My Tattoo of Jesus

Ugly tattoos are everywhere. Some of the ugliness is because of body changes, but much of it is just poor workmanship and a lack of technology. Yet, there are tattoos which are truly works of art. Current technology and an influx of talented artists into the tattooing industry have revolutionized tattooing and helped to “beautify” the images. In previous generations, tattooing was predominantly limited to pagan religions, superstition, memorials, masculinity, brotherhood associations, gangs, marks of punishment, or marks of slavery. The industry had an obvious lack of female clientele. Its image was negative and most people chose to avoid association with it. Today, with the improved application of tattoos and the ability to make “pretty” tattoos, women and young people have entered the tattoo market in great numbers. Additionally, the arrival of “permanent makeup”, (the ability to apply tattooing which looks like makeup, but without the need to apply ever again) has piqued the interest of women. This has aided in changing the image of the industry. Yes, folks are still tattooed for most of the reasons previously mentioned, but cosmetology can be certainly added to the list. The ugly tattoo is not being created as frequently as before.

Christ has invited every man and woman of all races to His kingdom. Some of these people grew up in religious families, some grew up in Christian families, and others had no religious direction at all before coming to Christ. Increasingly, people with tattoos are being seen more and more in the Church. Many of these came to the Church after getting “inked”, but a growing number are getting “inked” as Christians. Some Christians decry the action, others accept it, however, a great many are not certain what to think about the recent trends. 2 Peter 1:3 is the beginning point for all those who believe in the inspiration of the Bible. That verse establishes that through true knowledge of God man has been granted everything necessary for his physical and spiritual life. This means, Christians who are not certain tattooing is acceptable, can come to an understanding of their questions by examining what God has to say in scripture. To be clear, everything in life is either approved under the general or specific authority of God; or it is disapproved. There is not a single function of man that cannot placed in the categories of approved or disapproved.

At the center of the tattooing issue is culture. The Bible never mandates principles which are only applicable locally. The principles which the Bible teaches are eternal and universal in scope. They are applicable to all men everywhere. Foot washing, the holy kiss, and the symbol of authority upon a woman’s head are often used as examples of cultural issues by critics opposing the belief that the Bible does not teach cultural principles. Yet, foot washing as used by Jesus was done so only to illustrate the eternal principle of servanthood for all people. The holy kiss was discussed by Paul as instruction on the eternal principle of purity for all people. The covering of a woman’s head was discussed by Paul as an eternal principle of submitting to God’s authority applicable to all mankind. There are other issues of this kind that are raised, but all are eternal principles, not cultural ones. The apostle Paul who spoke the inspired words of God which we have in scripture, established he taught all of the counsel of God, and he did it everywhere in every Church. Paul makes the following statements about his teaching:

Acts 20:27 – For I shrank not from declaring unto you the whole counsel of God.

1 Corinthians 4:17 – For this cause have I sent unto you Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, who shall put you in remembrance of my ways which are in Christ, even as I teach everywhere in every church.

It must be clear then, by using the whole counsel of God, man having complete access to all that is necessary for life and Godliness, can without a doubt, determine what God authorizes regarding tattoos. It must further be understood the principles uncovered will not be culturally (locally) applicable, but universally mandated.

For many of those who are opposed to tattoos in the religious world, the typical verse which is used to voice their objection is Leviticus 19:28. The context of the verse is the Law of Moses. This law was a covenant for only the Israelites. The portion being discussed was admonition against following the practices of the pagans. In this specific verse, cutting the flesh and marking the body were the topic of concern. Both of these were deeply tied to the pagan way of life. Notably, the mutilation of the flesh and tattooing is still a practice of many pagan god worshippers still. What must be reemphasized here is: the Law of Moses was for only the Israelites and Christians today are not under that law. Christ fulfilled the Law of Moses and it was nailed to the cross (Colossians 2:13-15).

