But God Never Said...!

When talking to young people about areas that, at least to them, seem to be "gray areas," I often get the response, "But God never said..."  Sometimes they are right and sometimes they are wrong, but always there is an attitude reflected by this response.  This response is not limited to younger Christians, but the "young at heart" also fall into its folly.

This response is often used when speaking of attendance.  Some say, "God only commanded me to meet on the first day of the week."  We know we must meet on the first day because of the example in Acts 20:7.  However, this verse is not the only one we have regarding attendance.  Hebrews 10:25 says, "Not forsaking the assembly of ourselves together as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching."  No, this doesn't name specific days, but it does say we must not forsake the regular assembling of the saints.  Does it apply to Sunday night, Wednesday night, and gospel meetings?  Are the saints assembling?

Another area where this answer is given is concerning modesty.  Some say, "God never said my shorts must come across my knees," or, "God never said I couldn't wear spaghetti strapped tops."  These statements are true in their strictest sense, but did God have nothing to say about the subject?  I think not.  Concerning a woman's dress, Paul writes, "that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation... which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works." (1 tim. 2:9-10)  Do shorts that only come halfway down the thighs, revealing tops, "hip huggers" pants, midriff shirts, or tight fitting clothing actually reflect a person professing godliness?  Do they show a person prepared for good works?  One cannot honestly answer these questions while justifying wearing the types of things mentioned.  Guys need to make the same application to themselves concerning shorts, certain muscle shirts, and even going without a shirt.

This idea also applies to giving, Bible study, visiting our brethren, seeking the lost, and the like.  God has not necessarily given us specific orders on how much or how often, but leaves it to us to make application of the principles stated in the Bible.

Romans 12:1-2 says, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

How you deal with these issues is a direct reflection of your desire to be holy and your desire to go to Heaven!

-- Aaron Beard