some members of the churches of Christ that reminded me of how important labels are to some. If the conversation had not been so sad it would have been joyfully humorous, however if it had not been humorous it would have been so very sad. Our discussion included a number of “issues” that are used to define a Christian as “Conservative or Liberal”.
There are many convictions that I and other Christians have that are often unjustly used to decide “which side” we are on as if the issue is being on one man’s side or another’s. In reality I refuse to accept such man-made labels to define my faith, for none of man’s sides defines me. The discussion was almost comical as these men were struggling to define me in either or both of these terms, and they could not decide which one!
I have some convictions that lead many to consider me as a “liberal”. For instance I see nothing wrong with a church building housing a kitchen. A kitchen encourages brethren to fellowship together, and the Scriptures teach us fellowship is vital for a church to prosper. There are a number of members of the churches of Christ that consider this a “liberal” stance. I also think brethren should teach on “love”, after all, Jesus said this issue defines the two greatest commandments. Certainly “love” should be taught as God defines it and not as man tends to define it, but it should be a primary focus among the churches. I have been called “liberal” for this conviction. Am I a “liberal”?
Consider—I have other convictions that lead some to call me a “conservative”. For instance I believe that churches ought not to offer the Lord’s Supper more than once on Sunday. This stance is considered “conservative” by many. I have strong convictions against a church hiring a man to act as a “Professional Edifier” for the church to speak as their primary exhorter. I believe such a work takes away the privileges/responsibilities of the other brothers in teaching one another. This particular conviction is considered way too “conservative” by many.
So which is it? Am I a “liberal” or a “conservative”? Which term defines my faith? Which defined the Lord? Neither to all of the above. These terms have become catch-words by many as they feel compelled to pigeon-hole Christians to decide which side they are on.
My faith should be defined by my relationship to the apostles as taught in 1 John 1:1-4. The tendency for such labels as discussed above are to easily assign us to one side or another, when in reality we should be concerned with being on the Lord’s side by virtue of the apostles’ inspired writings and nothing else. We should be careful not to fall into this trap of “labels” but to be concerned with obeying the Lord.
I will close this article reminding you of an interesting discussion between Joshua and The Commander of the Lord’s Army in Joshua 5:13-15. Joshua asked who’s side the Man was on, and the Man said, “As Commander of the Lord’s Army I have now come.” Joshua expected the Man to either say he was on their side or their enemies’ when He was in reality on neither side. He was on the Lord’s as we should be.
~Jay Graham