While man is not under that Law of Moses today, is there anything that can be observed about God from the Leviticus passage in regard to tattooing? Recall, God’s nature is unchanging, his principles eternal (Malachi 3:6, Hebrews 1:12, Hebrews 13:8, Isaiah 40:8). Additionally, the things which were written in scripture were done so by God for the learning of all mankind (Romans 15:4, I Corinthians 10:11). Knowing this, in the context of Leviticus 19:28, there is an eternal principle which stands out.

The principle observed from Moses’ sharing the Word of God to the Israelites is: God does not want his people be associated with the practices of sinful people. This is a theme present throughout the Old Testament and most notably, the New Testament.

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 – Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

2 Corinthians 6:14-17 – Be not unequally yoked with unbelievers: for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? or what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what portion hath a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement hath a temple of God with idols? for we are a temple of the living God; even as God said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore Come ye out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, And touch no unclean thing; And I will receive you,

Ephesians 4:17 – This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,

Colossians 3:2 – Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

1 Thessalonians 4:7 – For God called us not for uncleanness, but in sanctification.

While the image of the tattoo industry has changed to a degree, no one should think it is viewed as a wholesome atmosphere. The same individual putting a tattoo of Minnie mouse on someone’s wrist is putting the image of a naked person, curse words, false religious symbols, and further atrocities on the bodies of others. A simple search on Google using the search term “tattoo” will result in numerous immodest pictures as well as immoral themes (and that is only on the first page of search responses). How about turning to Wickipedia for a history on tattoos? You will be met with the picture of a tattooed naked woman. Maybe you should visit a tattoo parlor to see “cosmetic body art”. You will be likely faced with books of pictures of immodest tattoos and/or walls with the same posted all over them. To find such a place, the best bet is usually the seedy part of town. Feel free to send your young teenage daughter with her girlfriends. They are likely to encounter individuals for whom the thought of Christianity is far from their minds.

Demographically according to the article “Ink Me Stud” (http://adage.com/article/american-demographics/ink-stud/43779/) in America 10% of people have or have had tattoos. Not exactly as main stream as people are made to believe. Consider these other statements from the article which presents the statistical data from the research company Harris Interactive:

“…lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered Americans are twice as likely as the average American to be tattooed…”.

“Fifty-seven percent of Americans age 65 and older describe visible tattoos or body piercings as “freakish,”

“Eighty-five percent agree with the statement, “people who have visible tattoos or body piercings should realize that this form of self-expression is likely to create obstacles in their career or personal relationships.”

It is quite clear, even among typical American citizens; tattoos are not widely seen in a positive light. Among the Christian population the numbers are certainly not any better. For a people who are a possession of God, according to the first Biblical principle examined, in regard to being associated with sinfulness, it seems apparent that a Christian should not get “inked”.

Setting aside the Leviticus passage and taking a wider view at scripture, a second principle presented by the Bible is the principle of Christian Purity. Paul encourages the Philippian Christians to think on things true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of a good report, virtuous and praise worthy (Philippians 4:8). Tattooing does not have this image. It is practically impossible to approach getting tattooed without running into a plethora of immodest images and themes. Furthermore, where are you going to get the tattoo? To be modest, most regions your clothes cover would be unacceptable. Yet the back, breasts, stomach, and thighs are typical areas exposed to tattooing. One of the biggest fads in tattooing at the moment is for women to get the small of their back tattooed. While wearing shirts and pants that expose their midriff they tattoo can then be seen. Some believe this to be so cute and “sexy”. Consider the name for such a tattooing. It is referred to as the “Tramp Stamp”. How cute does that seem to a Christian now? Is this a vision of purity and wholesomeness?

A third principle the Bible presents which Christians must consider relates to personal influence. I Corinthians 8:9-13 discusses practices which if engaged in are likely to cause someone weaker in their Christianity to stumble. As a Christian, an individual may be able to walk into a place which has a negative connotation, widely sinful clientele, and an impure atmosphere and somehow not sin. However, will the people who try to walk in those footsteps be as strong? Being a stumbling block is warned against in scripture, yet being a proper example is encouraged throughout. If a person associates himself with something others view negatively, how likely is it they will be listened to in important matters? Their influence will have been tarnished. It doesn’t matter how good their tattoo of Jesus looks.

