"Let All Things Be Done For Edification"

      Some years ago I put a little poster up at the building. It was very simple, almost childish, and I was teased a little about it.

We can't spell CH_RCH without U!

We can't spell _NITY without U!

We can't spell S_NDAY without U!

To my surprise, this simple illustration had an impact on two of our members. They talked about it for weeks and (gasp) their attendance improved! One of the most important laws of teaching is to start where the student is. Jesus illustrates in John 4 with the lady at the well by beginning with the water she has come for and with Andrew and Peter, "Come and I will make you fishers of men", Mark 1:16-18.

      I Corinthians 8:1b says, "Knowledge makes arrogant but love edifies." Let us carry this principle over to singing. Singing is, after all, a form of teaching. Have you been in an assembly when "Jesus Loves Me" was sung? Frequently this is done so that small children can sing and understand. There might be a temptation to criticize this song as being too simple, below our dignity as serious Bible Students. Let's look at the messages conveyed by the words.

Ø  Jesus loves me.

Ø  The Bible is our source of authority.

Ø  Jesus is strong.

Ø  Jesus' sacrifice makes heaven possible.

Ø  Jesus is the source of forgiveness of sin.

Ø  My appeal to the Lord is for cleansing.

Ø  A declaration that I will live for Him.

      I guess "Jesus Loves Me" is not so simple after all. Worshippers vary widely in ability, as well as knowledge. Can you remember when Jesus' crucifixion was a brand new concept to you? In a healthy church, there are new learners and baby Christians. As long as a song is scriptural, does it really matter if the concepts in it are simple or complex, basic or advanced? What would love demand? Let me emphasize, the words MUST be scriptural; if there is doubt, the song leader should skip a verse or explain and clarify. Let us close with Philippians 2:3-4, "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others."

      Isn't the edification of everyone important?                                                                                             q

Joan Rieber
Member, Church of Christ at Mineral Springs, NC