Eastwood Church of Christ

As a Christian what do you struggle with the most? As a Christian do you struggle with anything? My greatest struggle is a fight between two words that began with the same letter. The letter is L. Most in the churches of Christ would guess what these words are: Liberalism and Legalism. I struggle with them because they represent extremes. Extremes that are harmful to God’s people.

In all honesty we use these words not in their original meanings but as they have become to be known to us in the churches of Christ. Why do I struggle with these words or why do I struggle with these ideas?

I have been called or labeled by both of these words. A former elder told the preacher that took my place at a former congregation, that I was “to liberal” for him. One friend told me, “If you are to liberal then we are all in trouble.”

With my own words and actions to some I am a legalist. Yes, sometimes I am a champion at legalism. I don’t like being that way but actions speak louder than words. I have never had much trouble saying what I think and pushing my way. If I believe the Bible to say something I express that belief. To often I have not tasted my words very well before spewing them out. It has hurt some and it has hurt my influence with some people.

One of my champion legalist views is: You have got to go to church. No matter what you have got to go to church. I know exactly what I mean by that but some, even family members; have taken it as a legalistic view of going to church.

There is not anything (anything means anything) that I had rather do more than worship with the church. Yes, I believe everyone should feel the same way. No matter where I am I go to worship (yes, I do believe I go to worship (1 Corinthians 11). No I do not believe that going to Wal-Mart is worship. That is what a preacher friend of mine preached recently) There is no greater honor than to be with the Saints of God in the assembly. But what about when I am out of town? What about when I am on vacation or out of town for business? I go to worship. I attend a congregation to worship with my brethren.

I know there have been many times that I have been with family, friends and brethren that they thought I had a terrible legalistic view about going to worship when we were away from our local congregation.

I have never understood how elders can tell brethren that they should be in worship and they themselves don’t go at all or very little when away from home. Many elders, preachers, deacons and teachers will travel all day on Sunday and never stop to meet with God’s people for worship. I don’t know of many things that hurt me more about leaders in the church. To me it is very hypocritical to expect brethren to be in worship and they not go themselves.

Here is my struggle with this; I don’t think I have to be in worship because, “I HAVE TO BE THERE.” but because, “i have to be there.” I want to be there. I must be there. My desire is to be there. I struggle because I can’t figure out why others that belong to Christ, that God has saved them from sin don’t want to be in worship whereever they are.

One former elder said, “what if there is not a congregation where you are.” Two answers works for me. 1.) Why would an elder go somewhere that does not have a congregation of God’s people. 2.) Where ever you are there is a church.

I hurt daily over the liberal views in the churches of Christ. But I must realize to some I am liberal. I hurt daily over the legalistic views of some of our brethren too. I look in the mirror and (to often) see a champion of legalism.

May God help us to be one. As I say that I have many questions in my own mind as to what will make us one.

Share your struggles with me. Share with me why you don’t worship with the church when you are out of town. Let me warn you though, if you say well, I just don’t have time then be ready for the wrath of Sonny. God had time for you. Jesus had time to leave the glory of heaven to save you and to build a church, a place of refuge, just for you.

Wow, see what I mean about legalism. I didn’t say that to be a legalistic Christian but one who thanks God everyday that I have a place and time to worship.