I’ve been witness to a heartbreaking event over the past few weeks on Facebook. It was quite the circumstance that brought awareness of the problem to my attention. Someone responded, at the beginning of this heartbreak, to something someone else posted SEVERAL YEARS ago on something completely separate from the events that have recently taken place. That caused that OLD post to show up in my newsfeed as something new. When I clicked over to the page it referenced, I discovered much that had been going on, of which I was completely unaware. But now I am aware… and I am perplexed… and I grieve. I know, I’m rather removed from the situation, but at the same time, I am part. I may not be part of this local body, but I am part of the greater body… and whatever grieves one part of the body, regardless how removed it may be, grieves the whole, of which I am part.
Granted, I don’t know all the details. My observation has been of the comments going back and forth and the resultant emergence of a new “entity.” I’ve read posts from those who are “with Apollos” and those who are “with Paul.” And again, I say I am… grieved.
I was wont to keep my mouth shut… to suffer this grief in silence. I’ve seen where others have spoken up. I’ve seen the result of their speech, how it inflames and riles rather than comforts and consoles. I think to myself, what could I say that could provide any ‘help’ to this matter, that could speak to this issue. I’m the outsider. I’m not part of this mess.
But, I AM!
I spoke of being part of the greater body and what hurts one part of the body hurts the whole. So, I am hurt by this series of events that have transpired. I am grieved to see what is happening… to see people I know, with whom I shared a similar tragedy and trial only a few years earlier, going through the same thing, AGAIN!
And I say… it is WRONG! There is no RIGHT in it, on either side! There is no repentance, no GRACE! Only affront and entitlement. And I say it again, it is to BOTH sides that this WRONG is ascribed.
And now, a new “entity” rises up out of the ashes wrought by the grievous fire that was lit by tongues and tempest. And I am amazed… and I wonder…
Is it good? Is there Grace here? Is anything PURE in the creation of this entity? …Dare I say no? Oh, it is a resounding NO! I say No, knowing my say so may be met with affront and entitlement, with wrathful assault. “Who do you think you are?!” Or it may be met with… silence. “Pay no attention…” “She knows not whereof she speaks…”
As I have become aware of and watched this state of affairs unfold, I’ve been led to seek counsel in scripture (consider 1 Cor. 3) and from others I consider wise. In my search, I’ve been led to this series of posts. I share these posts now, with the hope, though dim, that it may provide counsel, comfort, correction to those who have ears to hear and eyes to see.
http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/thabitianyabwile/2006/10/24/how-to-prevent-church-split-part-1/
http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/thabitianyabwile/2006/10/25/how-to-prevent-church-split-part-2/
http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/thabitianyabwile/2006/10/26/how-to-prevent-church-split-part-3/
http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/thabitianyabwile/2006/10/31/how-to-prevent-church-split-part-5/
I am aware that much of what is discussed in these posts is directed at the pastor. It is a great responsibility and no easy task leading a church… particularly a church filled with sinners. And we are all sinners, sitting there in the pews, listening… and judging… and just breathing. To that end, I add this final post to ponder.
Now, I must needs go off and cry and repent of my anger at this grievous unfolding. I know God is in control and I know He is at work here. I know that He works all things for good and for His good pleasure. I also know that His mercy is oft severe. He is jealous for His Glory.
Please, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”
Selah.
All Things Elda 