The Legalist: "Lord, I was so law abiding that I even wrote in some laws
you forgot to legislate. I did not allow kitchens in church buildings, forbade
churches to have a minister, and condemned Sunday school classes".

      Verdict from the throne: "In vain they worship me, teaching for doctrines
the commandments of men."

      The Liberal: "Lord, I was so kind and tolerant that I did not condemn other
doctrines. I preached that one church is as good as another. I even taught
that one church is as good as another. I even taught that one plan of salvation
is as good as another, that all who say to you "Lord, Lord, come into my heart"
do enter the kingdom the same as those who are baptized. I was a great promoter
of unity, with everything and everybody.

     Verdict from the throne: "While they promise them liberty, they themselves
are servants of corruption..." "I never knew you. Depart from me, you who
practice lawlessness."

      Biblical Christian: "I was baptized in Jesus' name for the remission of my
sins and continued through the years to worship and serve in the kingdom as best
I could understand your will. I refused to add laws beyond what is written and
I refused to subtract laws that are written. I am imperfect and mistake prone.
I rely on your grace."

     Verdict from the throne: "Well done good and faithful servant. Enter into
the joys of the Lord."

                                       -Selected-

      I read the exchange above some time ago in a publication that came to the
church office and thought that it was worth commenting on. It paints the picture
of the overzealous legalist who thinks that God needs him/her to finish writing
His law as well as the ultra accepting liberal who won't take a Godly stand on
anything for fear of offending anyone in anyway. It is amazing to me how easy it
is for many of us to drift into one of those two extremes when the last position
is the simplest and most freeing. It acknowledges our own imperfection while
endeavoring to not go beyond what is written (Luke 18:13-14; 1 Co 4:6).

      Either of the extreme positions displayed are deadly for Christians to
adopt. It is my hope and prayer that we would all set our minds on staying
centered on biblical positions while avoiding the extremes of the two positions
listed. Being too strict is not a good thing. Being too permissive is equally
bad. Avoid being a legalist. Avoid being a liberal. Endeavor to be biblical in
all things and at all times!

Bro Eli