The way of Jesus cannot be imposed or mapped --- it requires active participation in following Jesus as he leads us through sometimes strange and unfamiliar territory, in circumstances that become clear only in the hesitations and questionings, in the pauses and reflections where we engage in prayerful conversation with one another and with Him.
We cannot remove ourselves from the way in order to have more favorable conditions for learning the way. We are already "on the way," acquiring insights and developing habits of obedience, following Jesus in our homes and neighborhoods and workplaces, gradually and incrementally maturing in the way so that who we are and what we do is realized coherently and comprehensively....
The person that we follow is the primary shaping influence on the person that we become.
Taken from: " The Jesus Way" by Eugene Peterson
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Friday, April 27, 2007
Clogged
We have a problem in our sink. It has no garbage disposal. I lobbied for this when we built the house but someone else who lives here (name withheld) said "ix na" on the garbage disposal, so we have a strainer that catches the last 10 percent of the cereal. Essentially after two people dump the remnants of their cereal into the sink it becomes clogged and water no longer goes through it. I think I feel that way right now... sort of clogged with worldliness. There's too much of the world in me and not enough holiness. My "ought to" and "want to" don't match. I want to do this, but end up doing that. So, what are my options ? Hypocrites are unattractive and so I don't want to pretend, but at the same time do I really want to be obedient ? In some ways, "yes", because the consequences of disobedience are really unpleasant. I am not happy living in the land of good intentions. I am sure of who I don't want to be... I don't want to be this guy: " You are near in their mouth, but far from their heart..." ( Jeremiah 12:2) and I know I don't want to be this guy: " Woe to you hypocrites ! For you clean the outside of the cup... but inside you are full of greed and indulgence..." ( Matthew 23:25) The indulgence thing really caught my attention. When I find myself going through life and denying myself nothing, I don't end up enjoying it. I start to hate it and resent that lifestyle. I need reticence. I need the ability to hold off and not have everything I want immediately. I want to hunger and thirst for righteousness but too often I am stuffed with worldliness which takes off the edge of my hunger for God. Tonight I spent some time walking and being with the Lord. It was good to be thankful and it was good to be in a place with God that didn't involved trying to impress Him or others. Does the pace of your life allow for an hour of prayer ? Why not ? I don't mean to belittle you or run you down with guilt ( we all have enough of that right ?) Why do we justify 1-3 hours on the internet and then complain that we didn't have time for prayer ? This is exactly the kind of want to/ ought to issues I mentioned at the beginning. I still believe that we only obey our highest desire. What is your highest desire ?
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Why waiting can be good
Psalm 31:15 My times are in His hands
One of my favorite things to do on a trip to College Station is to go to McAllister’s Deli. I can’t explain it all in words but their food is a total body experience. I feel it in my tongue, stomach, and even in my esophagus. Particulary good is the sweet tea and the chocolate chip cookie at the end. You have to understand the context for this visit to this magical world of turkey goodness. I am at my in laws house ( whom I love) out in the country and far removed from internet, cell service and sweet tea. Therefore, once we reach said restaurant, it’s time to party. However, today was different. When I pulled in the parking lot I noticed a large yellow dog ( school bus in laymen’s terms) that said Spring High school. I had a hunch there were many student athletes descending on the cash registers and trying to get at the sweet, sweet tea. I hung my head in dismay and grumbled something to Karen about how this was going to be frustrating. I debated whether to stay or go to Fuddruckers. But there was a great parking spot by the front door so I informed Karen to stay in the car and I would go investigate and give her the signal from inside. I decided to stay and then nervously fidgeted behind several lines, giving non verbal clues that I was about 10 minutes away from exploding… I mean getting mildly irritated. There was one man ( an older man) who was in a motorized cart and so I let him go before me ( seeing as how I am a pastor and all). I waited in line for a while and the cashier said she had to close her register down before I got to the front. I tried to get her to look my way so I could give her a disappointed stare…one that could communicate the pain. So I go back to Karen who is sitting in a chair and say with desperation : “God is punishing me.” My wife quickly responds: “ No, He is protecting you from something…. maybe there is some traffic accident He wants to protect you from…” I sulk off admitting she is probably right but the lines are still there and I am no closer to that sweet sweet tea.
Fast forward……
( foot note: I overheard the cashier say that they were out of potatoes because all the athletes from Spring had ordered them)
So, I get to the counter and I asked the cashier: “ Do you have any turkey left ?” She assures me they have plenty. So I order the club, potato salad ( I guess they had plenty of that too) and a chocolate chip cookie and the tea…. ( did I mention that it is world famous sweet tea ?)