A fourth principle to be considered in regard to tattooing relates to submission. The practice of tattooing has for quite awhile has been associated with rebellion. Thus, a number of youths will flock to it. The parents don’t like it, the preacher doesn’t like it, the church doesn’t like it, therefore, let’s get it done! The idea is that the young person considers themselves wise enough to make a proper decision for their lives. Unfortunately, this is a mistaken belief. Additionally, like Adam and Eve trying to hide in the garden from God, young people also try to hide their tattoos from their parents. It is a lack of submission in opposition to Ephesians 6:1-3. When adult Christians, male or female, decide to get tattoos, they may make a statement such as “I just wanted to be a little bad”. Well, they were successful in that arena, violating many principles which God has established for them to walk in. “I don’t think it really matters”, someone might say. God points out that when men try to walk according to what they think, problems arrive at the doorstep (Proverbs 14:12). God doesn’t want man to be “a little bad”. He wants them holy. Yet, they refuse to submit.

A final principle which the Bible presents applicable to tattooing is: good stewardship. The Bible presents different passages discussing stewardship including a fine parable on the topic in Matthew 25. Consider the cost of getting a tattoo. Typically, the prices will range from $75-150 an hour and up. Also quite typically, a number of these “works of art” will take multiple sessions to finish. Pretty good chunk of change, but it is permanent correct? Unfortunately, according to the website for “Just Tattoo Removal” franchises here are the statistics:

“In the year 2000 over 40 million people had a Tattoo. In 2002 it was stated 1 in 8 people had a Tattoo. 50% of these people want it removed, according to American Society of Dermatological Surgery.”

Guess, what? To have a tattoo removed according to the same website costs $100 to $1000+ a treatment and typically at least 6 treatments are needed. Be aware even with treatment, not all tattoos go away, though they can be faded greatly. Sound like a good investment? Sound like good stewardship? It is certainly something the individual must consider before getting a tattoo.

Other articles will likely present principles such as the body being the temple of God and point out an individual should not defile it. Five eternal Biblical principles have been provided in this article and that is enough. Principles of association, submission, purity, influence, and good stewardship give a clear Biblical approach to tattooing. Rather than focus on any further Biblical principles that might be applicable, as final consideration for those thinking about a tattoo, contemplate the regret factor. As noted, a huge percentage of people want tattoos removed. They regret them. They may regret them for the look. Perhaps a tattoo is regretted for the shame and stigma that has come with it. Maybe the individual looks back and sees the tattoo as rebellion for which they do not want to be known. Perhaps it was just a foolish mistake for a man to get his first girlfriend’s name tattooed on his chest, but now that she is gone, he regrets it. Maybe it was cute to get Sylvester the cat tattooed on the ankle when a teenager, but as a mature business person or grandma, it’s a bit embarrassing. As someone who has made many mistakes in his life, it is this author’s plea to you, do not do something you will likely regret. This is advice for which you can make good whether a Christian or not.

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Should I Marry Her?

Should I marry her?  This is a question that stretches beyond your lifetime.

Ah, boy meets girl. It’s instant chemistry. She’s cute, he’s funny, and both of them like the ocean. He’s not like the other boys. She isn’t bossy. After multiple makeout sessions and further praise by friends about how good looking they are together, marriage is proposed, accepted, and accomplished. This story is like a great many that occur every single day. Unfortunately, the two of them aren’t as similar as they thought. They based their relationship on the physical rather than enduring principles of value and belief. Constant friction often results. Divorce may occur. The most frequent outcome is children who grow up with conflicting sets of values and end up confused in regard to the type of person they should be. Such poorly conceived relationships as this have been occurring since early in man’s history.

