Choosing Our Battles….And Our
Enemies
– Pastor Steve, November 2006
It is purported by many theologians that the book of Ecclesiastes is, among other things, the reflections of a man going through the turmoil of midlife. I would have to say that I agree. He throws around criticisms of being what he formerly claimed to want to be (righteous, wise, discerning); and he draws certain conclusions that we may find ourselves taking issue with. (I.e., “I set my mind to know wisdom, but realized that it is only striving after the wind…” “There is no advantage for man over beast, for all is vanity…” etc.).
Amidst all of this, however, he does manage to escape his self-imposed bantering at certain moments to make some of the most challenging declarations. Among them is the one found in chapter 7, v. 10: “Do not say, ‘Why were the old days better than these?’ For it is not wise to ask such questions.”
Why would this not be wise? I would suggest that the lack of wisdom in mulling and brooding over a thought like this one not only meanders into the land of self-pity, but also suggests that God can only work with – and therefore, bless – the past. And we know this is not the case – otherwise, we would not exist as we do today (and you would not be reading this newsletter).
In his
letter to the Ephesians, Paul speaks to the idea of our being in a battle
against an invisible enemy. The
admonition in chapter
“Congregational” governance of a church is not simply one instituted by “majority vote;” it exists and operates under the assumption that, built into the understanding of the concept of Congregation, is the corporate and communal responsibility to hear God – and to arrive at mutually-advised and agreed-upon decisions for the good of the whole body, and not merely the majority. In this scenario, we are not concerned about winning – in fact, we are derelict if that is our concern at all – but rather, that in discerning God’s will together, the Christian mandate to prefer and show kindness to one another becomes the benchmark of our dealings as we proceed forward.
If there were ever a time when the prospect of majority vote would bring disastrous disunity within a structure, or even pose a question as to its viability, I would suggest it would be the last presidential election. There are still bumper stickers everywhere saying, “He’s not MY president.” The majority ruled, yes…but by a narrow-enough margin that the country has still not come to a post-election unified stance on the national – let alone, world – stage. Well, as with them, so potentially with us – and any religious body going through intentional transition and discovery. The adage of “agreeing to disagree” gains its importance here not merely as a pacifying device, but as an expression of our conviction regarding the preeminence of the greater good – that we are still called to be one, when all is said and done.
The question Solomon warns us not to ask is fraught with potential controversy, very likely the reason he gives such a warning. Why? Because it sets up people of a seemingly shared heritage to view each other as enemies. There is a good reason why the joke has been told for generations: “What are the last words of a dying church? We never did it that way before.” It’s cliché at best, accusatory at worst – but all-too-true in many churches across the country. And we hear it and laugh, sardonically perhaps, because we naturally see the pitfall of succumbing to such an obvious trap – but can’t see falling into it ourselves. Yet, if it were so easy to avoid, I doubt Solomon would have felt the need to script the admonition.
There are sides, yes – there will always be “sides” – sides of an issue, of a decision, of a philosophy, and most certainly on the question of direction. But when the approach, at least within the context of Church life, begins to take on the flavor of “either/or,” “take it or leave it,” our demise has already begun being woven. The heritage of how we have done things is not nearly as important as a heritage of living for God.
Following after God with whole hearts, carrying a rich tradition of serving God and living openly for Him – these are the things a church should want to carry into the next generation of its life. But that task will prove impossible if those that are pining for change and effective transition are held in contempt, and viewed as the enemies of tradition; or if those having a difficult time with change are considered by those wanting it as expendable. We are all a part of ONE body, not two…unless, of course, we are willing to endure a church split – which, historically, carries a cost that is disastrous.
Moving ahead and moving away are two very different things – and being able to discern that distinction is vital. I would encourage you in the Lord that as we enter our next phase of interim work – delving into praying and discovering what God’s future and vision for us is here in Wrentham – that such a distinction be at the helm of our thinking. Both those who are movers and shakers and those who provide checks and balances are needed in our church’s expression as we move forward. Neither is our enemy. And neither is able, ultimately, to hinder or undo what God has decided to create out of you.
Paul charges us to take our battle to the realm of the spirit, and to engage in it there, with our true enemies – dissension, division, gossip, and unforgiveness. And he admonishes us to hold fast to what we have been given by God, to stand firm in that place, and not to surrender. I would propose that your heritage, your unity, and your love for one another are the things that need standing firm in, and holding onto, more than anything else. Truly, that is how we indicate to the world that we follow Christ…when our love for each other is paramount – when it is visible – and when it is our priority.