In this post I would like to share some things I am thinking regarding how we often lock ourselves into ways of doing things which either hinder growth or prevent it entirely.
Consider that portion of the 'Sermon on the Mount' in which Jesus addresses giving, praying and fasting (Matthew 6:1-18). In each of these sections, the Greek grammar leads us to conclude that Jesus expects His disciples to engage in these disciplines.
A necessary question arises: why did Jesus choose to highlight these three particular practices. The answer is given by the Lord in the text itself. In each case Jesus urges His disciples that when they engage in the particular practice being discussed, that they refrain from acting in certain ways which are the marks of the 'hypocrite'. Each of the practices, giving, praying and fasting, were used by the self-righteous as a means to show off their piety. They announced their giving with trumpets; they prayed loudly and repetitively on the street corners; they moped around publicly when they fasted. They took something God designed for the healthy growth of His followers and twisted it; yet because they were doing the action, they considered themselves 'mature'.
Jesus draws His disciples back to the principles of these activities, reclaiming their power to strengthen a person's spiritual life. We find many things in the life of the Church which seem good on the surface, but because we are only concerned with keeping the pattern or structure of the action, we miss its purpose and its power.
An example from my own experience comes from a time when I changed the format of the Lord's Table. I wanted people to see that it is the participation of faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus, as symbolized in the bread and cup which is the important matter. On this particular Sunday, I put out a simple card table, poured the juice into Dixie cups and used plain crackers. Before the service had even begun, one person walked out in 'protest'. I wonder how many who remained felt the same urge. I am glad he left to be honest, because it showed that he was more concerned with the external pattern rather than understanding the principle behind it.
Another area where I have heard complaint from one believer towards another is in their all important Sunday morning attendance. I have ministered to people who faithfully attended a mid-week prayer or study groups but had spotty attendance on Sunday. The 'pious' mutter and wonder where these people are. It doesn't matter how many other days the 'offender' was engaged in the life of the church, it only matters that the pattern of Sunday worship be slavishly upheld.
The principle of the Word of God is given in Hebrews 10:24-25: "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (ESV). The principle is a commitment to regular, ongoing fellowship with the family of God. Specifically when this takes place is largely irrelevant. The majority of Christendom has elected to meet on Sunday morning, but let them not despise or criticize those who choose to gather at other days and times.
When we lock ourselves into patterns and structures, we risk stagnation in our spiritual life and the life of our churches. Jesus warned those who had such a restricted view that the 'new wine' would rupture the 'old wine skins' and neither would be of any profit. If you are reading this and you are content with a specific way of doing things, then I urge us, so long as you recognize the heart behind the habit, keep at it. But if you are 'set in your ways' thinking they are the only right ways, please hear a gentle warning- your old wine skin is about to rupture.
We must recognize that the Holy Spirit leads us to live out the Faith in a variety of ways. So long as we are not violating the principles which God has established, let us celebrate the diversity of life in the Body of Christ.
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