Friday – The elder ruled with an iron fist

“None of these things will last after they have been used for awhile. They are human commands and teachings.” Col 2:22 (Simple English Bible)

The elder ruled with an iron fist. He was very strict about the length of hair, mode of dress and other imagined signs of “disrespect” in the church assembly. Women and girls were not permitted to wear jeans, slacks or pants. They were separated from the men by a central aisle in the buildings. All men over a certain age had to wear ties. Only church officers were permitted to serve the Lord’s Supper and baptize people. Aside from the worship service, the hall was a silent as a tomb. The youth were only allowed to sing in the choir. So many people left that the leadership became alarmed. Yet this intolerant man held the reins of power tightly in his hand. When he died, the congregation breathed a sigh of relief and returned to normal.

Perhaps Christian feel that they must improve God’s method of operation. Maybe they feel the need to tighten a few loose rules or strengthen weaknesses. The New Testament is largely based upon principle, not command. We are free to choose the way we conduct the services of the church as long as they are decent and in order. Nowhere in the New Testament does it state that churches must have a morning and evening service on a Sunday. Nor does it set guidelines for Bible studies, adult classes or Sunday School.

We are free to choose! But we are also responsible for our choices.

Worship and praise God! That is the principle. How and when you decide to do this, is up to you!

Steve