How Long Is This Line?

Bobby Graham

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Would you care to guess or speculate how long this line is?  The answers would likely vary.  Some would underestimate its length, while others would overestimate it.  It is possible that a few might guess its exact length, but their answer would still be a guess in the absence of specific measurement.  Regardless of one’s sincerity, honesty, or fervor in attempting the answer, a wrong answer would still be incorrect.  It would not be made acceptable by one’s sincerity.  No answer would be either right or wrong because of who provided it; correctness does not depend upon such considerations.  The correct answer must be determined by using a standard of measurement acceptable to all.  If some reject the standard while others accept it, there will never be agreement.  Mere lip-service paid to the need for some standard or to a particular standard will not suffice.  All involved must accept the standard to the point they use it.

Would you care to guess or speculate about whether one must be baptized to be saved or when the Lord’s Supper should be eaten, or whether lying is moral?  The answers would likely vary.  Some would answer one way, while others would respond differently.  It is possible that some might answer correctly, but their answer would still be human wisdom if not based upon the teaching of God’s Word.  Regardless of one’s sincerity, honesty, or fervor, a wrong answer would still be wrong; and practice based on a wrong answer would still be unacceptable to the Lord.  No answer is right or wrong because of the person giving it; acceptance with God does not depend upon one’s person (name, identity).  The correct answer must be determined by using the only divine standard of measuring beliefs and practices—the “one faith” of Ephesians 4:4.  If some reject the standard while others embrace it, there will never be agreement or unity.  Mere lip service paid to the need for some standard or to a particular standard will not suffice.  Many pay such lip service to Jesus as their standard, but they don’t want to practice what He taught.  “And why do you call Me Lord, Lord, but do not do the things that I say” (Lk. 6:46)?  All involved must accept the standard to the point that they use it.

I Thessalonians 5:21-22– “Test all things; hold fast what is good.  Abstain from every form of evil.” 

            Via Market Street Bulletin

                            Athens, AL