On Bolstering Our Balance
September 7, 2008
It is vitally important for us to strive for doctrinal balance as we work, with God’s help, to build a viable, relevant congregation of the Lord’s church in downtown Richmond. Despite this need for balance, many congregations are fighting and even splitting in the name of “doctrine.” How can this be? What fuels such thinking and its regrettable results? I submit one word: extremism. Examples of extremism are seen in questions posed by many in our fellowship. You may be familiar with some of these queries: “Which is more important - the Man or the Plan? The Person or the Pattern? Form or Function? Zeal or Knowledge? Christ or the Church? Religion or Relationship? Truth or Love? Life or Doctrine?” Students of Scripture will realize that, of these pairs, no element is more important than the other; they are equally vital! So why do we tend to have such extremism in the body of Christ? Paul provides an answer. He wrote, “Now, the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. Some have deviated from these and turned aside to fruitless discussion. They want to be teachers of the law, although they don’t understand what they are saying or what they are insisting on” (1 Tim. 1:5-7, CSB). Friends, was Paul right, or what? As our young church labors to bring the lost to Jesus, let us do our best to remember the apostle’s words. The truth of God is not an “either/or” proposition. No, the power of the gospel is balanced by “both/and.” With this in mind, may we always endeavor to be motivated by love, avoid useless arguments, and understand fully the doctrine we profess. In this way, we can avoid the failings of extremism and go forward happily and profitably in the Lord. Please think about it! -JLNJR (Resource: Gospel Advocate, 5/08, 25-26)
