What Does “Unauthorized” Mean?

Some look at the Bible as a list of the things we must do and must not do. It is true that when we perform behaviors such as the ones listed in Galatians 5:19-21, or when we omit Christian traits from our lives like the fruit of the spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23, we are sinning. But while the Bible does include these clear commandments to avoid sins of both commission and omission, it is much more than that. God’s word is a guide book for life and Colossians 3:17 reveals for us the way we should apply the holy text. “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (Colossians 3:17). The principle being discussed is that of authority. Paul is teaching that the Christian, as a follower of Christ, must have His authority for everything said or done. This principle applies to our worship within the New Testament church as well as our everyday life.

Some have misunderstood the implications of a discussion on authority. According to Paul’s word “whatsoever” in Colossians 3:17, meaning “whatever” or “everything,” when I come to the Bible I must find the authority for everything I do or say. If we believe Colossians 3:17, “unauthorized” is equivalent with “sinful.” If I do or say things for which I have no authority, then I am operating outside of God’s will for my life and sinning against Him.

In daily life, scripture authorizes the Christian to work (II Thessalonians 3:10-12), marry (Matthew 19:4-6), relax (I Kings 19:4-8), and spend time in recreation (Mark 6:31). Nowhere in scripture are we told to flee unholy music full of sexual innuendo and cursing or to abstain from movies with crude humor, language, and nudity. What we are commanded is to think on things that are pure (Philippians 4:8). Therefore we are not authorized to participate in such entertainment.

In worship, we are authorized to sing (Ephesians 5:19), pray to the Father (Acts 2:42), give of our means (1 Corinthians 16:1, 2), listen to the teachings of scripture (Acts 20:7), and take the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:23-29). If we discover from the Bible that some activity is not authorized, that would mean that there is no example, necessary inference, implication, or command to participate in that activity in the New Testament. Practices such as hand clapping, mechanical instruments of music, women in leadership roles, choirs, and praise teams are not authorized. There is no commandment or implication to perform them. If an activity is unauthorized and therefore sinful, the Christian should not feel comfortable participating in or even being near such sin.

Many Christians however, seem to be comfortable promoting immodesty, gambling, crude language, and the like. While they may not participate themselves, they assist Satan in spreading this influence through the use of social media. Every immodest picture you share on Pinterest is viewable by friends of either gender. You may cause a fellow Christian to stumble because of something you pinned (Romans 14:13). When you share messages with crude language on Facebook, even if you never spoke or typed the words yourself, Satan’s purpose is served. Adherence to God’s authority necessitates that we stop asking, “What’s wrong with it?” and start asking “What’s right about it?” The honest heart will submit to God’s authority and repent of any unauthorized behavior.