It is fortunate that we live in a community in which the citizenry for the most part holds to the basic tenets of Christianity. But at the same time we often hear well-meaning statements with which we do not totally agree. The other day one such statement was made to me. It went something like this: “It really doesn’t matter what church you go to so long as you have a commitment to Jesus.” So what are we to make of such a statement? Can we give a hardy, “Amen” or does it contain a fundamental flaw?
First, let me say that it is a wonderful thing when anyone, anywhere has a commitment to Jesus. But then let me hasten to add that that is just the starting point. Those really committed to Jesus will spend a lifetime searching the Scriptures to know the way of the Lord more perfectly. Furthermore, as we come to a better understanding of God’s word, we make changes in our personal life in order to conform to it more perfectly. This is generally understood and accepted with regard to one’s personal life.
But the same is also true of our church life. Since churches do differ in both doctrine and practice, it is inevitable that some people, as they study the Scriptures, will find that the church of their forefathers, or the church that first introduced them to Jesus, is not adhering as closely as they should to God’s Word. What then should one do? Certainly we should always have the courage to step out and be a part of the church that most closely adheres to the teachings of Jesus.
Claude Pharr