Since we live in a society that is less and less concerned about right and wrong, it should not surprise us that many in the church are similarly affected. Many people call themselves "Christians," but they shy away from Bible language that specifically identifies and condemns sin. It is true that the world loves it's own Jn. 15:19), and it is very accepting of those who are its friends (Jas. 4:4), but as James says, "friendship with the world is enmity against God." One cannot always "please men" and be "the servant of Christ" at the same time (Gal. 1:10).

       The child of God has a higher standard than the world (1 Jn. 2:15-17; Rom. 12:1-2). That standard distinguishes right from wrong, and truth from error (1 John 4:6). In order to stand with God, one must not only commend that which God commends; he must also condemn that which God condemns. People, including many Christians, are so generally opposed to the later that they have devised various reasons and arguments to excuse themselves from the task. This article will address arguments that some of God's people are using to soften opposition against sin and error.

       1.Some will say, "I don't like it when some people distinguish sound churches from unsound churches." It is possible that some have not been taught regarding the scriptural use of the word "sound." The Bible does use the word, and when one applies the term in a Bible way, he has done no injustice to either God or man. The word sound simply means "healthy and safe." The word is used in Luke 15:27 where we are told that the Father had received the lost son back "safe and sound." Notice how the word is used in the following passages:

       The above passages show clearly that the teaching and practices of an individual are considered unsound when they are not in harmony with divine truth. Individuals and churches are sound when their teaching and practices are based upon the divine pattern of the gospel.

       2. Some have said things like, "You are just a traditionalist; you only do those things because others have been doing them for years." Statements like this one reflect a lack of understanding regarding the word "tradition." It is true that a "tradition" may be a practice that has been handed down without any divine authority standing behind it, but it is also true that some traditions are authorized. The word tradition simply refers to the passing down of a practice, custom or usage, from one generation to the next. The word itself neither commends nor condemns the practice under consideration. For example, Paul told the Thessalonians to "stand fast and hold the traditions which you have been taught, whether by word or our epistle" (2 Thess. 2:15). Paul even went so far as to command those brethren (by the authority of Jesus) to withdraw themselves from "every brother who walks disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received from us" (2 Thess. 3:6). In both passages, Paul is referring to scriptural traditions; thus it is true that such does exist.

       Practices like congregational singing, prayer, teaching, the Lord's supper and giving upon the first day of the week are certainly "traditional," but more importantly, they are scriptural (Acts 2:42; 20:7; Eph. 5:19; 1 Cor. 16:1-2). Wrong traditions are those which are according to the "commandments and doctrines of men" (Matt. 15:6-9). These "traditions" must be avoided, but let no one fear the practicing of apostolic revealed and approved traditions. Such traditions are approved by God (Lk. 10:16; 1 Thess. 4:8).

       3. Some say, "We shouldn't be critical of those with whom we have moral and doctrinal differences, Romans 14 takes care of that." Let it be observed that those things that are dealt with in Romans 14 were matters of indifference to God. Differing parties were neither better nor worse in the eyes of God. God had received them both (Rom. 14:3). Consider the chart below: