Tuesday Re-mix –
Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. I Corinthians 13:12
That is very much like discerning the will of God together as a church body. For now, when it comes to seeing Spiritual truths, we all see as through a glass dimly. We are never so arrogant as when we proudly proclaim to the world that we have seen the will of God all by ourselves, and that we clearly understand it better than anyone else. In this age of the church, that does not seem to be God’s desire. Rather, He apparently intends that we would learn to come to Him together, seeking His truths together, and gently massaging those truths into one another.
But that process can be truly frustrating, especially in times of conflict. Working with a conflicted congregation, I often wonder why God doesn’t just make an appearance in their worship service one Sunday morning and tell them exactly what He is thinking about them and what He wants them to do. Frankly, it would be a lot easier for them –if not a little embarrassing– than the interminable processes of trying to build consensus and seek the will of God together at a time when they don’t even like each other. Let’s face it, church people can be some of the most annoying, narrow-minded, disappointing people around. Having to work with them to discern truth is, well, frustrating to say the least.
And yet, for reasons only He understands, it is what God desires. He expects us to figure it out and work it out together. No “lone ranger” Christians. Seeing as through a glass dimly, we could stumble along on our own if we want. But we would miss out on the miracle of God’s Spirit working through relationships we thought could never be reconciled.
So, here we go. Let’s do this thing…together.
© Blake Coffee