(There are two articles on this page)
Legal But Not Moral
by Joe R. Price
Morality did not originate with humans, nor is morality determined by our laws. If everything legal is necessarily moral, then man defines morality rather than God. Maybe that is why we hear people reply, when challenged about some immorality, “There’s not a problem, after all, it’s legal!” They think man is the measure of all things.
It is nothing new for people to decide for themselves what is right and wrong instead of accepting God’s standard of right and wrong. When there is no fear of God in the heart, people do what is right in their own eyes, often legalizing their sin to remove its sting (Judges 21:25).
Ending a marriage for causes other than fornication is legal, but still immoral. Jesus said the man who puts away his wife “for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery” (Matthew 5:32). Moral responsibility and accountability is placed on the person who ends a marriage for reasons other than the cause of fornication (see Matthew 19:6). Just because man’s court says such is legal does not make it moral.
Ditto, same-sex marriage. The Supreme Court has made its pronouncements that same-sex marriage is legal in America, but that does not change its immorality one iota. Homosexuality is fornication, even though it is legal. Marriage between two people of the same gender continues to defile the marriage bed of honor – the laws of men notwithstanding (Hebrews 13:4; I Corinthians 6:9-10).
Consuming alcohol is legal, but still immoral. While the laws of men measure the legality of drinking alcohol in a number of ways (by age, public intoxication, DUI, etc.), the Scriptures do not. Whether a little or a lot, the consumption of alcohol is described as sin by the word of God (I Peter 4:3; Proverbs 20:1; 23:29-35; Galatians 5:21).
Public nudity is legal in some places, but still immoral. In Times Square naked women (called desnudas, Spanish for naked), covered with body paint, panhandle for tips from photo-taking tourists. It is evidently a thorny legal issue in NYC: “Civil rights lawyers argue the women are bare-breasted panhandlers, and so they are protected, first by two state high-court rulings that made it legal to go topless and to panhandle, and then by the free-speech clauses in the state and federal constitutions” (Topless in Times Square: A Legal View, NY Times, James C. McKinley, Jr., August 20, 2015). “It’s their argument that they are artists, or street entertainers, and not just someone hanging around half-naked,” said Larry Bryne, the deputy police commissioner for legal matters. “As long as they are performers exercising their First Amendment rights in a lawful way, it’s not a criminal law-enforcement issue that we can address” (Ibid). Calling sin one’s “right” and “art” does not purify its moral filth (Ephesians 5:11-12).
Sinners will always legalize and defend sin. Let us remain vigilant, lest we join the world in such worldly wisdom. Christians must abstain from immorality in all its forms (I Thessalonians 5:21-22).
The Spirit’s Sword, August 30, 2015Some Things To Consider Regarding Worship
by Glendol McClure
We are commanded to worship according to the divine will of the Lord (Colossians 3:17; Acts 17:16-31). Worship that is displeasing to God includes: 1) “vain worship” (Matthew 15:7-9); 2) “ignorant worship” (Acts 17:22-23; Romans 10:1-4); and, 3) “will worship” (Colossians 2:20-23; Matthew 7:21-23). God demands, “in spirit and in truth” worship (John 4:23-24). But, what are some things we should consider in order to benefit most from our worship to God? Please consider these points:
(1) PREPARE YOUR MIND through prayer before coming to the place of worship! Christians are commanded to “pray without ceasing” (I Thessalonians 5:17). It would be well to pray for the preacher, teachers, song leaders and all who lead us in worship. We should pray that all saints be edified, that sinners be smitten in heart resulting in obedience to the gospel of Christ (Colossians 4:2-4; Romans 10:1). We should pray that erring brethren repent; that the truth be boldly spoken and received by those with an “honest and good heart” (Luke 8:15; Ephesians 6:18-20). Pray at home BEFORE the assembly!
(2) PREPARE BIBLE LESSONS BEFOREHAND! Christians are commanded to study (II Timothy 2:15; I Timothy 4:13-16). This means doing some homework regarding Bible study! We don’t think it strange to do homework for school, college classes or other interests. Why do some think it strange when asked to do extra study to teach a Bible class, prepare a lesson or to fill in when the preacher is sick or out of town?
(3) BE PRESENT AT EVERY opportunity to study the Bible! We are commanded to not forsake “the assembling of the saints” (Hebrews 10:25). Saints of the first century were involved in daily study of the scriptures (Acts 2:41-47; 17:11; 20:5-7). We should be present for gospel meetings, regularly scheduled worship services, Bible Study classes and necessary meetings of the congregation we are joined to.
(4) BE ON TIME for the Bible Study and Worship assembly! Promptness is expected and practiced in worldly matters, why not for worship? We need to be on time so that we can greet visitors and other members. Being on time shows respect for the occasion, whereas tardiness indicates lack of proper preparation and disrespect (Matthew 25:1-13).
(5) ASSEMBLE TO BE EDIFIED AND TO ENCOURAGE OTHERS in the “most holy faith” (Ephesians 4:1-16; Hebrews 10:24)! We must take an active role in worship. Open your Bible, open your song book, and open your heart and ears and make proper application (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16; James 1:21; II Corinthians 13:5-6).
(6) WEAR APPROPRIATE ATTIRE for worship! Remember, we are worshiping God, in His house! Our outward adornment should reflect a meek, humble, respectful and pure heart (I Peter 3:3-6; I Timothy 2:9-10; Titus 2:1-8). Let our attire reflect the serious nature of worshiping God!
Conclusion: Never forget that we are worshiping the Creator of all things we see; the Father of all and the giver of “every good gift and every perfect gift” (James 1:17). Never take lightly the serious nature of the occasion when making preparation to worship the true and living God. I encourage you to strive to make proper preparation, to be present at the appointed time and place to worship, and thereby “serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear” (Hebrews 12:28). Let us always be mindful that “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24).