The Middle of the Road May Not be So Dangerous After All
I often think of a comment made a few years ago by a friend of mine who preaches. Somehow the subject of extremes came up in the discussion. His comment was, “I try to stay in the middle of the road. The only thing wrong with that is that I keep getting run over.”
We both enjoyed a laugh over that comment, but, over the years, I’ve thought a lot about the middle of the road. Please allow me to share some of those thoughts with you — especially as it relates to those who are seeking to find a proper relationship with the Lord and/or a “church home.”
In terms of doctrine, it seems to me that one extreme would be to be viewed as judgmental and almost hateful in our dealing with religious error and immorality. The other extreme would be to be among those who never point out anything wrong in certain teachings and/or lifestyles. Should we not be seen as a people who have found the “middle road” of “…speaking the truth in love…” (Eph. 4:15)?
In terms of methodology, it seems that one extreme would be that we refuse any technological or educational advances our society has made in the past few decades. The other extreme would be to abandon biblical teaching altogether in favor of an atmosphere of “lights, camera, and action.” Would not the proper approach be that of using technology, educational methods, etc. to communicate God’s unchanging word to an
In terms of organization, one extreme would be to adopt and refuse to change the “board of directors” model of church leadership. The other extreme would be “majority rule” (or in some cases “the squeaky wheel gets the grease rule”). Would we not be much better advised to follow the example of, and seek to have the relationship of, the Good Shepherd and His approach to His sheep as depicted in John 10?
In terms of outreach, one extreme would be for us to adopt the attitude that we have the truth and that “they” know where we are if they want to learn it. The other extreme would be to get so involved in “reaching out to felt needs” that we never quite get around to teaching the lost God’s plan of salvation. Our Lord demonstrated compassion and concern for people who were hurting, hungry, lonely, etc. He also taught them how to have a relationship with Him and with His Father. We need to follow His example in this.
What about our church building, its grounds, the auditorium, classrooms, etc.? Is there not an approach somewhere between two extremes here? On the one hand, there would be those with a desire to build and maintain some sort of impressive cathedral that is designed to fill the passerby and/or the first-time visitor with awe and admiration. The other extreme would be a failure to maintain and seek to periodically improve upon the facilities we have; in short, to let what we have
Our teaching program is subject to extremes. On the one hand, Bible facts may be drilled into heads (but not hearts). The solution to this is not to merely make sure a warm body is in a classroom in order to lead discussions about current events or to read words the teacher himself or herself barely understands out of some class book. Rather, the solution seems to be to adequately equip, train, and hold teachers accountable so that the Bible becomes the focus of the classroom, with particular attention given to how to apply its timeless truths to our lives.
There are so many other areas in which I believe we need to consider trying to find and remain in the middle of the road. Maybe these few will give all of us something to consider and build on.
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AUTHOR: Jim Faughn
