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WHAT’S WRONG WITH IT?
Victor
M. Eskew
Christians
have the responsibility to grow in Christ (I Pet. 2:2, II Pet. 3:18). As one grows, many things begin to
happen. A mature Christian has a deep appreciation for
the price paid for his redemption at
Another characteristic of the Christian who is of full age is the ability
to discern between good and evil.
The inspired penman of Hebrews emphasized this quality of the mature
Christian in Hebrews 5:14. “But
strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of
use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” This quality seems to be last one that
some develop. There are many
children of God who just cannot grasp the difference between good and evil,
right and wrong, truth and error.
When asked about various topics, they will reply, saying: “What wrong with it?” Let’s discuss some of the areas that
sometimes have this question applied to them.
Summer sees a rise in the temperature and a decrease in the amount of
clothing that is worn. Many of
God’s children will expose much of their flesh to the eyes of others at this
time of year. They do this by
wearing short-shorts, halter-tops, swimsuits, short skirts, half-tops, and other
types of provocative clothing. If a
preacher, teacher, or elder condemns such dress, members will ask: “What’s wrong with it?” Several responses could be given. Such attire violates the command for
God’s children to dress modestly with shamefacedness and sobriety (I Tim. 2:9,
10). Wearing immodest clothing can
be a stumbling block to others by causing them to look at us with lustful eyes
(Matt. 18:6). It is a direct step
into the world that constantly tempts us by exciting the lusts, passions, and
sexual appetites of men and women (
The denominational world has always struggled to see what’s wrong with
the use of mechanical instruments of music in worship. More and more members of the church are
beginning to fall into this group of people. They listen to spiritual songs with
instruments of music at home or in the car. They attend the worship services of
their denominational friends where instruments of music are used. They do not find where the Bible
specifically condemns it.
Therefore, they ask: “What’s
wrong with it?” The answer to the
question is really quite simple.
Jesus told His disciples to go into the world and teach only what He had
commanded them to teach (Matt. 28:18-20).
If we teach only what is commanded in the New Testament about music in
worship, we can only teach individuals to sing (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). To teach anything else it to add to
God’s Word, a practice that is forbidden by God’s Word (Prov. 30:6; Rev.
22:18). The mature mind can grasp
this simple principle. The
full-grown Christian is happy to do only what the New Testament authorizes. This is what walking by faith if all
about (II Cor. 5:7).
The casinos, the lottery, betting upon all types of sports events appeals
to the carnal minds of the world.
Some Christians are also drawn to this form of “entertainment.” Members boast of the money they win and
the “good times” they have at Tunica or
Modern versions of the Bible have multiplied like rabbits since the
1970s. There are so many different
versions at the bookstores that one cannot keep up with the latest one that has
come out. Every one of the new
versions promises the same things, easier reading and easier understanding. The one that has had the greatest impact
on the church is the New International Version (NIV). If anyone speaks against the NIV, the
user will ask: “What’s wrong with
it?” The answer to that question is
simple and sobering. The NIV
contains damnable heresy, which, if believed, will condemn one’s soul to
hell. Psalm 51:5 is one of the most
plain illustrations. The verse has
David stating that he was born a sinner from birth. That is the doctrine of original
sin. How can a book that proclaims
to be the Holy Bible teach such? In
Galatians 1:8, Paul wrote: “But
though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that
which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” The mature Christian understands that
this condemnation of false teaching applies to modern versions of the Bible that
teach error as much as it does to apostles or angelic beings who teach
error.
These four examples barely touch the hem of the garment of topics to
which individuals apply the question:
“What’s wrong with it?” It
has been asked about the modern dance, children’s church, social drinking,
fellowship with denominations, denominational baptism, hand clapping in worship,
the use of women in the public worship, and on the list could go. Those who ask the question have seldom
studied the topic in light of God’s Word.
They only have their “think so’s” as their authority. They need to grow to be able to discern
the good from the evil. All must
develop to the point that we can carry out Paul’s instructions in I
Thessalonians 5:21-22. “Prove all
things; hold fast that which is good.
Abstain from all appearance of evil.”
