by Doy Moyer<\/p>\n
“Expediency” is one of those words we hear and use often connected to discussions of what is authorized by Scripture. But I’ve noticed something about it that can leave discussions clouded and confused. The term encompasses meanings that, if equivocated or conflated, will lend itself to misunderstandings and abuses. Here are two basic definitions of expediency (American Heritage Dictionary):<\/p>\n
The first definition speaks to the best way to accomplish a task, while the second speaks to selfish motivation. These ideas are not identical, and they do not have to be two sides of the same coin. I would argue that the first definition is a necessary discussion to accomplish tasks, and the second definition is something we must strive to avoid.<\/p>\n
Why is the first definition necessary for a church to discuss? Because we have tasks to perform and need to know the best ways to accomplish them. Call it what you want, but this is, by definition, a discussion about what is expedient. This is unavoidable if we move forward with our work. However, the second definition must be avoided because that will lead to division and strife (see Philippians 2:3-4). The first definition is a natural outflow of agreeing to work together. The second definition is due to selfish ambition and desire not to deny self. Both use the word “expedient,” though in different senses.<\/p>\n
The takeaway is this: when we discuss this matter, don’t just vilify “expediency.” Instead, clarify what you mean by it. We will inevitably discuss what is expedient (first definition) for a work to be accomplished, whether you call it that or not. But don’t turn it into mere convenience and selfishness, then assume that all discussions fall under the second definition. Now, the danger, of course, is that a person can turn expediency into selfish desire. Diotrephes need not apply. But as it depends on you, be at peace with all.<\/p>\n
Just an observation that seems relevant for better discussions.<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
by Doy Moyer “Expediency” is one of those words we hear and use often connected to discussions of what is authorized by Scripture. But I’ve noticed something about it that can leave discussions clouded and confused. The term encompasses meanings that, if equivocated or conflated, will lend itself to misunderstandings and abuses. Here are two…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[27],"tags":[114,76],"class_list":["post-70091","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-article","tag-expediency","tag-terminology"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":58215,"url":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/expediency\/","url_meta":{"origin":70091,"position":0},"title":"Expediency","author":"Jeffrey Hamilton","date":"January 21, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"by Heath Rogers In the previous article, we discussed the difference between general and specific authority. When God specifies something, everything else is automatically excluded. However, when God gives us a general command, we are free to choose how to fulfill that command. This is where the study of expediency\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Article"","block_context":{"text":"Article","link":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/category\/article\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":92227,"url":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/lawful-but-not-expedient\/","url_meta":{"origin":70091,"position":1},"title":"Lawful but Not Expedient","author":"Jeffrey Hamilton","date":"November 18, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"by Leon Odom via\u00a0Expository Review, March 1983 In I Corinthians 6:12-13, the apostle penned these words: \"All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. Meats for the belly, and\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Article"","block_context":{"text":"Article","link":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/category\/article\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":2836,"url":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/isnt-a-kitchen-just-a-way-to-reach-people-with-the-gospel\/","url_meta":{"origin":70091,"position":2},"title":"Isn’t a kitchen just a way to reach people with the gospel?","author":"Jeffrey Hamilton","date":"May 25, 2005","format":false,"excerpt":"Question: I currently stand in the position that it is a matter of opinion concerning a kitchen or fellowship hall. Again, that is where I currently stand. Here where I preach, we do not have a kitchen per se. A majority of the brethren here would like to have one\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Answer"","block_context":{"text":"Answer","link":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/category\/answer\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":10470,"url":"https:\/\/www.lavistachurchofchrist.org\/cms\/all-things-are-lawful\/","url_meta":{"origin":70091,"position":3},"title":"All Things are Lawful","author":"Jeffrey Hamilton","date":"September 24, 2006","format":false,"excerpt":"by Jeffrey W. 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