Volume 37   Number 11                                                                                     July 1995

It is a good thing to preach the Bible and the traditions the N.T. sets forth as Christ's will for His church. It is not a good thing to preach the "man-made" traditions that have taken root in our culture among the churches of Christ in the U.S. Certainly there may be nothing wrong with these traditions in themselves, but they are not something we have the right to preach and except from others.

Anyone can study and meditate on the Scriptures and glean the Lord's will regarding the church. Throughout the book of Acts and accompanying letters are specific teachings regarding what Jesus expects from his body, and we have every right/responsibility to teach these things, even when men oppose us. But we dare not go further as described in I Peter 4:11. We dare not lift up as God's will traditions that man has established.

For this reason, we must not attempt to teach foreign brethren that they must be like us. After all, what do we have that is worthy of emulating? The only things we have of such worth are things the Lord Himself has authorized through His Word. Nothing else! Certainly, we may have certain "man-made" traditions the we feel help our work to God, but do we still have authority to teach them to others? I do not believe so, for we have no corner on the market regarding the "best" man-made traditions.

Do any of our invented traditions "pertain to life and godliness?" Certainly not! God has provided "all things" through His word, and he does not need American culture to improve upon His will. It is arrogant presumption to think He does! We must be very wary of this trap and not attempt to get foreign churches to emulate American churches, but we must encourage them to emulate Christ and HIS church.

Let us continue to seek His will regarding spreading the Word at home or abroad. May God grant us wisdom to make wise decisions regarding serving American and foreign brethren. May the Lord grant to others the courage, knowledge and strength to choose His will. Finally, may the Lord grant us the peace, patience, and grace to respond to the opportunities that are open to us.