In scripture, there is a term “sons of God”. It is used eleven times in scripture. Six of those occurrences are within the New Testament. Of those six occurrences in the New Testament, the reference is 100% in reference to man (John 1:12, Romans 8:14, Romans 8:19, Philippians 2:15, I John 3:1, 2). The understanding given by those texts is that sons of God are men who walk in obedience to God. They are blameless followers of Christ. Not coincidently, the phrase “children of God” is used 9 times in the Bible (all New Testament) and only refers to faithful man. In the Old Testament, the five verses using the term “sons of God” are found in Genesis 6 and Job 1, 2, and 38. There is an inclination by the majority of commentators to refer to these “sons of God” as angels, though according to Hebrews 1:5 no angel has ever been called a son of God. Angels being sons of God would be in direct contrast to every New Testament reference, so it bears a brief, but closer look. Job 1:6 and 2:1 discuss the “sons of God” coming together. Some suggest this is a heavenly scene, but Satan is not a being who is in heaven. Satan had long been cast upon the earth. The reference in both Job passages is to the gathering of faithful followers of God upon the earth. Would it be any shock to know that Satan would gather around these to see whom he could devour (I Peter 5:8)? The other reference to “sons of God” is in Job 38:7. Because the context is the creation, it is hard to reconcile this to mean man. However, it is also not conclusive that this term could be angels for it could very well be discussing the creations of God, his newborn worlds. In context and hand in hand with Hebrews 1:5, this is most likely. This leaves only the Genesis 6 references for examination. It is these passages that will be the focus for the remainder of this article.

Genesis 6 has as its context mankind’s devolution into sinfulness. How is sin allowed to corrupt mankind anyway? The answer is: Sin is tolerated. When it is tolerated, it is replicated. When it is replicated, holiness is desecrated. This is why in I Corinthians 5:6-7, Paul encourages the Corinthian Church to cast out the leaven (sin), so they would not all be ruined. Looking back to Genesis 6:1-2, man was multiplying on the earth. The sons of God (faithful men) saw the daughters of men who were beautiful and they married. Yes, this could have very easily been written the daughters of God saw sons of men who were handsome and they married. The point to be taken is the lineage. One group was of God the other of man. According to Romans 9:8, “…They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God…” “Daughters of men” is a reference to those who were not faithful to God, those who were of fleshly deeds (sin). Faithful people were marrying unfaithful people because they were attracted to one another. The result was what Paul warned about. Sin corrupted the family. This is why there are passages such as I Corinthians 7:39 and 2 Corinthians 6:14 encouraging only marriage by the faithful to the faithful. This is why there are numerous references in the old testament for Israel not to marry foreign women (because they worshipped false gods – Deuteronomy 7:1-4, I kings 11:1-4, Ezra 9:1-4). Yet, this denounced behavior is what frequently occurs today, when people rashly marry. In Genesis 6:3, God limits the duration of man’s years, because of the sinfulness they were replicating through intermarrying of the faithful and unfaithful.

In Genesis 6:4-5, in some Bible translations there is the term “Nephilim” used. Others use the term giants. This word is very important to examine, for along with “sons of God” it is widely misinterpreted. Some have said the Nephilim are evil angels, others aliens, and others even more fantastical imaginations. The term Nephilim is the Hebrew word H5303 (Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Dictionaries). It is used only in Genesis 6:4 and Numbers 13:33. It means bully or tyrant and some translators have also suggested it means giant. The root of the word is H5307 and means to fall, fail, lost, inferior, perish, rot. Notice the root says nothing about giants. One more Hebrew word: The phrase “mighty men” (H1368) means what you think it does, but it also can mean tyrant. In context, tyrant is the likely meaning. Thus, what Genesis 6:4 is saying could be seen as the following: “In those days, corrupt bullies were on the earth. These resulted from faithful people marrying sinful people.” Thus, in verses 5-6, God is disappointed that he created man for they had become a terrible, sinful, and harmful group originating from the perpetuation of sin in unauthorized marriages.

