Meddle Not With Them That Are Given To Change
Proverbs 21:24
M.H. Reynolds, Jr.,
FOUNDATION Magazine, 1982
Fundamental Evangelistic Association
P.O. Box 6278
Los Osos, California 93412 U.S.A.
FUNDAMENTALISTS ARE OFTEN wrongfully accused of being opposed to any kind of change. We are
continually referred to as those who cling to antiquated, puritanical, Victorian standards
and who refuse to recognize we are living in the 20th Century. The fact of the matter is
that genuine fundamentalists do recognize that we are in the 20th Century which looks more
and more like it fits the description given in the Scriptures of the "last
days." True fundamentalists do thank God for many of the changes which have taken
place in transportation, communication and other fields where technology has done so much
to aid in spreading the Gospel message far and wide
But there are a number of areas in which some very
disturbing changes have been and are taking place. In many cases these changes, while
receiving the approval of men, directly contradict the eternal Word of God. Many are going
along with the false philosophy of the world that change is inevitable; that it is always
beneficial; and that to resist change is to resist progress and become a "disturber
of the peace."
It is true that many religious leaders and institutions
appear to be thriving on "change" as they set aside Scriptural standards and
adopt the ways of the world in their principles and programs. But God's command to His own
is "not to meddle with those who are given to change." The word meddle means
"to become involved with." God's order is not to become involved with those who
are "given to change"-- those who are easily moved away from the "more sure
foundation." This is another reason why it is important to separate from
"brethren who walk disorderly." God warns that "evil communications
[fellowships] corrupt good manners [godly living]" (1 Cor. 15:33). Whenever
God’s orders are disobeyed, the end result is disaster, no matter how promising the
initial results may appear to be. Some of the disturbing changes which are taking place in
the lives and ministries of many Christian leaders and organizations are (1) a changed
attitude in work and worship, one of irreverence, lightness and frivolity; an increasing
emphasis on "clowns" to amuse rather than "crowns" to be won: (2) a
changed attitude toward the importance of sound doctrine where fellowship becomes
paramount and correct doctrine takes a back seat; (3) a changed position in theological
matters, one which may be described as "flexible" rather than "fixed"
-- with such a flexible position, further changes come thick and fast; (4) a changed
emphasis in ministry, one which endeavors to "build bridges" into the camp of
the enemy rather than to "build walls" to protect the sheep from the wolves; (5)
a changed scale of values which extols quantity rather than quality. Following this
policy, some very impressive programs, lacking a solid, biblical foundation will
inevitably be "blown about with every wind of doctrine," leaving the door open
for even further and more drastic changes in the future.
Why are such changes disturbing to us as fundamentalists?
Because we can already see some of the tragic results of such changes. There is plenty of
religious activity but not much real spiritual fruit. Churches grow in size numerically
but decline in power spiritually. More Christians become "earth bound" in their
thinking and living rather than "looking up" and living daily as citizens of
heaven. So many believers have developed a consuming desire for health and prosperity now
that there are only a precious few left who are willing to "suffer without the
gate" and to wait patiently and rejoicingly for the return of the Saviour and for the
redemption of their bodies.
As fundamentalists we are thankful that God never changes
nor can His promises be broken. In days of spiritual and moral confusion, we are thankful
that God has given us His eternal, inspired, infallible, inerrant Word as a complete and
sure foundation which can never be shaken. By God's grace, we refuse to accept any
"change" as good when such change contradicts or nullifies the Word of God. God
tells His children to "stand fast" -- to be "steadfast and immovable."
May God help us to obey His Word and do His will, disregarding the ridicule of those who
are themselves being swept into the whirlpool of confusion by the "change is
good" syndrome. We need to be rooted and grounded, not blown about with every wind of
doctrine that comes along.
-M. H. Reynolds, Jr., Foundation 1982
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