Control

During the late 1970’s the Chinese government began implementing some social controls in response to the economic strain the growing population was projected to put on the Chinese government. So the "one child" policy was put into place and remained in place until it began to be phased out this year. From an economic perspective it may have seemed very logical, however what about freedom?

China isn’t a free nation, but what about the church? As Christians we’ve been offered freedom through what Jesus Christ did on the cross. Paul said in Galatians 5:1-16, “It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery...”

Throughout history mankind has sought this hope-filled freedom offered to us in Christ, but not without reservations. There’s just something within most of us that gets a little scared of complete freedom. To allow other people to control themselves. In the first century, the Jews were really concerned that the Gentiles might not observe or honor the feasts, and other practices, that had been established during the Mosaic age, so laws were imposed upon them to make sure they would take time out to reflect on what God had done for “his people” in times past. However, it was what Jesus had done during their lifetime that deserved the most respect, the most honor.

A more pertinent concern would be that all Christians observe and honor what Jesus did in the NOW age. This remains a legitimate concern for Christians especially as it fits within the parameters of a congregation. Will my church show the proper respect for acts of worship like: prayer, The Lord’s Supper, Bible reading, or singing?

Can we trust each person to demonstrate the appropriate honor without imposing a law on them? What if they don’t do it like I do it? How is it regulated? Paul continued in Galatians 5 concerning those imposing circumcision on all Christians, “For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, you shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Paul also said in Ephesians 5:17-21, “So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.”

Ultimately, we have the responsibility to grow in our knowledge and understanding of Christ, not just as a person, but as our pattern to follow. Jesus modeled a revolutionary expression of honoring God, all while practicing self-control.

Just like the Israelites longing for a king to oppress them, people today still long for some kind of leadership to rule over them even if it limits the freedom they’ve been given. During the Restoration movement, many church leaders realized how quickly mankind resorts to oppressive leadership and they sought to break those bonds (once again). It didn’t take long for the fear of freedom to make some nervous. In the early-1900’s several groups (which included the churches of Christ) disbanded communion with each other because some groups felt you couldn’t preserve the integrity of pure worship without some kind of denominational government controlling how things are done in corporate worship.

So why write this? Perhaps the appeal to each of you reading this to KNOW why you believe what you believe and to learn to live within the freedoms allotted to us in Christ. It takes a lot of faith to follow what you believe the Scriptures to say. It takes faith to recognize action that you need to do because God wants you to do it, and simply do it. It takes faith to stand up to traditions that actually may harm the work of the Spirit in our lives. It takes faith to trust that God will do what He says the word of God has the power to do.

Hebrews 4:12-13, “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.”

To follow God requires to let go of our fears. We must trust that he really has come to give life, and give it to the fullest measure as he says in John 10:10, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” Our goal is not to regulate someone else’s spiritual walk, but to selflessly encourage them to love God with ALL their heart, soul, mind, and strength. Then we don’t have to control them, but model the Christ-like example of leading people to a fuller understanding of God.