How does something become world famous ?
I set my chrono because I am expecting this to take about 45 minutes and to my delight we get the food in about 3 minutes 51 seconds. I eat the food and we move on to our next event… a trip to half price book store on the other side of town.
We pull up to the light and notice Colonel Sanders is lying in the grass. His face had blown off the sign and He was lying across the street. We realize strange things are afoot. When we reach half price parking lot we see that the large McDonalds sign has been ripped apart and several car windows are busted out. An ambulance is over in front of the China buffet. A large tree ( and I mean large) has been completely pulled up by its roots and is now lying in the parking lot. PAUSE>>>>>>
Large trees take hundreds of years to grow and this large tree was completely uprooted and there was about a 10 foot hole where it used to be.
STUNNED ….
Storefront windows were busted out and the place was kind of weird. People were out sweeping up glass from the parking lot.
A tornado hit the parking lot in front of the place we were on our way to…
* I’m not making this up… this really happened. I have the pictures.
TRANSLATION: The wait at the deli was God’s way of protecting me from the tornado that would have busted our windows out at best and destroyed us at worst.
Even now, when I take it all in, I’m still stunned. We pulled into that parking lot about 5 minutes after this tornado ripped apart the area. We would have been in that store if McAllister’s had not been busy.
So, this is where you come in. Do you really believe that God is at work in your delays and detours ?
Are you frustrated because you can’t get at what you want ? Is it possible that there is a reason for your waiting ?
I think so…
One of my favorite things to do on a trip to College Station is to go to McAllister’s Deli. I can’t explain it all in words but their food is a total body experience. I feel it in my tongue, stomach, and even in my esophagus. Particulary good is the sweet tea and the chocolate chip cookie at the end. You have to understand the context for this visit to this magical world of turkey goodness. I am at my in laws house ( whom I love) out in the country and far removed from internet, cell service and sweet tea. Therefore, once we reach said restaurant, it’s time to party. However, today was different. When I pulled in the parking lot I noticed a large yellow dog ( school bus in laymen’s terms) that said Spring High school. I had a hunch there were many student athletes descending on the cash registers and trying to get at the sweet, sweet tea. I hung my head in dismay and grumbled something to Karen about how this was going to be frustrating. I debated whether to stay or go to Fuddruckers. But there was a great parking spot by the front door so I informed Karen to stay in the car and I would go investigate and give her the signal from inside. I decided to stay and then nervously fidgeted behind several lines, giving non verbal clues that I was about 10 minutes away from exploding… I mean getting mildly irritated. There was one man ( an older man) who was in a motorized cart and so I let him go before me ( seeing as how I am a pastor and all). I waited in line for a while and the cashier said she had to close her register down before I got to the front. I tried to get her to look my way so I could give her a disappointed stare…one that could communicate the pain. So I go back to Karen who is sitting in a chair and say with desperation : “God is punishing me.” My wife quickly responds: “ No, He is protecting you from something…. maybe there is some traffic accident He wants to protect you from…” I sulk off admitting she is probably right but the lines are still there and I am no closer to that sweet sweet tea.
Fast forward……
( foot note: I overheard the cashier say that they were out of potatoes because all the athletes from Spring had ordered them)
So, I get to the counter and I asked the cashier: “ Do you have any turkey left ?” She assures me they have plenty. So I order the club, potato salad ( I guess they had plenty of that too) and a chocolate chip cookie and the tea…. ( did I mention that it is world famous sweet tea ?)
How does something become world famous ?
I set my chrono because I am expecting this to take about 45 minutes and to my delight we get the food in about 3 minutes 51 seconds. I eat the food and we move on to our next event… a trip to half price book store on the other side of town.
We pull up to the light and notice Colonel Sanders is lying in the grass. His face had blown off the sign and He was lying across the street. We realize strange things are afoot. When we reach half price parking lot we see that the large McDonalds sign has been ripped apart and several car windows are busted out. An ambulance is over in front of the China buffet. A large tree ( and I mean large) has been completely pulled up by its roots and is now lying in the parking lot. PAUSE>>>>>>
Large trees take hundreds of years to grow and this large tree was completely uprooted and there was about a 10 foot hole where it used to be.
STUNNED ….
Storefront windows were busted out and the place was kind of weird. People were out sweeping up glass from the parking lot.
A tornado hit the parking lot in front of the place we were on our way to…
* I’m not making this up… this really happened. I have the pictures.
