So what I've been doing is reading through our church's "family commitment" and reading through passages in the Bible that deal with the different issues/beliefs/commitments it highlights. Kind of researching things in case that is something I want to do in the future...
It has been interesting. Some things I thought I would have a problem with, I don't have a problem with. Some things I wish I didn't have a problem with, I do have a problem with! And when you have a problem with something... especially in regard to the church, isn't it great when you can find a neat, tidy little Bible verse to support your stance and blow the other guy out of the water? lol. Yeah, I really did used to think that way... I'm not proud of where I am. I am THANKFUL. My life, especially my "church life" has been a humbling experience. And I am grateful to God that I can say my first instinct (after the fear faded!) with this contract of sorts, was to ask Him to show me how to change how I feel so that I can continue to grow and become more mature.
So here's a breakdown of the commitment:
*Love the family- this is the most important. Healthy families love each other.
*Be in relationship- Be connected in a Hub Group
*Support the mission with my time, talents and resources- Praying for Hub City, Attend gatherings faithfully, Serving by doing what needs to be done, Giving
*Preserve the unity of Hub City- No gossip, Following the leaders as they follow Jesus
Pretty simple. Fairly universal as far as Christianity/church life goes. Not anything too controversial. And for the most part, pretty easy for me to align myself with. EXCEPT for one minor issue (which really is not all that minor!)
Here is a little of what I have been reading about *Following the leaders as they follow Jesus*:
1 Peter 5:1-7 reads:
I have a special concern for you church leaders. I know what it's like to be a leader, in on Christ's sufferings as well as the coming glory. Here's my concern: that you care for God's flock with all the diligence of a shepherd. Not because you have to, but because you want to please God. Not calculating what you can get out of it, but acting spontaneously. Not bossily telling others what to do, but tenderly showing them the way. When God, who is the best shepherd of all, comes out in the open with his rule, he'll see that you've done it right and commend you lavishly. And you who are younger must follow your leaders. But all of you, leaders and followers alike, are to be down to earth with each other, for-- God has had it with the proud, But takes delight in just plain people. So be content with who you are, and don't put on airs. God's strong hand is on you, he'll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God, he is most careful with you.
Hebrews 13:17 reads:
Be responsive to your pastoral leaders. Listen to their counsel. They are alert to the condition of your lives and work under the strict supervision of God. Contribute to the joy of their leadership, not its drudgery. Why would you want to make things harder for them?
I can find lots of information outside the Bible which tells me this last point that I take issue with is unnecessary, or even un-Biblical. I've actually read A LOT of it... And that kind of writing brings me instant relief! LoL. BUT God tells me what he thinks about it in his Word. That doesn't really make it any easier to DO, but at least I know what I'm looking at...
Now round about the time I had finished reading these two passages and various others like it... several times... over the last couple of weeks... I noticed a statement at the top of this "family commitment."
It reads: At Hub City we will never ask our family to do more than the Bible clearly teaches.
Now I don't know why I didn't see that little sentence before... Perhaps because I had my defenses up and was looking for trouble... Maybe because I am just a little bit on the oblivious side at times... It IS time for me to get my eyes checked again... anything's possible! But it seems to me that that statement changes everything. It means that "I" know what I am supposed to do. AND "They" know what they're supposed to do. Ultimately (like in other relationships within the church and even marriage) I have to decide to do what God wants me to do, having some faith that they will do what they're supposed to do. If they don't... well I guess that's where the whole "being down to earth with one another" might come in... I also read in another part of the Bible about the difference between trust and gullibility... the knowledge of which may have come in handy in some of my previous church experience! There is no merit in being an ignorant sucker! LoL. But I can also tell you woe to those "leaders" who dared to take advantage of immature Christians. God is very clear about that in his Word as well.
So. What's it all mean?
???
I dunno... but I do. As far as the uncertainty of life, the unpredictability of people, and the possibility of being hurt... I really have no idea whatsoever. But at least I know where God is and that I can live carefree before Him because He cares for me. Do I HAVE to know anything else?
What are you searching for? What is uncertain in your life? What are you afraid of?
What does God have to say about it? You can trust him. I can trust him. When everything else falls apart, He stands. When everything else is uncertain, He is sure. I can tell you without a doubt that there is no better place to be broken than in the sight of the only One who can put you back together again. I am glad to be there!