In further consideration that the above is a proper understanding considering the context and grammar used, Numbers 13:33 must be examined as well. The context of Numbers is the Israel coming to the land of Canaan and sending in spies. There they see Nephilim and sons of Anak. Previously it has been seen that Nephilim are or could be sinful tyrants. The sons of Anak literally were giants, huge men of that land. Is it not likely that any man, giant or not, can be corrupted by sin? Is it not further possible that a Giant could therefore be tyrants or “sons of God”? The latter part of vs. 32 states: “and all the people whom we saw in it are men of great size”. Continuing to verse 33, “There we also saw the Nephilim.” Such a construction would make no sense at all if the term Nephilim means giant. It would have the effect of saying, “We saw giants, and we also saw giants.” This set of verses further confirms the proper understanding of Nephilim as sinful bullies/tyrants and not giants, fitting properly in context with Genesis 6.

Returning to Genesis 6, proper understanding of the text can be derived. When faithful people of God marry the sinful people of the world, a frequent result is corruption. Such corruption when tolerated and repeated over and over results in desecrated purity. God did not desire this in his world and He flooded the world and started it again. Was such a result unexpected by God? No. Did it make him sad? Yes. However, through this action, he left man with an example of what happens when such occurrences are tolerated. Many would still not fully learn the lesson, but he would no longer have an excuse not to know better. Still, God had a plan of forgiveness for all of mankind’s disobedience. It would come through Jesus Christ.

Today, God has not changed. He still desires man to be pure and holy and marry only to the faithful. However, God has given instruction to those who have faltered in this regard. Paul tells the Corinthians in I Corinthians 7:12-14, to stay with their unbelieving mates. God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16). God has made marriage holy. Peter tells the wives of such a marriage (obedient of God to the disobedient) to live godly lives so that they might influence their mates. Husbands should do the same. Sadly, this won’t “fix” the problems in a marriage. All marriages are going to experience earthly distractions resulting in difficulties. However, true Christians have the tools at their disposal to get past the problems. They are willing to use the Word of God, to make things right for themselves, in the sight of God, and for the upbringing of their children. A marriage which is poorly conceived from the beginning and pays no attention to the faith of the marital partners will likely go through much frustration if it is to survive. In the interest of all parties, do not rush into marriage or choose a marriage based upon attributes which shift like the sand. Take time and make the proper considerations before you ask yourself the question, “Should I marry her?”

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Edification

One of the responsibilities of the Church is edification.  The meaning of edification is to build up.  In the context of the Church, edification involves: constructive speech and behavior by Christian disciples and leaders to spiritually strengthen the Church and those whom they interact with outside of the Church.

Romans 14:17-19 – “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.”

Edifying speech is not limited to “happy talk”.  While sharing the positive concepts of love, peace, purity, and eternal life uplift the hearer, they cannot stand without sharing the truth about sin, repentance, judgment and eternal destruction.  If a faulty foundation has been set, then that foundation must be torn down to erect a truly stable building.  Paul expressed that he shared the whole counsel of God to the Ephesians (Acts 20:27).  He also stated that what he taught he did so in every church everywhere (I Cor. 4:17).  The truth spoken in love enables edification (Eph. 4:15).  This type of speech encompasses everything from daily pleasantries to correction of sinfulness (I Thess. 5:14).  It certainly does not involve false accusation, name calling, cursing, gossip, lying, or double talk (Eph. 4:29).

Edifying behavior starts with a mind striving toward purity (Phil. 4:8).  When a congregation assembles, the behaviors they engage in should build up those gathered (I Cor. 14:23).  Their behaviors should be authorized in the Words and Deeds of Christ (Col. 3:17, I Peter 2:21-24).  When Jesus’ life is examined, it is found that all He said and all He did were what the Father commanded (John 5:30, John 12:49-50).  Christian behavior should be grounded in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and self-control (Gal. 5:22-23).  Their lives should not involve immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these (Gal. 5:19-21).