TRANSLATION: The wait at the deli was God’s way of protecting me from the tornado that would have busted our windows out at best and destroyed us at worst.
Even now, when I take it all in, I’m still stunned. We pulled into that parking lot about 5 minutes after this tornado ripped apart the area. We would have been in that store if McAllister’s had not been busy.
So, this is where you come in. Do you really believe that God is at work in your delays and detours ?
Are you frustrated because you can’t get at what you want ? Is it possible that there is a reason for your waiting ?
I think so…
your future
What is God's will for my life ? This question is asked often by people as they sort through their lives and think about the future. I was struck by something in Isaiah that I wanted you to see.
Isaiah 14:26 " This is the plan devised against the whole earth; and this is the hand stretched out against all the nations. 27 For the Lord of hosts has planned, and who can frustrate it ? "
This verse was such a relief to me as I thought about the future. God is involved and He is aware of my situation. So, this verse tells me that whatever God has planned.... it cannot be frustrated by man. This is comforting, because sometimes we think our times are in someone's hand or the quality of our education or "timing" or "who you know." This is the hand and this is the plan.
Isaiah 14:26 " This is the plan devised against the whole earth; and this is the hand stretched out against all the nations. 27 For the Lord of hosts has planned, and who can frustrate it ? "
This verse was such a relief to me as I thought about the future. God is involved and He is aware of my situation. So, this verse tells me that whatever God has planned.... it cannot be frustrated by man. This is comforting, because sometimes we think our times are in someone's hand or the quality of our education or "timing" or "who you know." This is the hand and this is the plan.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Don't Look back
This is an excerpt from the message that was given tonight at Common Ground.
It is taken from a book called " Holiness" by JC Ryle and was written in the 1800's. It's a illustration of those who "look back" like Lot's wife was told not to do.
“How many pastors work hard in their profession for a few years and then become lazy and indolent from the love of this present world. At the outset of their ministry they seem willing to spend and be spent for Christ; they are instant in season and out of season; their preaching is lively and their churches are filled. Their congregations are well looked after, cottage lectures, prayer meetings, house to house visitation are their weekly delight. But, alas, how often after ‘beginning in the Spirit’ they end up ‘ in the flesh’ and, like Samson, are shorn of their strength in the lap of that Delilah, the world. They prefer nicer things; they are puffed up with pride and neglect study and prayer. A nipping frost cuts off the spiritual blossoms which once developed in them. Their preaching loses its unction and power; their weekday work becomes less and less; the society they mix in becomes less select; the tone of their conversation becomes more earthly. They cease to disregard the opinion of man; they imbibe a morbid fear of ‘extreme views,’ and are filled with a cautious dread of giving offence. And at last the man who at one time seemed likely to be a real successor of the apostles and a good soldier of Christ settles down on his lees as a clerical gardener, farmer or diner out, by whom nobody is offended and nobody is saved. His church becomes half empty; his influence dwindles away; the world has bound him hand and foot. He has walked in the steps of Lot’s wife. He has looked back. “
How many children of religious families begin well and end ill. In the days of their childhood they seem full of religion. They can repeat texts and hymns in abundance; they have spiritual feelings and convictions of sin; they profess love to the Lord Jesus and desires after heaven; they take pleasure in going to church and hearing sermons ; they say things which are treasured up by their fond parents as indications of grace. But, alas, how often their goodness vanishes like a morning cloud, and like the dew that passes away. The boy becomes a young man and cares for nothing but amusements, field sports, reveling and excess. The girl becomes a young woman, and cares for nothing but clothing, her friends, novel reading and excitement. Where is the spirituality which once appeared so promising ? It is all gone. It is buried; is overflowed by the love of the world. They walk in the steps of Lot’s wife. They look back.
JC Ryle "Holiness" ( chapter on Lot's wife)
As I read these quotes, I was amazed and felt like it was a good reminder of the need to stay vigilant and pursue the Lord.
Carl
It is taken from a book called " Holiness" by JC Ryle and was written in the 1800's. It's a illustration of those who "look back" like Lot's wife was told not to do.
