BROAD  -- MINDEDNESS

     We are often accused of being narrow minded because we stand upon
the commands of the Bible without any additions or subtractions. And
yet, as we look about us, all of life is narrow and success is to be
found only by following that narrow path. Everywhere you look people
frown upon the person who is broad-minded. For example:
     There is no room for broad-mindedness in music. There can be only
8 eighth notes in a measure. The skilled director will not permit his
first violin to place even so much as an extra 32nd note. There is no
room for broad-mindedness in music.
     There is no room for broad-mindedness when we enter a garage to
have the automobile worked on. The mechanic insists that the piston
rings must fit the cylinder wall within one two-thousandths of an
inch. Even between friends there cannot be any variation, if the
engine operates smoothly.
     There is no room for broad-mindedness when in the operating room.
The surgeon cannot be broad-minded in any respect. He must follow the
rules without exception. We do not feel that the surgeon can operate
just any way that might suit him, but must follow the requirements of
proper surgery.
     These things being true, then, why should we expect broad-
mindedness to rule in the realm of religion? The musician, the
mechanic, the surgeon all have a standard to follow. But in matters of
religion, the cry is "broad-mindedness."
     God has given us His Word. It has been and shall continue to be
man's standard in religion -- man's guide from earth to heaven. We
must follow it without opinions and think-sos entering in. We do not
have the right to what "seems" best to us. Jesus demands all authority
(Matthew 28:18). We must obey Him (Hebrews 5:8-9).
    -- Jack Thompson, preacher for the White Park church of Christ.

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