LIBERAL OR CONSERVATIVE?

Some are uncomfortable with my work because they feel I'm too liberal. Others complain I am too conservative. When the workshop program becomes public, I am the recipient of both charges.

"Liberal" and "Conservative" are comparative terms. The targeted individual or decision has to be compared to a standard of some sort to make the term stick. Church leaders (including me) hand out these words like greeters hand out the Sunday bulletin....every person ought to have one.

However, to dispense such labels is anti-scriptural. The comparison factor sinks the ship. For we are not bold to class or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves; but when they measure themselves by themselves, and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding (II Cor. 10:12).

Comparing one against another is ignorant. God is so versatile He can and does use both. Comparison insinuates we all should look the same, believe the same, act the same, and like the same things; then the liberal and conservative tabs would disappear. Yet, God doesn't work from communism. He works from the lavishly creative and expansive lab of differences and assortments.

We must grow to be proud of the congregations who don't do programs the way we do. We can become enthused when a church doesn't want to use but one cup during communion, yet builds three houses for their neighbors. We will do well to praise our friends who use instrumental music while others opt to focus upon small groups which have no singing at all.

Liberal or Conservative? Celebrate the truth that everyone who reads this page is both about many things! Why am I labeled Liberal by some and Conservative by others regarding the same effort? Because I am....if one uses the unscriptural method of comparison.