“How many pastors work hard in their profession for a few years and then become lazy and indolent from the love of this present world. At the outset of their ministry they seem willing to spend and be spent for Christ; they are instant in season and out of season; their preaching is lively and their churches are filled. Their congregations are well looked after, cottage lectures, prayer meetings, house to house visitation are their weekly delight. But, alas, how often after ‘beginning in the Spirit’ they end up ‘ in the flesh’ and, like Samson, are shorn of their strength in the lap of that Delilah, the world. They prefer nicer things; they are puffed up with pride and neglect study and prayer. A nipping frost cuts off the spiritual blossoms which once developed in them. Their preaching loses its unction and power; their weekday work becomes less and less; the society they mix in becomes less select; the tone of their conversation becomes more earthly. They cease to disregard the opinion of man; they imbibe a morbid fear of ‘extreme views,’ and are filled with a cautious dread of giving offence. And at last the man who at one time seemed likely to be a real successor of the apostles and a good soldier of Christ settles down on his lees as a clerical gardener, farmer or diner out, by whom nobody is offended and nobody is saved. His church becomes half empty; his influence dwindles away; the world has bound him hand and foot. He has walked in the steps of Lot’s wife. He has looked back. “
How many children of religious families begin well and end ill. In the days of their childhood they seem full of religion. They can repeat texts and hymns in abundance; they have spiritual feelings and convictions of sin; they profess love to the Lord Jesus and desires after heaven; they take pleasure in going to church and hearing sermons ; they say things which are treasured up by their fond parents as indications of grace. But, alas, how often their goodness vanishes like a morning cloud, and like the dew that passes away. The boy becomes a young man and cares for nothing but amusements, field sports, reveling and excess. The girl becomes a young woman, and cares for nothing but clothing, her friends, novel reading and excitement. Where is the spirituality which once appeared so promising ? It is all gone. It is buried; is overflowed by the love of the world. They walk in the steps of Lot’s wife. They look back.
JC Ryle "Holiness" ( chapter on Lot's wife)
As I read these quotes, I was amazed and felt like it was a good reminder of the need to stay vigilant and pursue the Lord.
Carl
Monday, April 9, 2007
Bold as a lion
From the vault: ( reprinted )
This came from a "midnight rambling" but is reprinted here in this blog.
I find that a certified organic fuji apple in the morning gets rid of morning breath and the beginnings of a sore throat. It ‘s like medicine without the killing of all my cells thing.
I really like the view of the stars from out in the country. They were so bright and brilliant without the light pollution from the city lights. It’s really more than can be expressed in words. I get home last night and get to bed about 12:30am and then wake up at 5:24 am. Why ? Again, I am at a loss for words.
What’s happening to me at 35 is this : the list of things that I find meaningful is getting shorter and the list of things that no longer thrill me is getting longer. However, the short list of meaningful things is truly meaningful. I have entered into a season of life where my study of God’s word has been especially sweet lately. I’m thankful for it and I know we all have seasons of drought where the word is difficult to read, the schedule is tight and the motivation is low. This is what I am currently doing: I read Leviticus, then I Samuel, then a Psalm, then something from the gospels ( Matthew). I don’t always make it through that pattern, especially if I find something interesting along the way.
Here is what I found the other day. I Samuel 17
Israel has set up a camp in a valley. Across this valley is another army… you might remember these guys: the Philistines. The text says a champion named Goliath came out every day to “taunt” the Israelites. He issued them a challenge that if anyone from Israel could fight and kill him, then the Philistines would become their slaves. No problem, right ? Apparently, he did this for 40 days. Nobody from Israel accepted the challenge and basically, they just stood in fear of this beastly man.
So, the Israelites call out for Papa Johns while they are waiting and Jesse sends David to bring the food. Something changes when David hears the challenge…
I like what the text says: “ and he ( Goliath) spoke the same words; and David heard them.”
Don’t skip that part too soon. This time, David heard those words. This scene gets to me. All these guys let this big jerk make fun of the army of God for 40 days without doing any thing. Suddenly, God puts David in a position to hear this challenge and it means something different to him. It means, “let’s get it on.”
Let’s stop and ask ourselves a question at this point: Is your relationship with God such that you have the boldness to say these words to a non Christian ?
“ You come to me with a sword and a spear, but I come to you in the name of the Lord…This day the Lord will deliver you up into my hands, and I will strike you down and remove your head from you. “
Furthermore, this will all happen so that everyone will know that the Lord does not deliver by sword or spear; for the battle is the Lord’s and He will give you into our hands.
I’m stunned by this picture of boldness. We are too apologetic about the gospel to the lost world. David is found running straight at the enemy with a sling shot because He knows something about God. He is so confident that God can deliver him that he steps up to this challenge. I am so inspired by this confidence and it makes me want to live this way. I don’t mean recklessly, but righteously. The other men in Israel’s army were consumed with their own self protection. David was consumed with God. How did he get this way ? Where does that type of boldness come from ?
