Post by Mark on Jun 30, 2009 6:35:55 GMT -8
When people we love and respect part ways, it is often a volatile experience in each of our hearts. Two teachers and leaders we had once sat under and followed as they strove together in unity, unexpectedly explode in opposition to one another. We are left reeling, feeling the concussion of the blow. It can be a confusing and emotional time. Yet, there are things that we must consider as grope for some solid ground.
First we must consider who is really in charge.
But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
(Matthew 23:8-12 KJV)
It is not the purpose of this paper to suggest that anyone involved in recent turmoil is guilty of exalting himself. Yet, we are so easily inclined to exalt him, making this one (or two or more) teacher(s) the object of our growth. We are drawn to that which has fed us and supported us as we seek to understand biblical truths.
For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
(1 Corinthians 1:11-13 KJV)
We are appealed to by the Apostle to be "perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment" (verse 10), because our Master and Lord is the Messiah.
It is
and frustrating that we should be so scandalized that men in leadership should disagree. It is disappointing that they should use that disagreement to build barriers and promote division in the body of Messiah. It has been suggested that one party should write an explanation, a response to accusations raised by the other. I think this a bad idea. Such action places us, the readers and learners, in the position as judges between these men, as opposed to students of the Word of Adonai. What would be better is for both parties to continue to explain their own positions without malice toward the other, that the two privately strive toward reconciliation; but not place the community in a position of choosing sides.
Equally is disappointing is the lazy mind but blood-thirsty spirit that is inclined to choose sides between men and bolster division in the community. These are men, both of whom are committed to walking in love and with integrity. Both have blind spots. Both have wisdom.
There is no question that the conflict in theological perspective must create some distance in the path that these leaders will now pursue. However, distance does not necessarily have to mean division.
If you don’t know who or what I’m talking about, God bless you. Just pray for peace in the body of Messiah and the healing come to hearts that are damaged. If you know what I am talking about, you are equally called to pray for peace. Understand that when folks who once felt united come to a new revelation, there is a feeling of betrayal and walls go up. Pray that the Spirit of Adonai bring peace. And please do not become involved that promote division, choosing sides, passing judgment and spreading evil speech. Rather seek understanding of the Scriptures, gleaning truth from both sides of this very complex discussion.
First we must consider who is really in charge.
But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
(Matthew 23:8-12 KJV)
It is not the purpose of this paper to suggest that anyone involved in recent turmoil is guilty of exalting himself. Yet, we are so easily inclined to exalt him, making this one (or two or more) teacher(s) the object of our growth. We are drawn to that which has fed us and supported us as we seek to understand biblical truths.
For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
(1 Corinthians 1:11-13 KJV)
We are appealed to by the Apostle to be "perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment" (verse 10), because our Master and Lord is the Messiah.
It is
and frustrating that we should be so scandalized that men in leadership should disagree. It is disappointing that they should use that disagreement to build barriers and promote division in the body of Messiah. It has been suggested that one party should write an explanation, a response to accusations raised by the other. I think this a bad idea. Such action places us, the readers and learners, in the position as judges between these men, as opposed to students of the Word of Adonai. What would be better is for both parties to continue to explain their own positions without malice toward the other, that the two privately strive toward reconciliation; but not place the community in a position of choosing sides. Equally is disappointing is the lazy mind but blood-thirsty spirit that is inclined to choose sides between men and bolster division in the community. These are men, both of whom are committed to walking in love and with integrity. Both have blind spots. Both have wisdom.
There is no question that the conflict in theological perspective must create some distance in the path that these leaders will now pursue. However, distance does not necessarily have to mean division.
If you don’t know who or what I’m talking about, God bless you. Just pray for peace in the body of Messiah and the healing come to hearts that are damaged. If you know what I am talking about, you are equally called to pray for peace. Understand that when folks who once felt united come to a new revelation, there is a feeling of betrayal and walls go up. Pray that the Spirit of Adonai bring peace. And please do not become involved that promote division, choosing sides, passing judgment and spreading evil speech. Rather seek understanding of the Scriptures, gleaning truth from both sides of this very complex discussion.
