"Beyond What is Written"

Phrases like “going above and beyond,” “giving 110 percent,” and “exceeding expectations” express the idea of diligence—of doing more than is expected. Diligence and dedication are commendable character traits, and we usually applaud those who take initiative and “go above and beyond.” But sometimes “going beyond” is not a good idea.

For example, why are there so many differing “Christian” denominations? Certainly, we should practice true Christianity with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength (Mark 12:30). But again—why are there so many denominations? Did they go “beyond what is written”?

Ecclesiastes 7:16 says, “Do not be overly righteous, nor be overly wise: Why should you destroy yourself?” Some Bible commentaries suggest that this means we should not be excessively righteous (self-righteous and arrogant) or excessively wise (pretentious and conceited). Most of us consider those who act that way obnoxious. In that sense, one who is “excessively righteous and wise” brings social ruin upon himself.

Christ condemned the Pharisees because they became “overly righteous,” going beyond God’s laws and statutes—inventing their own onerous rules and regulations, effectively “straining at gnats.” They were self-righteous and arrogant, exalting human opinions about the application of God’s statutes and laws in every conceivable circumstance.

We should all seek wisdom—and knowledge of God—but we should not be “overly wise.” We commonly say that “no one likes a know-it-all.” A know-it-all does not “know all things,” though such individuals act as if they do. This makes them obnoxious and offensive to others. The “overly righteous” and “overly wise” often intrude, uninvited and unwelcome, in the lives and business of others.

The Apostle Paul offers additional instruction on this matter, stating, “Learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other” (1 Corinthians 4:6). This is one reason why there is so much division and sectarianism among those professing to be followers of Jesus Christ.

Reading Paul’s words, it appears that the brethren in Corinth were beset by quarrels, dissensions, and contentions. Factions upheld one church leader against another (1 Corinthians 1:11–13). They were puffed up with their own worldly knowledge. The strife and division among them demonstrated that they were still carnal (3:3).

Scholars have varying opinions about the meaning of Paul’s phrase “what is written.” There are strong indications that the phrase refers to the writings we call the Old Testament. Of course, the books we call the New Testament, codified later, are also the written word of God.

Some think the phrase refers to Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, wherein he chastises them for being divided and puffed up. Paul asserts his apostolic authority, and in chapters 11–15 he corrects the Corinthians as to their observance of “the Lord’s Supper” and instructs them about spiritual gifts, miraculously speaking in other languages, and the resurrection of the dead.

Many go “beyond what is written.” You might be amazed at how many doctrines of many churches can’t actually be found in the Bible! Even commonly accepted doctrines and teachings are often matters of going “beyond what is written.”

What have you been taught? What do you believe? And, most importantly, is what you believe actually in the Bible? If it is not in the Bible, are you content to believe in error? We should want to practice true Christianity with all our heart, mind, soul and strength—and to live in true righteousness and godly wisdom.

To help you learn not to think “beyond what is written,” find out what the Bible really says. You can start by reading the free booklets Do You Believe the True Gospel? and What Is a True Christian?, and you may also find it helpful to watch evangelist Gerald Weston’s telecast “What Do You Really Know About God?” All of this and more is freely available right here at Tomorrow’s World.