A Better Way

When were we taught the best way to deal with difficult issues was to draw up sides and attack each other?  Blame, slander, and vilification of those we disagree with seem to be the order of the day.   Recent debates on health care reform have taught us that some have never matured in the way to resolve differences.   No matter your opinion of whether the bill for reform should have passed, is there anyone who feels good about the spirit of the discourse among our elected leaders?  

Of course, this is not a slam on either political party.  It is on all involved.  Unfortunately, the inability to deal with difficult decisions and controversial issues is not limited to our state and federal elected leaders.  I imagine you might be aware of some other examples also. 

So why would I write about this in the Chimes?  It is because there is a better way.  Matthew 18.  Matthew 18 is a powerful chapter that gives a foundation on how to deal with conflict.  It makes some basic assumptions like respect, forgiveness, honesty, speaking to each other rather than about each other and so much more.  Even when conflict gets to the height of brokenness, Christians are called to treat those we are in difficulty with like tax collectors and Gentiles.  Of course, we know what Jesus did to them.  He died for them; for us. 

I recognize there is a great deal of cynicism as to the possibility for us to positively change the level of debate in our country.  My hopes are not that high. My hope is we will all take time to read and pray Matthew 18.  (Maybe there will one day be a sermon series on it!)  When we have taken this teaching of Jesus to heart, then we can be the voice of faith and holiness when all others are only angry and blaming. 

After all, it is not up to us to save the nation.  It is our work to be faithful to the one who can. 

 

Packing for the Journey

This week I am at Lake Huron Retreat Center, 12 miles north of Port Huron. I am here as a member of the Board of Ordained Ministry for the Detroit Conference. Our primary task this week will be interviewing persons who believe they are called to ordained ministry. It will be a time of discussion, prayer and decision.

We interview candidates on Tuesday and Thursday. On those days, there is an expectation we will dress in a professional manner. For the rest of the time, casual attire is appropriate. The preparation for decision and discernment began at home as I tried to decide what to pack to bring with me. I always over pack for every retreat, no matter where it is or how long it will last. I was determined to bring only the essentials and no more. I may run out of clothes by the end of the week, but at least I can know I felt good about bringing in a small bag!!

Our spiritual life asks us to always pay attention to what we are packing. Are we carrying too much baggage? Have we laid at the foot of Christ what only he can carry and then resisted picking it up again? Are we carrying agenda others have put on us that is taking us away from what God is expecting of us? Are we equipped with prayer, Biblical clarity and holy community?

This Lent is a time for us to prepare ourselves to be equipped for the journey we are on. It is time to be certain we are traveling light enough so if the Holy Spirit calls for a response, we will be ready. It is time to make sure we have in our life what we need to sustain us for times when the journey is in wilderness. I pray you pack well and we all travel faithfully in the days ahead.