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Why Policies When We Have God’s Word?

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God has provided teaching in His Word about what to do in a wide variety of specific situations. Certainly we don’t need policies for that which God directly, specifically, and clearly instructs and commands. We simply need to help people learn and apply what He already said.

Yet, we face many issues in the Church not specifically addressed in Scripture, some unique to our modern world — i.e., technology, internet, phones and other mobile devices, transportation, and lots of safety concerns. Since we can’t point to a specific chapter and verse in the Bible for everything, or a command that directly relates to an issue, we might write our own policies.

Though a policy might be helpful in these situation, the policies should not be adding to Scripture but merely pulling together how Scripture bears on an issue to determine God’s best in order to protect and provide for the good of all. Though we might not always find specific commands about a particular problem or need, we will always find principles to guide us. Our policies should always reflect the truth of God’s Word, at least in principle, and not be mere man-made solutions.

A Good Practice in Policy-Making: Include Scripture references of truths used to guide the development of policies.

Reason God’s Word Should be Reflected and Promoted in Policies

To see the importance of leaning on God’s Word in policy-making, look at three truths from 2 Timothy 3:15-18 about what the Bible is able to do when it refers to the “Holy Scriptures, which are able to …” (2 Tim. 3:15). The original Greek word in this verse for “able” is dynamai from which we get our word dynamite. God’s Word powerfully works as the source of what we need to govern our lives, and hence, any policies we might develop.

1) Source of Wisdom
Policies Reflect God's Word?

Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. (2 Tim. 3:15)

If God’s Word gives us the wisdom we need for the eternal salvation of our souls, certainly it should be sufficient for the day by day functioning of our personal and church lives. — Why wouldn’t we consult God’s Word for wisdom in how to handle different situations? Why wouldn’t we make sure His Truth forms the foundation for any policies we might develop?

2) Source of Authority

All Scripture is God-breathed (2 Tim. 3:16)

Since the Bible is inspired by the Supreme, All-Knowing, All-Wise, All-Powerful God, what He says should take priority over any man-made policies. — Why wouldn’t we give God, through His Word, the final say in all matters? Why wouldn’t we point people to His Word over any policies we might have developed? Why wouldn’t we make sure we can back up any of our policies with God’s Word?

3) Source of Equipping

All Scripture is … useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Tim. 3:16-17)

God’s Word goes beyond a bunch of stories and information to know. Because God’s power is behind Scripture, He is able to use it for our good so we can do good. Notice that it doesn’t just equip us but rather “thoroughly” equips us, not just for some tasks we have to do but for “every” good work. — Why would we claim any document other than God’s Word as our primary Instruction Book for learning and doing good? Why would we point to policies not conformed to the teaching of His Word?

For More Also Read: Church Leaders Have the Power of God’s Word

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