by Chris Steele

February 18, 2007

When Cain decided that his fruits and vegetables were better than the lamb God had commanded, what was he thinking? When Nadab and Abihu thought within themselves to offer fire from a different source than that which God had commanded, what were they thinking? The answer shouldn’t surprise us. These men were thinking of themselves and not of God. They “did that which was right in their own eyes” (Judges 17:6).

God made it very clear that when there is a conflict between what we may want or like, and what God wants and has required, we must choose His will over our own. Jesus was God’s obedient Son and our example in all things. He said, “...nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt...thy will be done” (Matthew 26:39, 42). Jesus always emphasized this important point. “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven” Matthew 7:21).

Cain, Nadab and Abihu, and so many others throughout Bible history, learned the hard way when it came to their selfish thinking. Some men haven’t learned these lessons from history, but once again have decided among themselves to disregard God’s will and do their own thing.

As of last weekend, the largest congregation of the Lord’s church chose to do what they like rather than what God wills. They planned, announced, advertised, and spread it across the world via their website and religious newspapers, that they now offer a Saturday night worship service, complete with instrumental music, and serving the Lord’s supper. It is reported that their 17 elders fully and completely endorsed the decision (cf. Acts 20:28-31).

Why do men feel the need to change God’s explicit will and to their own condemnation? It is amazing, in deed!