Many of us are extremely biblical and God-centered in our creeds, but regrettably exude a rank man-centered, self-pleasing, earth-clinging practice with our relationships.
Read his whole article. It's worth your time.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
You Have Your Clique…but do you have the Gospel?
Erik from IrishCalvinist.com writes:
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5 comments:
This is a crucial subject for all Christians to consider, both individually and as members of local churches. What we do in the area of friendships says much about what we believe, concerning the power of the Gospel to unite, and about the importance of the Gospel over all lesser things (even very good things). Some of the men who have most helped me to grow, in my time as a Christian, have encouraged me to make a conscious effort to get to know Christians who are not "just like me." I have benefited immensely from this counsel. We have so much to learn from others-- often *especially* from brothers and sisters in Christ who are not like us in anything but being sinful and redeemed.
This hits close to home for me - I left DSC a few years ago. I had been in the youth group for seven years, and no one seemed even to detect my absence when I missed for a solid month. Everyone (some leaders even) seemed caught up in cliques.
I hope things have changed since then.
Ray,
Sorry to hear that. We certainly are trying to get away from that as a church. Let us know ways that you think might help. Thanks!
z
Ray,
I am so very sorry to hear that. As Zach stated we have made great strides at Paradox, and moreover DSC, to greatly diminish the cliques as much as possible. We however understand that because of the fall of man there will always be a chance for sin to creep in, even in the midst of God honoring friendships, fellowship, and gospel living. I hope and pray brother that you forgive me and others who may have seemed to have a lack of caring for you (and others).
Because of scenarios like yours we (the church at large) need to remember to preach the gospel to ourselves afresh daily.
Let us remember our sin and remember the joy of redemption through the cross TOGETHER and a family.
Soli Deo Gloria,
Bryan (B-Lo)
I've been hurt by fellow members in churches in the past-- just as I am sure that I have also hurt fellow members, unknowingly... Maybe one thing that would help is for us to remind ourselves, and each other, that we are part of a *family* (God's family), and we should *treat* each other as such, as brothers and sisters in the deepest possible way.
However, as Bryan writes, brothers and sisters will hurt each other at times. This is one of the many sad results of the Fall. We shouldn't just settle for hurting each other though, as if "well, that's just the way it is here in a fallen world." Perhaps we should take the sins that are committed against us with as much charity as possible (I'm preaching to myself here), and hate our own sins as much as possible. If nothing else, this outlook may help us to love others better and have greater humility about ourselves.
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