Wisdom is such a precious commodity.
The more I see expressions of church life, the more I understand why wisdom is so essential in ensuring God is glorified.
The church is a glorious expression of how God wants His children to grow together. That expression is to be a beacon to a world divided of a community united. To a world fractured and fracturing of the process of healing. To a world of pride and greed of generosity and selflessness.
No we’re not perfect. We’re full of broken people so brokenness is bound to get out at one stage or another. Yet though we’re not perfect, we’re committed to a life together empowered by the Spirit that works towards perfection even as He who is holy calls us to holiness.
Living that out is messy. One area of the messiness is considering carefully the needs of the individual in tension with the needs of the collective. I certainly have witnessed how that wouldn’t be an issue in certain settings. In those cases church is treated in a consumerist way where individual tastes determines their outlook. Basically if things don’t suit me, if my needs aren’t being met, if I don’t think I’m being fed, if I don’t have my creature comfort, then I’ll go where I get as much of that as I can.
There are other types of church, however, where there is a lot more flexibility around the needs of the individual. Interestingly, however, these more flexible types have a particular challenge of their own regarding when the needs of the collective are not given sufficient consideration.
This is not helped when there’s a heavy emphasis on personal faith with little regard for the collective consequences that are mentioned when we look to be the Body, Temple, Bride and Family God looks for.
It’s a work in progress. It will be that way as long as we intentionally invest our lives in God and each other.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 