Edification is the responsibility of every Christian (Heb. 10:24).  This certainly involves sharing the gospel (Mark 16:15, 2 Tim. 2:24), caring for the fatherless and widows (James 1:27), comforting fellow Christians (I Thess. 4:13-18, 5:11), and meeting their physical needs (I Cor. 16:1-2, I John 3:17).  It should be observed that at times there is an overlap between benevolence and edification, but the result is a building up or strengthening from the actions undertaken.  Quite often edification is believed to be something Christians do for others (Eph. 5:19).  However, consider what the Christian does when he studies, listens to a taped sermon, or softly sings a hymn as he goes about his work.  That Christian edifies himself.  He strengthens himself in Christ and stirs up his mind by way of remembrance (2 Timothy 2:15, Col. 3:16, 2 Pet. 3:1).

The eldership sets the tone for edification in the Church.  They watch over and build up souls.  They do not ignore sin to achieve an appearance of unity or soundness.  If an eldership allows unauthorized practices or teaching in the Church, edification does not occur.  The kings of Israel are a good example of what happens when leadership fails to edify.  An eldership must be able to hold fast the Word that they may exhort in sound doctrine and refute those who contradict sound doctrine (Titus 1:9).  A sound eldership listens when Christians are alarmed over possible sin in a congregation.  They do not get angry, attack, call names, make false accusation, or chase the Christian off when warned of sin under their leadership. Self willed, quick-tempered, and pugnacious elders do not demonstrate edifying behavior (Titus 1:7).  Edification starts at the top following the example of Jesus.  Elders edify the Church with proper speech and behavior so that God may be glorified.

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After Thanksgiving Sale

Many phrases inspire quick responsive behavior on the part of others.  “Fire!  Run!  Help!  Dinner!  Free Television!  Incoming!  Snake!”  Right alongside these declarations “ After Thanksgiving Sale ” must reside.  Each year, prior to Thanksgiving the advertisements come pouring out.  Shopping men and women dutifully take note, writing down all the particulars or saving the printed ads.  Many literally write down a schedule of where they need to be minute by minute and what they specifically need to obtain in each location of every store.  They know the prices, shapes, sizes, and colors of their objectives.  Their priorities are established.  It is not unusual to see long lines of people waiting early in the morning hours before stores open whether it is cold, dark, or rainy.  Not only do these folks come early, they stay late!  Busy throughout the day, they are driven like no other time in their life.

Let us consider another moment – Sunday morning.  Sunday morning is a time which the Church gathers as was the example in the early Church (Acts 20:7).  At that time, they sing hymns to God (Ephesians 5:19) and partook of communion as Jesus had commanded them to remember Him (I Corinthians 11:23-26).  The Christians encouraged one another by gathering at these assemblies (Hebrews 10-25) as they also gave cheerfully a collection to further the Word of God and aid needy saints (I Corinthians 16:2).  In the midst of this gathering, Christians also received the Word of God which was able to save their souls (James 1:21).  Sunday morning truly offers great treasure!  Praising God, glorifying God in obedience, remembering the savior of mankind, aiding others and enjoying their fellowship, and partaking of spiritual nourishment to make one complete (2 Timothy 3:16-17).  My daughter used to wake up as a little girl and declare “It’s day!”  She woke prepared to get going with the day.  How energized do you feel when you hear the phrase “It’s Sunday!”?

“It’s Sunday!”  or “ After Thanksgiving Sale! ” which of these phrases brings more organization, excitement, and involvement to the Christian?  Do they plan ahead their interaction on Sunday?  Do they have their Bibles, notepads, and pens prepared?  Are their lessons done ahead of time?  Is their frame of mind prepared to glorify God or be a spectator?    Do they engage in the singing with voices bright and reverence and cheer on their faces?  When the congregation is viewed, does it appear everyone is at nap time, a funeral, bored out of their mind, disinterested?  Does the Christian come early to be with his spiritual brothers and sisters?  Does he stay late or find opportunity throughout the day to engage in the work of God rain or shine?