Let’s look at some of the statements made about David in the book of I Samuel:
after Samuel anointed David, the text says this : “ the Spirit of the Lord came upon him mightily from that day forward.”
2. a skillful musician, a mighty man of valor, a warrior, one prudent in speech
3.the Lord is with him
4. “David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul… so his name was highly esteemed.”
I am becoming convinced of something: “ the righteous are as bold as a lion.” Prov 28
If my confidence is low, it might be connected to my disobedience and guilty conscience. Sin is a major distraction from following God with this kind of courage. It’s a time waster and is used by satan to take us off the course of carrying out God’s plan in the world. So, put it down, throw it away, erase it, break it, walk away from it, don’t go in there, don’t pick it up, don’t listen to it, don’t stare at it, don’t get any more, don’t click on it, don’t ask her, don’t call him, don’t IM her, don’t say it, don’t keep thinking about it, don’t nurse the grudge, don’t keep bringing it up, don’t sow it, don’t plug it in, don’t get it down, don’t look for it, don’t grieve the Holy Spirit and don’t think that it doesn’t matter.
Don’t believe the lie that your sin only affects you. An army of your peers might be waiting for you to arrive, hear the challenge of the enemy and represent God in battle.
Are you up to it ?
This came from a "midnight rambling" but is reprinted here in this blog.
I find that a certified organic fuji apple in the morning gets rid of morning breath and the beginnings of a sore throat. It ‘s like medicine without the killing of all my cells thing.
I really like the view of the stars from out in the country. They were so bright and brilliant without the light pollution from the city lights. It’s really more than can be expressed in words. I get home last night and get to bed about 12:30am and then wake up at 5:24 am. Why ? Again, I am at a loss for words.
What’s happening to me at 35 is this : the list of things that I find meaningful is getting shorter and the list of things that no longer thrill me is getting longer. However, the short list of meaningful things is truly meaningful. I have entered into a season of life where my study of God’s word has been especially sweet lately. I’m thankful for it and I know we all have seasons of drought where the word is difficult to read, the schedule is tight and the motivation is low. This is what I am currently doing: I read Leviticus, then I Samuel, then a Psalm, then something from the gospels ( Matthew). I don’t always make it through that pattern, especially if I find something interesting along the way.
Here is what I found the other day. I Samuel 17
Israel has set up a camp in a valley. Across this valley is another army… you might remember these guys: the Philistines. The text says a champion named Goliath came out every day to “taunt” the Israelites. He issued them a challenge that if anyone from Israel could fight and kill him, then the Philistines would become their slaves. No problem, right ? Apparently, he did this for 40 days. Nobody from Israel accepted the challenge and basically, they just stood in fear of this beastly man.
So, the Israelites call out for Papa Johns while they are waiting and Jesse sends David to bring the food. Something changes when David hears the challenge…
I like what the text says: “ and he ( Goliath) spoke the same words; and David heard them.”
Don’t skip that part too soon. This time, David heard those words. This scene gets to me. All these guys let this big jerk make fun of the army of God for 40 days without doing any thing. Suddenly, God puts David in a position to hear this challenge and it means something different to him. It means, “let’s get it on.”
Let’s stop and ask ourselves a question at this point: Is your relationship with God such that you have the boldness to say these words to a non Christian ?
“ You come to me with a sword and a spear, but I come to you in the name of the Lord…This day the Lord will deliver you up into my hands, and I will strike you down and remove your head from you. “
Furthermore, this will all happen so that everyone will know that the Lord does not deliver by sword or spear; for the battle is the Lord’s and He will give you into our hands.
I’m stunned by this picture of boldness. We are too apologetic about the gospel to the lost world. David is found running straight at the enemy with a sling shot because He knows something about God. He is so confident that God can deliver him that he steps up to this challenge. I am so inspired by this confidence and it makes me want to live this way. I don’t mean recklessly, but righteously. The other men in Israel’s army were consumed with their own self protection. David was consumed with God. How did he get this way ? Where does that type of boldness come from ?
Let’s look at some of the statements made about David in the book of I Samuel:
after Samuel anointed David, the text says this : “ the Spirit of the Lord came upon him mightily from that day forward.”
2. a skillful musician, a mighty man of valor, a warrior, one prudent in speech
3.the Lord is with him
4. “David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul… so his name was highly esteemed.”
