Simple Thoughts During Trying
Times As we move into a period of
discussion and change within the International Churches of Christ, I
would like to offer some guiding principles to keep in mind along the
way, in no particular order.
Trust is earned. No leader can command
anyone to trust them.
Repentance is proven by deeds, not by
talk. Repentance may be observed (2 Cor 7)
God entrusts leaders to bring about His
justice. God cares about
justice a lot.
Speak the truth in love (Eph 4:15)
Forgive; if Jesus can forgive from the
cross, we can forgive whomever. But remember, forgiveness does not mean
lack of accountability, lack of
consequences, or implicit future trust.
Leaders, like all people, need to take
responsibility for what they
have done. Beware of anyone who says "move forward" in the interest of
progress
or peace when it keeps them from having to take responsibility for
their
actions in the past.
Patience, patience, patience--- people
come to see the truth at their own pace. If you have healthy
boundaries, it's easier to have patience.
The enemy is Satan and sin, not the
people who "don't get it yet" (Eph 6).
Do not turn issues into an "us/them"
deal. It obfuscates the real issues.
Truth is the weapon-- not force, ad
populum arguments, threats, etc.
Be willing to question yourself. Truth
will still be truth, no matter how many times it is questioned.
In any human conflict, there is usually
right and wrong on both parts.
Don't get blinded and fail to see the good in others and the bad in
yourself.
If we have healthy
boundaries, it helps us put change in the proper perspective. If we
have unhealthy boundaries, we will be tempted to push for more change
more quickly, for only then will we feel free to live within our
consciences. But a healthy boundary allows us to be free to live as we
see fit today,
without "needing" to see an organization make changes in order to be
free
or content.