We had a good class today and I particularly appreciated your wonderful participation. Thanks for Tracee's idea for donut holes. They always seem to be a good addition and make us happy.
Today we talked about how we can use the Old Testament history and stories as so much more than just rules and law. Rules have a place in our lives. Leaders and administration have important roles to play in all of our lives. History will repeat itself if we choose to ignore its lessons. That is reality.
Personally, my favorite note from this morning came from Bert. The best way to keep people from fighting is to give them more to do. We saw that at the Clinic yesterday. If we all work together, and focus on our work, the petty disputes tend to "fade away" into the background noise. Let the leaders and administration work out the approach and governance. Each of us should simply play our part and focus on OURSELVES, not others' behaviors. At least for that choice, we have some semblance of control.
Fighting is a choice in behavior. Just like loving one another is a choice. I think the we all know what the right answer is between those two choices. In a war, everyone loses, it is just a matter of who loses more or less. The consequences are inescapable.
If, on the other hand, we choose to stand beside our "foe" and simply love and accept the end result is probably better for all. Even on things that are not "petty" the opening position and majority of our energy should be focused on including and loving. It is simply not enough to be right. Relationships are worth more than that ribbon is worth.
Where are your guardrails? Where is the middle line of your road? What do your road signs say? and perhaps the most important question of all...
Where are you going?
BTW, those books by Brian Mclaren that changed my life are:
A New Kind of Christian
The story we find ourselves in
The last word, and the word after that.
Personal note: I have been very disappointed in Brian's deep immersion into partisan politics of late, but that is a story for another day. I still respect and love him for the Christian and leader that he is. It is hard, but that is something for me to deal with on a daily basis. We don't agree, but we share a common goal for the world, for an emergent church, and for making a difference in the lives of others.
