1 Timothy 2:8

          In the 21st Century church, we are seeing many changes in how worship is conducted. Some of the changes are good and others are not. However, because so many of us are so resistant to any changes whatsoever, a lot of Christians are receiving unjust criticism for what they do in their worship services.

          Sadly, much of the criticism is made simply because folks are not doing things the way they were done in the past (meaning our American traditions). Whether the practice is according to Scriptural authority is really not the issue. What is at stake is whether the worship deviates from how we worshipped when we were growing up. If it is "different" it must be wrong!

          While it is true that some of the changes being made are not according to the New Testament pattern, it is wrong to lump all of the changes into the same catagory. It is not fair to condemn a practice as unsound simply because we don't like it.

          Lifting up holy hands is a case in point. Many in the church of today lift up their hands during a song or during a prayer. Far too many brethren condemn such a practice as unscriptural. This is said even though the Bible clearly authorizes lifting up holy hands.

          In Nehemiah 8:6, after Ezra and the priests read Scripture to the people of Israel (men, women and children) the Bible says that "all the people lifted their hands and responded, 'Amen! Amen!'" Paul charged Timothy to have men everywhere lift up holy hands in prayer. How can we condemn that which the Bible clearly permits? The answer must be because it invades our comfort zone. It is not according to our established tradition.

          I am from the generation that does not lift up hands during songs and prayers. Quite frankly, I don't do so because it makes me uncomfortable. However, I am a staunch de-fender of those who do. Even though I don't do it myself, I cannot – I must not condemn those who do. That is because the Bible says that they can!

-- George Carman

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