“Look What I Did”

When leaders do a census of their organization or ministry it’s often in self defense. To undermine their opponents or detractors. To point to their accomplishments and say “see, I am doing a good job, don’t listen to those critics.” Or “look, there is fruit from my way of doing things, so stay loyal”

And this is fine for many leaders (CEOs, -governments, when it’s a strictly human-led organization) but this is not ok for the church. It’s not how it is in the kingdom of Jesus Christ.

The organizations of God are unique and in scripture God saw census-taking as a sign that a leader is taking personal credit for what he is doing. Leaders see it as self-defense but God sees it as evidence that a leader sees himself in the role only fit for the Lord.

The best tactic for a disciple of Jesus being criticized is not to defend himself. But to let God do that, and if he doesn’t then so be it, let it drop. Be criticized.

The Way

Where I’m in Control

“He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”

Psalms 23:2-4

We can’t be stubborn and hope get anywhere with the Lord. We can trust that He is taking us somewhere we should be.

“But the quiet waters are on the other side of rough turbulent waters.

The path of righteousness looks uncomfortable and terrifying and I really don’t like the other people on it.

The valley of the shadow of death looks creepy why would Gods take me there?

No I’ll stay here… where I’m in control.”

conflict

Jesus Did Conflict

Have Some Conflict Please

“O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?” – John the Baptist doing conflict.

“Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?” – Jesus Christ doing conflict.

The positivity-only teaching in churches is largely a result of business leadership teachings and misunderstanding of healthy conflict. It is an attempt at cultivating healthy organizational cultures. It’s somewhat good for business and for getting employees to work together and not fight.

but…

The Positive-Only Message is Not Necessarily From Heaven.

Jesus Christ is the only and complete message from heaven. He is saying break your loyalty to Satan’s kingdom and ways – all of them. He says this first to the church…when necessary. Jesus insulted and was negative, he tore down what others built, he exposed wickedness and deception. I’m sure many felt he was being extremely divisive and negative. At times he told his followers to ignore certain people. Jesus was not and is not afraid of butting heads with friend and foe alike. It is necessary and sometimes its the only kind and loving reaction to people.

To be honest I feel insecure when I have conflict, especially when I cause it. But it is really a sign of health, I think we get too scared of it.

We label it “negativity” then abandon and isolate people who cause it.

Conflict combined with love is powerful. It can bring unity to different degrees, then love ends the grudges if we lose the argument or get disregarded.

If you are not having or allowing conflict in your relationships then they are not healthy or stable. Its like they have a diseased root within and the lack of conflict is like thick make up and a wig. Its a sign of shallowness and fakeness.

Go ahead get into it, it’s ok to be awkward just remain committed to love.

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