We have friends and loved ones in several states and communities who are in "hurting" relationships -- some within families, some within Churches. I have been doing a lot of thinking and have been in prayer about that. Some are choosing to stay with abusive situations -- others cut and run.
We realize that sometimes it is necessary to just leave a situation because it is abusive and dangerous. But with Christians that should only ...be done as a last resort. Our marriages are seen as analogous to the relationship between Christ and the Church. Our Churches are seen as a living organism, a Body! We must take this seriously and always, "as much as lies in you, live at peace with all. . ."
If you are in that kind of stress and conflict, you might be interested in our story -- the story from when we were young and foolish (now we say we are old and foolish, but I do hope that our experience helps SOMEbody in SOME way. I pray that is the case.
Years ago, when we were in our thirties, we left our Church. There was an issue going on that we just couldn't agree on. And, as with so many differences, it became a hurtful, devisive thing. And WE obsessed about it. In our heart of hearts we felt that it would be better for the Church AND for us if we just parted company. We felt that staying with the attitude we had would do more harm than good. So we left.
But we were wrong. The LEAVING was hurtful. It was like a divorce. . . or even worse than that. It was like a death but we never had a proper funeral. People were thinking: JESUS is still here; the WORD is still preached; WHY do they feel they cannot worship with us? There was so much grief -- for them and for us. We didn't know how they were feeling until years later when we went back and we never did tell them how we were feeling because by then it was no longer relevant. We were just glad to be home.
We still do not know who was right about the issue, but the issue is gone -- it was a temporary problem. But the issue is -- and was -- beside the point. The real point is that we were tempted and manipulated with a circumstance that caused pain and division that should never have occurred. I am just glad that God is gracious and that He is able to heal and forgive.
If you are ever in similar circumstances, I want you to know we love you and we continually pray that God will give you comfort and peace. We are also praying that "God will make a way where there seems to be no way. . . " . Take a look at Proverbs 3:5-6. We need GOD'S wisdom, not our own. I can think of no better advice!
We realize that sometimes it is necessary to just leave a situation because it is abusive and dangerous. But with Christians that should only ...be done as a last resort. Our marriages are seen as analogous to the relationship between Christ and the Church. Our Churches are seen as a living organism, a Body! We must take this seriously and always, "as much as lies in you, live at peace with all. . ."
If you are in that kind of stress and conflict, you might be interested in our story -- the story from when we were young and foolish (now we say we are old and foolish, but I do hope that our experience helps SOMEbody in SOME way. I pray that is the case.
Years ago, when we were in our thirties, we left our Church. There was an issue going on that we just couldn't agree on. And, as with so many differences, it became a hurtful, devisive thing. And WE obsessed about it. In our heart of hearts we felt that it would be better for the Church AND for us if we just parted company. We felt that staying with the attitude we had would do more harm than good. So we left.
But we were wrong. The LEAVING was hurtful. It was like a divorce. . . or even worse than that. It was like a death but we never had a proper funeral. People were thinking: JESUS is still here; the WORD is still preached; WHY do they feel they cannot worship with us? There was so much grief -- for them and for us. We didn't know how they were feeling until years later when we went back and we never did tell them how we were feeling because by then it was no longer relevant. We were just glad to be home.
We still do not know who was right about the issue, but the issue is gone -- it was a temporary problem. But the issue is -- and was -- beside the point. The real point is that we were tempted and manipulated with a circumstance that caused pain and division that should never have occurred. I am just glad that God is gracious and that He is able to heal and forgive.
If you are ever in similar circumstances, I want you to know we love you and we continually pray that God will give you comfort and peace. We are also praying that "God will make a way where there seems to be no way. . . " . Take a look at Proverbs 3:5-6. We need GOD'S wisdom, not our own. I can think of no better advice!
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