I am becoming convinced of something: “ the righteous are as bold as a lion.” Prov 28
If my confidence is low, it might be connected to my disobedience and guilty conscience. Sin is a major distraction from following God with this kind of courage. It’s a time waster and is used by satan to take us off the course of carrying out God’s plan in the world. So, put it down, throw it away, erase it, break it, walk away from it, don’t go in there, don’t pick it up, don’t listen to it, don’t stare at it, don’t get any more, don’t click on it, don’t ask her, don’t call him, don’t IM her, don’t say it, don’t keep thinking about it, don’t nurse the grudge, don’t keep bringing it up, don’t sow it, don’t plug it in, don’t get it down, don’t look for it, don’t grieve the Holy Spirit and don’t think that it doesn’t matter.
Don’t believe the lie that your sin only affects you. An army of your peers might be waiting for you to arrive, hear the challenge of the enemy and represent God in battle.
Are you up to it ?
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Enemy Mine
When I was in high school, I saw a bizarre sci fi movie called: "Enemy Mine." I think it was Louis Gossett Jr. and Dennis Quaid. I think they both needed to make some money and so agreed to do the movie before they read the script. Nonetheless, when I think about enemies, I think about I Kings 11. When you read through the story of Solomon in I Kings you come across these verses:" Then the Lord raised up an adversary to Solomon... Hadad the Edomite..." ( v 14)
Later, in reference to another enemy the text says: " So he was an adversary to Israel all the days of Solomon..."
When I read these words, I was reminded of something. God can raise up enemies against us. He can do it for His purposes and what's more is these enemies can be there permanently.
It doesn't matter if you move, change churches, change jobs... or any other change. We will have people who oppose us. We will have adversaries. I like the story of the guy who was rescued after being stranded on a deserted island for several years. The rescuers noticed three buildings on the top of a hill. They asked the castaway about these buildings. He said: " the first one is my house, the second one is my church and the third one is where I used to go to church."
Even on a deserted island we find that we have enemies... even if it's our own flesh.
So, do you have someone who is an enemy ? It may be from the Lord and it may be that this person will not go away.
What can you do ? What did Jesus say about our enemies ? I seem to remember things like this: pray for, speak well of, love, forgive...etc.
Can you do this ?
Monday, April 2, 2007
Avalanche
I was in Santa Fe NM the other day sitting on a chair lift about to take Josh and Matthew down a run called : " easy street." They were learning to ski and I was learning to be patient. When it started snowing, I saw something in the snow that I had never seen before. Each individual flake was really fragile and could easily be crushed or wiped away with my glove, but I thought how powerful could these flakes be if they were all together. I pictured the destruction and awesome sight of an avalanche coming down a mountain. An individual flake just falls and dissipates when it hits something like a pole or the street, but a collection of them on a mountain can form an avalanche.
I just wondered about the local church. What if we actually did something together and were unified... could we have that kind of avalanche power ?
What would it mean for us to be unified ? Jesus prayed for that unity in John 17 and Ephesians says that we are part of one Spirit ( Ephesians 4:4). I realize that when you start talking about unity... resistance can go up immediately. I am not advocating that we drop all of our doctrinal distinctives. I am not one to do away with doctrine. I'm all about it and I think we need to hold standards high and maintain some doctrinal "divides" as it were. I suppose my problem is me...I'm too individualistic. I like doing things by myself and I'm unwilling to be unified with other people alot of the time. I want to make a commitment to unity and see what would happen if I actually obeyed Jesus and Paul's exhortations to be unified with other Christians. It probably just looks like serving others, being humble and looking after the interests of others. Someone once said: " If you want to be a leader, you will be frustrated... because very few people want to be led. However, if you want to serve, you will find plenty of opportunities."
I just wondered about the local church. What if we actually did something together and were unified... could we have that kind of avalanche power ?
What would it mean for us to be unified ? Jesus prayed for that unity in John 17 and Ephesians says that we are part of one Spirit ( Ephesians 4:4). I realize that when you start talking about unity... resistance can go up immediately. I am not advocating that we drop all of our doctrinal distinctives. I am not one to do away with doctrine. I'm all about it and I think we need to hold standards high and maintain some doctrinal "divides" as it were. I suppose my problem is me...I'm too individualistic. I like doing things by myself and I'm unwilling to be unified with other people alot of the time. I want to make a commitment to unity and see what would happen if I actually obeyed Jesus and Paul's exhortations to be unified with other Christians. It probably just looks like serving others, being humble and looking after the interests of others. Someone once said: " If you want to be a leader, you will be frustrated... because very few people want to be led. However, if you want to serve, you will find plenty of opportunities."
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