Dear friends where is your heart?  Are you excited day by day as the coming of Jesus grows nearer (I Peter 1:13)?  Is this what drives your behavior above all other aspects of your life?  There are many phrases which may ignite your behavior such as “ After Thanksgiving Sale, Free Summer Sausage, and  75% off “, but may “it’s Sunday, let us pray, and study with me” be among the phrases that ignite your heart, soul, strength, and mind above all things.

Psalm 122:1 – I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.

 

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Powerless Elders

Authority to oversee the Church of Christ rests in the hands of each congregation’s elders (I Peter 5:1-3, Acts 20:28, Hebrews 13:17).   This responsibility means Godly elders will never find themselves lacking something to do.  They face spiritual issues of varying impacts nearly every single day.  They are the chief stewards in charge of guiding God’s children on a heavenly walk.  Man does not present the elders with authority, God stands as the one who imparts authority to these qualified men.  Thus, the power of elders should go without contestation.  Unfortunately, many congregations claim to possess powerless elders.

Over the years the following phrase has made it to my ears from different elders in reference to the sinful behavior of their congregations: “There is nothing we can do”.  The topic at hand in each case was modesty, but the issue could be a number of different challenges.  The self proclaimed powerless elders recognized that a number of Christians exposed their bodies to an appalled assembly through immodest fashion.  In response, the elders rightly directed lessons which pointed out the sinfulness of the occurring behaviors.  However, the offending parties did not change the type of apparel with which they adorned themselves.  One elder stated, “After we have taught on the issue, they could show up naked and there is nothing more we can do.”  Christians ignoring elders doesn’t represent anything new.  Sadly, for millennia individuals identifying themselves as God’s people have disregarded messengers of God.  Some are blatantly ignoring the elders teaching, others don’t realize they are the target of the teaching.  The question that presents itself is this: “Are the powerless elders really powerless to act against sin in the Church?”

Before scripturally breaking this issue down, put yourself in the shoes of a recent mother and father witnessed at an assembly of the Church.  The preacher stood before the congregation and shared the Word of God; simultaneously, a very loud little girl was telling her parents she was not going to be quiet.  She was not going to sit down.  She wanted to do what she wanted to do.  This went on for quite some time.  The words “No” and “I am not going to” were pretty frequent.  What was the response from the parents?  They continued to quietly ask the girl to stop while she shouted them down.  Evidently there were powerless parents present.  What could they have done in response to such defiant disrespectful behavior?  Were they truly powerless?  Proverbs 13:24, 23:13, 29:15 suggest a good source of power – put a rod to that child’s backside.  As long as parents simply wag the tongue, try to appease, or plead with the child; the child will do what it wishes.  There is no difference between that child and her parents and sinful Christians with weak, fearful elders.

When I hear elders say they have no power, I wonder if they read the same inspired scriptures others read.  Do they not recall Paul’s words to the Corinthians in I Corinthians 5 including: “Put away the wicked man from among yourselves.”? Woah! There Kemo Sabe!  You don’t just go charging into a crowd with guns a blazin’!  This is absolutely true.  This jump is to the ultimate exercise of power which elders can utilize to illustrate there is no such thing as powerless elders.  Elders can proceed with authority in many directions.  Beforehand they have a responsibility to approach the individual directly in regard to the sinfulness of immodesty in hopes of correcting the behavior (I Thessalonians 5:11-14, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Timothy 4:1-2).  If they chose to do so they could literally post a dress code for the congregation.  This puts the expectation before the congregation posted and in writing (with pictures if necessary) so there is no excuse.  Elders, solutions to all problems exist and the Bible contains all the answer you need (2 Peter 1:2-4).

A congregation understanding they have authorized, powerful, loving elders who are not afraid to use the rod will have a high degree of conformity.  They will hear the voice of the Shepherd and they will follow.  If they do not conform, the elders have the authority of God to discipline.  Therefore, elders remember “Quit ye like men, be strong”, “If God is for us, who is against us?” Standing before God there are no powerless elders.

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