[228 words]
Abraham Lincoln understood that while he was in charge of a democracy, his office wasn’t one. Once at the end of a disagreement with his cabinet, he announced the vote, “Seven nays, one aye; the ayes have it.” He was the one aye and that was all that mattered.
Some folks have got to thinking that the church is a democracy, that each person can have their say and their way. That in the end decisions should be based on what the majority wants. That its practices can be voted on and modified at the whims of its members.
But the Church isn’t a democracy, it is a kingdom. And you are not the King!
He (Jesus Christ) is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything (Colossians 1:18).
Jesus was the King from the beginning. It is his body. He is in first place. He rules. When it comes to his church what he says goes. No poll will replace his word. No vote will override his commands. No election will move him off the throne.
He is always the majority when it comes to what said and what is done in his church. You may have your vote but it won’t matter over his.
Barry Haynes
Hope church of Christ
Hope, AR