Yesterday, we had our first board retreat for the church since before the great lockdown. There were numerous items on the docket that could have proved to be slightly divisive because, going into the meeting, there were comments made on both sides of a couple points that led me to think we could have a bit of a debate happen. The agenda was out there, notes and reports were prepared and, when the point came up for discussion, the conversation was calm and professional with all listening intently to the information being presented and, in the end, all were completely satisfied with the direction of the vote. No one person dominated the discussion and we all chose the best decision for the faith family and the church. Now, you may think, “okay, so what” but consider this; look around you and, with open eyes and a discerning heart, dig into some of the arguments that you have witnessed or even been involved in and ask yourself if the desired outcome was self centered or other centered. You may be surprised at what you discover.
Ten people got together one day and formed a group to lobby the government to change a policy that they thought was infringing on their personal right. They gathered together to form a plan and get the ball rolling. They elected a leader, started to form up a vision statement but found out that they did not all fully agree on some points and cracks started to form in the group. Arguments started to erupt and, as lines were being drawn, one person stood up and declared, “If you don’t like it, then you can leave!” A few left with the person and started their own group and, once again, cracks developed because they wanted the direction of the group to service personal needs rather than the needs of the whole. We see this in so many things these days and it divides families, communities and countries. If the rally call is “it’s my way or the highway” the guarantee is that conflict and strife will always be a key part of the movement and the chance of a unified front will never be achieved. Consider the church. In the days of Christ, a group of 12 went forth under the banner of the Saviour and the faith grew. It did not take long for personal preference to trump divine principle and the faith movement split. Look, I am being honest here. Read the Epistles of Paul as he tried to get the churches to focus on Christ’s message rather than society’s preferences. Strife, chaos and division are the tools of the evil one and it works. Our focus should remain on the Son of God and His example. My suggestion is quite simple and you can either take it or leave it – Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Pro 3:5,6. If your vision is “my way or the highway”, look around, you may be the only one on that road.
We invite you to join us this Sunday for a message from Rev. Glenn Reeder. Pastor Todd will be away this weekend at a conference. We would love for you to join us either in person or online Sunday at 10:30 AM MST.
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We look forward to seeing you this Sunday.
Blessings,
Pastor Todd
Our Mission “To live the love of Christ”
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