hmmm…..
Like many of those in my denomination, I am trying to figure out what the heck is going on in the Presbyterian Church these days. There was a conference in Florida last week which attempted still again to define who we are and what we believe. Good and honest work, I think. We take things seriously in our denomination, we think about things before we act. The good people at the conference in Florida mapped out a set of new ideas which actually, when you look them over are not all that much different than what we have now.
I think everyone in our own local church would agree that the members of our own congregation have theological and political opinions that run from the extreme left to the extreme right. We have very conservative folks and a lot of liberal ones too. I am not sure why or how we get along so well, but we do. My hunch is that it is because we are very respectful of the varied opinions that layer our views. Perhaps length of life teaches you to do that. The average age in our congregation is 74; that means most folks have had a long time to figure out how to live peacefully together. Our strength is in the wisdom that longevity has given to those who grace our pews.
Their opinions have mellowed over the years by loss of family, friends, health, homes and dreams. My guess is that they would rather be happy than right. Feuding focuses on differences; but they have the commonality of faith, a respect for the shortness of life, and the desire to be together rather than apart. I still have lots to learn from my elders; look around, you might, too.
hmmm…..
hmmm...
ReplyDeleteI wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to go out of the world. But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler—not even to eat with such a one. For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church? But those who are outside, God judges. REMOVE THE WICKED MAN FROM AMONG YOURSELVES." 1 Corinthians 5:9-13
Is it a loving thing to do or a hateful thing to do to remove the wicked man from among yourselves? Is it better to just get along regardless?
"If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." John 8:31,32