Christians or “Church-of-Christ’ers”? What are we? While few Christians call themselves “Church-of-Christ’ers”, some refer to themselves as “Church of Christ.” Others’ actions manifest this attitude. The fruit is plain to see (Matt. 7:20).

Consider some ways in which this is manifest. For instance, brethren today are further ensconced in the traditions of men than they are in the truth of God’s word (Matt. 15:8-9). Less are the pleas for Bible authority and more are the pleas for history lessons (Col. 3:17). The way things have always been done has become our measure, rather than the way God says things should be done (John 12:48). Less emphasis is upon what the primitive church did, while greater emphasis is placed on what was done fifty, sixty or even a hundred years ago (Phil. 4:9).

This has led to a denominational trend among churches of Christ. Brethren act more like church-of-Christ’ers than they do Christians. There are too many who are “Church of Christ.” Compare this with what followers are called in Acts 11:26.

Such thinking might not be bound by an ordained creed or a governing council that calls itself by that name, yet papers and periodicals among us have become “creeds” in and of themselves and groups of preachers have “unofficially” become governing councils among us. Influence and reputation decide leadership, while apathy and indifference fuel the trend (1 Cor. 1:10-11). This trend is not solely the fault of papers or preachers—it takes followers to substantiate creeds and councils. The greater danger lies with those who deny, ignore and are ignorant of these trends.

To accept traditions as doctrines, history as authority, status-quo as a standard of rectitude and the 20th Century church as our pattern is to be a Church-of-Christ’er, if not in word, then in heart and in deed. Let us resist this attitude and be Christians only!