There is a stage in the development of most toddlers when opening and closing doors takes on a fascination all of its own. Expensive, high-tech toys are temporarily set aside for the thrill of opening and closing drawers and cabinets. At first, it may be the lure of doing something new and different. “I am doing what big people do!” Later, it may be curiosity which drives them. “What is in this drawer?” It is then, that parents spring into action, moving dangerous or fragile items “out of reach” or installing child-proof devices to lock out tiny hands.

There is also a process for parents. Initially, there is pride. “Look at what my child can do!” We are convinced that our child is way ahead of the curve—he or she is a budding genius. We don’t say it out loud—but we can daydream, can’t we? Suddenly, back in the real world, there is a sense of impending danger followed by an anticipatory wince and a panicked cry, “Be careful, don’t close your fingers in that door!” Too late. Tears. Sobs. Comfort. Reassurance. Off they go—soon to give it another try.

In many ways we are like children who depend on parents for instruction and warning. Jeremiah rightly observed “that a man’s way is not in himself, nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps” (10:23). We do not determine what is right and wrong. We recognize what is right and wrong by listening to the instructions of God’s word. Solomon warns, “There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death” (Prov. 14:12).

How does this relate to opening and closing doors? Because He is Lord, Jesus is the One “who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens…” (Rev. 3:7). We would expect that those who claim adherence to Christ would follow His standards of right and wrong. After all, He will judge us according to His revealed word (Acts 17:30-31; Jn. 12:48).

In the September 12, 2014 weekend edition of USA TODAY, in an article entitled, “Churches Feel Beat of Change”, Cathy Lynn Grossman reminds us of current religious trends in the United States. Comparing data from several studies including a 2012 Duke University study directed by Mark Chaves, she concludes that today’s worshippers “are more active, accepting, [and] diverse.” Although several areas are mentioned, the article is slanted in the direction of “openness” so far as permitting membership to gay and lesbian couples and allowing gays and lesbians to occupy positions of leadership. Grossman points out that 48% of congregations permit membership to gay or lesbian couples and 26% allow gays in leadership positions. The percentages have been steadily increasing since 2006. While she admits that “Only about 4% of white conservative evangelical or fundamentalist churches permit gays in leadership roles”, she is quick to point out that these “distinctive religious denominational brands are losing congregational market share.” In other words, we must change to keep up with the times.

A tired argument—one used since the beginning—conform to the thinking of the world! Do not be brainwashed into believing that what most people think and do is what we must think and do. If Jesus is Lord—if He has the keys to the kingdom—if He has the power to “open and no one will shut, and [to] shut and no one opens”, then we must recognize His word as our standard of morality. We “must not follow the masses in doing evil” (Ex. 23:2). We cannot open a door that God has shut nor close a door that He has opened.