It’s Not All About You
One of the most important components of this idea of living unresolved is how it affects our relationship with others. See, this isn’t just about us and our individual walk. In so many ways it is about recognizing this condition in others and the willingness to help them persevere (and vice versa). We will all face a time of crisis where what we feel overwhelms what we know. When that happens we either run or start making plans to run.
Jesus talks and we should listen.
Matthew 18:12-14
“What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost.
Ever been that sheep that wandered? I’m not talking about backsliding or dealing with sin… I’m talking about feeling the pressure of being in the fold (whatever that means for you) and deciding it would be better to find a new place to be. If you’ve walked with Jesus for any length of time, my bet is that you have. If you are in ministry, my bet is that this happens often.
What’s one of the main things that will keep you from running or bring you back when you have?
Paul gives us some guidance on how we, who understand that this issue of living unresolved is real and that living and/or serving day to day will be a challenge that feels to great for us at times, can help the ones around us persevere. He doesn’t just offer this as a how. It seems to be an obligation.
Romans 12:9-16
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.Ephesians 4:1-3
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.Colossians 3:15-17
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
There will be times that we will need to be rescued… literally confronted and convinced and loved, sternly, back into the fold. And there will be times we will have to exhibit this type of love for a brother or sister.
If we’re not willing to rescue or be rescued then we stand in a dangerous place of not making it to the end… or aiding and abetting someone else’s run from the fold. That’s not like Jesus.
Hebrews 3:13-14
But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first.
Our confidence will wain… it just will. That’s not a problem that’s an indicator of living in between the place where to live is Christ and to die is gain… unresolved. It only becomes a problem when we don’t process our feelings through the filter of what we know.
Sometimes… a lot of times… we need help with that process. Not unlike the help we needed with the ultimate filtering process. Jesus had to separate us from our sin. Only he could do that. I believe there will be times when we have to step up and be that filter for our brother/sister who can’t distinguish between what they feel and what they know.
Any thoughts for the “shepherd” that has to usher a sheep back into the fold? Especially when you have inherited that sheep who has been historically enabled to wander through attitudes, ability and activity. It is tempting to view the sheep with eyes that say, there is another fold right up the road that would love to have you around. (Here’s your hat, what’s your hurry?) I know not very Christ-like but when you don’t see repentence or change… I get tired of the professional weaker brother.
Lod,
There is a big difference between a lost/unresolved sheep & a poor performer. I don’t believe we are called to accept poor attitude or performance in our ministry.
The sheep can be seperated from the ministry & still be a part of the fold.
I will write some thoughts on this concept & how it applies to leadership soon.