One of the young people here is always asking me, "Why?" Children have an endless supply of "why." When I might tell him he ought not do a certain thing, he will invariably ask, "why?" "Because you might get hurt," or "because it is time to go..." Then, he asks "why" again. So another round of explanations follows. After a few rounds of this activity, we become quite frustrated.
Finally, I resort to the old familiar refrain, "Because I said so!" While there are times when our children deserve or need some explanations, they must be taught that when they are told to do something, they need to obey, rather than question.
The same is true in religion. People are constantly asking "why" they must do what God commands them. When God commands us to do some type of action, that in itself should be enough reason for us to obey Him! Paul makes the statement in Acts 5:29, "We ought to obey God rather than man." Man might tell us the wrong thing to do, GOD CANNOT!
Let us consider a few "whys" men have raised. "WHY IS BAPTISM ESSENTIAL TO MY SALVATION?" For some reason man finds great difficulty in obeying this command. Yet, when you look at the conversion of the eunuch in Acts 8:30-39, "See here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized." He saw the need to be immersed, after one sermon! We could look at other conversions in Acts, and the only conclusion that we could draw is, GOD COMMANDED IT! (Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:21) Why did He choose baptism instead of another method? God did not tell me why!
"WHY DO I HAVE TO ATTEND ALL SERVICES OF THE CHURCH?" The sad thing about this question, it's mainly asked by members of the Lord's church! We could state many reasons to "meet with the saints:" strength, encouragement, the "provoking of one another unto love and good works." Hebrews 10:24; Yet, the best reason I could give is,God commanded it! (Hebrews 10:25). If I truly love God, (John 14:15), I will be with His children worshipping Him and studying from His word? If He is FIRST in my life, I will be at both Sunday morning and evening services and Wednesday's Bible Study. (Matthew 6:33)
"WHY DO I HAVE TO LOVE MY ENEMIES?" If we were to only use human reasoning, when people fail to treat me nice, that ends my responsibility to be nice! However, God tells us to pray for our enemies, (Matthew 5:44,45). We also know that we cannot render "evil for evil", (1 Thessalonians 5:15). God also said to overcome evil with good, (Romans 12:21). "Why?" "Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink; for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head." (Romans 12:20). Oh the beauty of the wisdom of God!
"WHY CAN'T I USE MECHANICAL INSTRUMENTS OF MUSIC, IN WORSHIP SERVICE TO GOD?" Man has wrestled with this question for the past forty years. Yet, a close study of the subject matter shows us the answer is quite simple! (Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 5:19; 1 Corinthians 14:15; Matthew 26:30). In all these passages one thing is crystal clear, some form of the word SING is used! Now to us, it may sound more pleasant to our ears, cause more people to meet with us, if we use the instruments. However, the question you need to consider is, "are playing and singing the same?" God said nothing about playing. Enough said!!
"WHY MUST I GIVE UP DRINKING OF ALL ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES COMPLETELY?" Some even in the Lord's church would have you believe, that "social drinking" or "in moderation" are acceptable actions for Christians towards God. The scriptures plainly warns us about the evils of alcohol, (Proverbs 20:1; 23:29-35). These passages clearly show us the control it can have over us, if we allow it to do so. Christians are commanded to be "sober minded", (Titus 2:11; Titus 2:6; and 1 Peter 4:7). In other words serious minded, to be in control of our thoughts and actions! Read carefully 1 Peter 4:3,4. These actions were in the life of the "old man", and need to be put to death! (Colossians 3:5-10) One drink limits your ability to be in control to some extent. Also limits your ability to allow your light to shine (Matthew 5:13-16). How can one be sure of his actions and words, if under the influence of alcohol?
"WHY MUST MEN BE FULLY QUALIFIED TO BECOME ELDERS?" Many in the church have such a dangerous conclusion in their thinking, regarding elders of the Lord's church. Some believe if a local work does not have elders, God does not recognize them as His church! Others, believe we "ought to select the ones who are closest to the qualifications, and allow them to grow into the office." This is the answer for those who do not have men "fully qualified." Men with this thinking have forgotten about the authority of God! When we read 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9, and 1 Peter 5:1-5, the qualifications are very exact! First, he must DESIRE to be an elder. Therefore, we cannot draft someone into this office! Longevity of faithful service to the Lord has never intended to be rewarded by making one an elder by God! These men have some grave duties from God. Each will give an account of their works as elders of the local church they oversee. If men are not ready to assume this office in the local church, we need teaching to encourage them to prepare for this vital work of the church. God in His infinite wisdom has never told man to do anything halfway. God will only accept total obedience to each and every command and duty which He has given us. The church has brought upon itself many heartaches by "side-stepping" God's authority! We need elders in the Lord's church, but only GOD FEARING QUALIFIED MEN!
Let me sum up my thoughts by simply saying, God does not need to answer all my "whys!" He is the creator of the heavens and earth. He has almighty power, infinite wisdom, and is ever present before men. He made man "in His image." Whatever God has asked of me, He has a reason. Mine is not to question, but to obey? Why? "But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: there is no respect of persons." (Colossians 3:25) "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." (Hebrews10:31). Anymore questions?