Thought for the week: We all need to listen to the truth, however sharp it may be
This past few weeks I have been reading the book of the Bible usually referred to as Revelation with passages in it taking me back to my ministry with our church’s board of education, and some consequences for me.
Board members were lay and clergy who knew our education system first hand as teachers, board officials and clergy with an aptitude for ministry to local schools and management.
They also encouraged me to work in parish development and especially in nurturing young people in the faith. This led me in turn to an in-depth study of Christian nurture and growth and what enables it and what can prevent it.
That theme runs through the book of the Revelation. The author does not mince the words - The 'Risen Lord' said - “I have a few complaints against you. You tolerate some among you whose teaching is like that of Balaam, who showed Balak how to trip up the people of Israel” - Revelation 2.14.
The Risen Lord did not beat about the bush. He identified the people of Pergamum had much to commend them. They had been loyal in the face of great persecution. They had challenges living in a society in which idols and idolatry persisted. Their fault was that they were not standing up against such practices in the way they should.
The challenge when consulting with a church leadership which wants to grow is to enable members of that community to admit that things in their congregation are not perfect. To enable such a process there has to be involvement by people outside that congregation.
We all can settle to a pattern and become defensive when someone suggests there may be a different way. How do we get to a place where we all need to listen to the truth and especially when it comes with sharp edges?
I worked with an exceptional group of bishops, clergy and laity in developing our church’s safeguarding process. Amongst the key figures identified by each parish to ensure good practice in their community I met folk I regarded as the best in our church.
But when I returned to congregational life I found when I raised my concerns about daily safety issues there were individuals in leadership in my own congregation who disagreed. This caused me some grief when I would not desist or compromise in this area.
We all need to listen to the truth, however sharp its edges. We need to be gracious, to receive words of encouragement, but humble enough to hear how things need changed. What do you think the 'Risen Lord' would say to you about your life and life of your church?