Right Or Wrong

RIGHT OR WRONG

     Twice in the book of Judges are these words… “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”

Judges 17:6 & Judges 21:25

One would think that once Israel had a king that things would get better.  After all, if having no king meant that everyone was doing what was right in his own eyes then everyone would do what was right after a king was crowned.  But as we know they didn’t.

Throughout the history of the world there have always been those who would do the right thing regardless of who their leaders were.  On the other hand, there are those who will “do what is right in their own eyes” no matter who is leading.  Leaders can only set guidelines for those they lead.  They cannot make people conform.

The church is no different.  Elders are the prime leaders of the church.  They can and should lead the church in areas of the work and service.  They are shepherds.  I Peter 5:2 “Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly.”  But elders can’t make people conform.  Thankfully, there are many who willfully submit to the leadership the elders provide.  Sadly there are many who still “do what is right in their own eyes.”

The church is admonished to submit to the elders leadership when it is in keeping with the will of God.  Hebrews 13:17 “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account.  Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.”

Israel had some good kings and some bad kings, but the people had to decide for themselves to do right or wrong.  And so it is in the church.  No matter who the elders are, we are going to give account to God for our own actions...right or wrong.