Religious Changelings

Religious Changelings
Tim Haile, for the Parkway church of Christ

We are living in an age that is obsessed with “change.” North Americans recently watched the “change” mantra literally dominate a presidential campaign. Millions of people voted for a particular candidate on the mere basis of his constant call for “change.” Many of these voters knew absolutely nothing about this particular candidate’s actual views and positions on vital issues. They knew only that he was “for change.”

The clamor for change, however, is not limited to politics. It is a cultural mindset, and as such, it permeates the entire fabric of our society. This includes religion. Sadly, the change mentality exists among religious people, even among those who call themselves “Christians” and claim the Scriptures as their exclusive guide of faith and practice. God does not change (Mal. 3:6; Heb. 13:8), and his word does not change (Psalm 119:89; Matt. 24:35; 1 Pet. 1:25; Rev. 14:6), but these “servants of God” are constantly looking to change something.

Solomon said, “My son, fear the Lord and the King; do not associate with those who are given to change” (Proverbs 24:21).

Not all change is bad. Change that constitutes repentance is good and necessary (Luke 13:3, 5; Acts 2:38; 17:30). In repentance, one changes his mind and his direction with respect to the practice of sin. However, Solomon speaks of a change that is so dangerous and wrong that he urges his son to not associate with those who are “given” to it. He has reference to innovators. These are people who resist and reject established norms, patterns and standards. They are not comfortable with the notion of things having to be done a certain way. Their inclination is to do things differently than do others.

Pride and rebellion drive the spirit of change. Proud people simply believe that their way is better. They see their different way is being better by mere virtue of the fact that is their way - the way that they invented! Rebellious people are those who cast off the restraints of law, often divine law (see Jeremiah 5:5), simply because they want to have their own way and do their own thing. “Every way of man is pure in his own eyes…” (Prov. 16:2). Let us remember that God has an unchangeable law. Faithful service is rendered to God by observing that unchangeable law.

View past articles at http://parkwayarticles.blogspot.com. Please join us for worship and Bible study at our building located at 125 Hilltopper Ave, Bowling Green, KY 42101. We meet each Sunday at 10:00AM and 6:00PM for worship, and Sundays at 9:00AM and Wednesdays at 7:00PM for Bible study. Our radio program is aired each Sunday morning at 8:00AM on the WKCT 930AM band. Phone: (270) 842-2049 – Email: timhaile@mac.com. Visit www.parkwaychurchofchrist.com.