Three Ways to Move on

Yesterday we took some time to think about how we might issue a pre-emptive strike against some of the actions and attitudes that undermine the local church. The reality is that when things get personal like they have a tendency to do the damage would be quickly alleviated if we seriously asked the question - 'if Jesus had treated me like I am treating this person - how much trouble would I be in right now?' The messiness of our relationships is when the Gospel can become most apparent. It is in the complexities of sharing life with one another that the love, grace, mercy, patience and faithfulness of God to us in Jesus get an airing in our hearts towards those God has placed in our lives. So, when it comes to conflict like we were talking about yesterday, here are three ways we can change our approach which convey just how changed our priorities are and where we want our attention to be channelled.

1. Let it go - There it is, just let it go. Is it worth the spiritual energy you are expending on it. If it's not of eternal value why are you spending yourself on it. Obviously we can very easily make something into eternal value that isn't really if we are pressed - if that is the case, a dose of perspective is needed, let it go. If it is occupying your mind more than what you read from God's Word this morning you really need to let it go. If you are praying about it more than the salvation of the people God has placed in your life you really need to let it go. If it's all that you can think about during a service which is lifting Jesus name high and pointing you towards the cross you most definitely need to let it go.

But I can't... OK, here's the next thing.

2. Leave it with God - A good measure of how important something is can be determined by how willing we are to bring it before God's throne in prayer. Often when we say that we don't feel it important enough is because we have made it an idol that we fear losing. When things seem beyond our control, prayer is designed to increase our trust in God's capability - He is able. Take that thing that is nagging at you and leave it with God. This is a necessary corrective because otherwise the issue becomes ingrown and start making a mess of our hearts, lives and relationships. It is literally the act of giving it up... to the only one who ultimately determines what is right.

3. Lay it before your leaders - The first two approaches may yield a wisdom that this is something that is worth raising in a godly and careful manner with your church leaders. This should not take the form of bending the ear of whichever of the leaders ears you have. It should be mapped out carefully, humbly and Biblically. It should be that the leadership will listen to you, it could be that they act on what you raise - and haven't even tracked with it as an issue. In this beware the high horse and the hobby horse though. The high horse says, 'you WILL listen to me and are blessed to gain the benefit of my wisdom'- one word: HUMBLY. The hobby horse says, 'you will listen to me... again... and again... and again... and... you get the picture. Lay it before them, graciously and once. After that it becomes their responsibility before God as those who must answer to God for their stewardship of the church.

So, there you have it. Three things we offer as ways to engage with the issues that burn on your heart without allowing those issues to consume your heart. To round off on this we want to give you Romans 12: 18-21 to meditate on today: 'If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.' [ESV]